By JKNewsMedia
MAJOR CHANGES have been announced at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) as President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro as the new Director-General of the state broadcaster.
The move, which brings in a new leadership team at the NTA, is seen as one of the most significant restructurings of the organisation in recent years.
Alongside Pedro’s appointment, the President named Karimah Bello from Katsina State as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din from Plateau State as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Issa Mohammed from Adamawa State as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.
The appointments reflect the administration’s focus on strengthening the broadcaster’s management with experienced professionals across core functions.
Pedro, a Lagos-born media entrepreneur and consultant, brings nearly three decades of expertise in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East.
His professional background includes training as an entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, complemented by an MSc in Investment Management and Finance from City University Business School, London.
In 1995, he established Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), which grew into one of Africa’s leading sports content providers.
Under his leadership, OSMI distributed premium sporting events—including the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and Confederation of African Football competitions – to more than 40 countries.
His career also spans senior roles at Bloomberg Television Africa and Rapid Blue Format, alongside consultancy assignments for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters.
Notably, Pedro played a pivotal role in helping the African Union of Broadcasters secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions, an achievement credited with expanding access to major football tournaments across the continent.
Industry observers also acknowledge his track record in building commercially viable broadcast platforms, increasing sponsorship revenues, and delivering high-quality content to diverse audiences.
The restructuring underscores the Federal Government’s intention to modernise the NTA and reposition it in an increasingly competitive media environment.
The new leadership team is expected to bring commercial discipline, editorial depth, and innovative strategies to the broadcaster as it seeks to strengthen its relevance both locally and internationally.
