End of An Era: First Face on TV in Africa, Anike Agbaje-Williams Passes on Aged 88
Barely two weeks after Nigeria marked the World Radio on February 13, 2025, the Broadcast Industry in the populous African country has in a significant way, experienced the end of an era with the death of the pioneer DG of the National Broadcasting Commission(NBC), Dr Tom Adaba and now, the passing to glory of the first face to appear on television in Africa, Chief Mrs. Anike Agbaje-Williams mid week
Israel Adeleke, Olufemi Orunsola
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that an iconic woman, who in her lifetime made history as the first face to appear on television screen in Nigeria, nay, Africa, Chief Mrs. Anike Agbaje-Williams has died aged 88 years.
OTN News gathered that the first face on TV died mid week, on 26th February 2025, passed away peacefully in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo state, where she had appeared, as the first face on the then Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) on October 31,1959, and died in the same ancient city where she had lived for most part of her life.
OTN News further repirts that the death of the iconic broadcaster was confirmed by Mrs Banji Sokoya, who reportedly spoke for the family.
Mrs. Sokoya affirmed that, "Her death is a moment of great sadness for the entire family and her loss would be greatly felt by all those who knew her. The family profoundly mourns the passing of a great icon and a much-loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother."
She added that "The family understands that her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country and also abroad by many people. They would be comforted and reassured by the knowledge that she lived a glorious, remarkable and impactful life. The family would forever cherish the memories of hergreat love of broadcasting, her tremendous passion for life and her love for God."
"She inspired lots of fans and mentees through the years and the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. She will remain in our hearts forever," Sokoya emphasized.
OTN News recalls that Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji)) was born on 23rd October 1936. She was a well-known name in the media world. She made history by being the first face to appear on the first Television station in the whole of Africa on the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) station (located at Agodi, Ibadan) - both on the Test Transmission Night and on the Official Opening Night, precisely on Saturday October 31, 1959).
As the veteran broadcaster's death is announced, the Chief Executive Officer of OTN News, Ambassador Olufemi Orunsola in a statement on Thursday describes the death of the iconic broadcaster as "End of an era in the Nigerian broadcasting industry, recalling how he copiously documented amd quoted the first continuity announcement made by the deceased briadcaster in his book titled "Current Trebds ib Broadcasting" published well over 15 years ago.
Ambassador Orunsola noted that the Her historic announcement still re-choes in the memories of broadcast students and professionals some sixty six (66) years after.
"This is WNTV, Africa's first television station transmitting from Ibadan on Channels 3 and 4.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Western Region of Nigeria and overseas redifusion, WNTV welcomes you to the first official night of its transmission", Ambassador Orunsola quoted the late Chief Mrs. Anike Agbaje-Williams to have announced way back in time, citing from page 44 of his practical Broadcasting book, CURRENT TRENDS IN BROADCASTING.
Records also have it that her voice was also the first voice to be heard on Africa's First Commercial Radio Station WNBS. She was therefore proclaimed "Double-First".
She had a glorious career and rose through the ranks until she retired in July 1986 as a well respected producer and director of programmes.
Concluding the obituary statement, Mrs Sokoya noted that, "During the coming period of mourning, the family would appreciate the space and privacy to mourn her at this difficult time. May her soul rest in perfect peace," adding that funeral arrangements for Chief Mrs.Anike Agbaje-Williamswould be announced later."
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