The stage is set in Abuja as members of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria prepare to elect a new chairman during their Annual General Meeting scheduled for April 8.
The high-level gathering, taking place at Hawthorn Suites in Garki, Area 11, is expected to attract key players across Nigeria’s broadcasting industry, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, slated to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Although the AGM will feature discussions around the theme, “The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Elections,” much of the focus has shifted to the leadership contest, where veteran broadcaster Tony Anegbe Akiotu has emerged as the dominant contender.
The election signals the conclusion of the tenure of outgoing chairman, Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, whose two-year leadership followed the organisation’s long-standing arrangement of alternating the position between public and private sector representatives.
With the chairmanship expected to return to the private sector, Akiotu is widely seen within industry circles as the candidate to beat, following weeks of consultations and informal endorsements among stakeholders.
His challenger, Raymond Dokpesi Jr., is also in the race but faces stiff competition against Akiotu, whose career spans nearly four decades in journalism and broadcasting.
Akiotu’s professional journey began at Radio Nigeria, and he later rose to prominence at Daar Communications Plc, where he served as Group Managing Director for 15 years. Over time, he has built a reputation as a seasoned media executive with extensive experience across newsroom operations and corporate leadership.
Beyond his executive roles, he has been actively involved in professional bodies, including the Nigerian Guild of Editors, where he held several positions over more than a decade, rising to Deputy President. Within BON, he has also contributed significantly, serving on the executive council for over 10 years and previously heading its Sports Committee.
Currently, Akiotu leads M4STV Communications Ltd as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, where he has been instrumental in driving innovation by blending traditional broadcasting with digital streaming platforms. The station has gained recognition for its coverage of domestic football, including matches in the Nigeria Professional Football League and fixtures involving the national teams.
Industry observers attribute his strong support base to his deep institutional knowledge and ability to connect both older and emerging generations of broadcasters. His influence, they note, cuts across policy, content development, and technological advancement within the sector.
If elected, Akiotu is expected to focus on strengthening human capacity through continuous training, while also advancing Nigeria’s transition to digital broadcasting—two priorities seen as critical in an era of rapid technological change and evolving media regulations.
As delegates from federal, state, and private broadcast organisations converge for the vote, the election is shaping up to be a significant moment for the industry. However, prevailing sentiment suggests that Akiotu remains the frontrunner to steer the organisation into its next phase.
