…How He Earned His Place in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Train
On October 19, 2023, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced the appointment of eight new Chief Executive Officers for Parastatals and Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation with immediate effect.
The parastatals and agencies included the National Orientation Agency, the Nigerian Television Authority, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, National Broadcasting Commission, Voice of Nigeria, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, News Agency of Nigeria and the Nigerian Press Council.
The President tasked the new helmsmen to “innovate and create new opportunities for Nigerians to leverage upon through the effective reform of these key institutions of government which function” to unify Nigerians, reshape mindsets, and showcase the nation to the rest of the world.
Out of the eight CEOs, Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, the Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) was the only incumbent that was reappointed. Dembos’ reappointment to the helm of NTA reflects his extensive experience, dedication to the field, and proven leadership abilities.
He was first appointed to the office by former President Muhammadu Buhari earlier in September 2022 for an initial three-year term. His reappointment by Tinubu is seen as a stamp of approval of his satisfactory performance so far.
In spite of the challenges faced by NTA, the organization, under the leadership of Dembos has recorded significant achievements. Some of them include the implementation of modern management techniques and technology to improve workflow and enhancement, staff training, and development of programmes.
Others are the upgrading of broadcasting equipment and technology for higher signal quality, the network of reporters and correspondents with the establishment of Bureaus in the UK, USA, Egypt, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa. The station, under Dembos, has also leveraged social media and online platforms for real-time news dissemination.
Salihu Abdulhamid Dembos, born on August 27, 1960, hails from Yola South Local Government Area in Adamawa state, Nigeria. He brought to NTA a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted connection to the world of broadcasting and media. Before his appointment as the Director-General of NTA, Dembos had served as the Executive Director, Marketing, at the same organization.
His journey in the field of broadcasting has been marked by dedication, commitment, and leadership. Notably, Dembos actively participated in the Staff Union, Radio Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU), where he steadily ascended the ranks to eventually become the National President from 1998 to 2007. With a career spanning over two decades as a media practitioner, Dembos held significant positions such as General Manager of two NTA stations located in Lokoja and Kano. His contribution to the broadcasting sector extends to his role as Zonal Director at NTA, Kaduna, along with several other notable appointments.
