President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed the management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) led by Salihu Dembos and approved the reconstitution of its leadership, with Rotimi Pedro appointed as the new Director-General.
The announcement, contained in a statement from the Presidency on Wednesday, said the move is part of ongoing efforts to revitalize the state broadcaster and reposition it for greater efficiency in line with the administration’s media reform agenda.
Pedro, a Lagos State indigene, brings a unique blend of legal and media expertise to the role. He is an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer and founder of Optima Sports Management International, initially incorporated in the United Kingdom and later in Nigeria. He managed the sports marketing and broadcast rights company for over a decade before becoming Group Managing Director/CEO of Optima Media Group Limited. His professional background is expected to inject innovative strategies into NTA’s operations, particularly in leveraging broadcast media for national development and international visibility.
In addition to Pedro’s appointment, the President approved other key leadership changes. Karimah Bello, from Katsina State, was named Executive Director of Marketing; Stella Din, from Plateau State, was appointed Executive Director of News; while Sophia Issa Mohammed, from Adamawa State, was announced as the new Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
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The Presidency emphasized that these appointments, which take immediate effect, reflect President Tinubu’s commitment to using national broadcasting as a vital tool for unity, cohesion, and soft diplomacy. The reorganization is aimed at strengthening NTA’s capacity to compete in today’s dynamic media landscape while also reaffirming its role as the country’s foremost public broadcaster.
Analysts note that the decision to overhaul NTA’s leadership comes at a critical time, with growing calls for state-owned media to operate with higher professionalism, efficiency, and global competitiveness. Pedro’s mix of legal expertise, sports management experience, and corporate leadership could signal a new chapter for NTA, especially in content innovation and international collaborations.
With these sweeping changes, the Tinubu administration appears set on transforming the NTA into a stronger, more modernized platform that will not only inform and educate Nigerians but also serve as a credible voice for the nation on the global stage.
