The first female television staff announcer and broadcaster in Nigeria, Chief (Mrs) Anike Agbaje-Williams, is dead.
Aged 88, she passed on peacefully on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 in Ibadan where she lived for most of her life.
Born on October 23, 1936, Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji)) 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) on the Test Transmission Night and on the Official Opening Night (Saturday night October 31, 1959).
Thenewsbearer recalls that her voice was also the first to be heard on Africa’s First Commercial Radio Station, WNBS. She was therefore proclaimed “Double-First”.
Chief Mrs Agbaje-Williams had a glorious career and rose through the ranks until she retired in July 1986 as a well respected producer and director of programmes.
In a statement issued on behalf of the entire family, a member, Mrs Banji Sokoya, described her death as a moment of great sadness for the entire family, saying that 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.
“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 her great 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,” Mrs Sokoya said in the statement.
She added: “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. Funeral Arrangements would be announced later.”
