The pioneer Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaaba is dead. He was 83 years old.
His death today, February 22, was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Inya Ode.
This was even as the secretary of the Egbira Elders Forum in Abuja, Adinoyi Anivasa, said, in a condolence: “I feel sad to inform you that our elder and leader, Prof. Tom A. Adaba, just answered the call of nature by giving up his ghost to the Lord this morning. Further details about his burial arrangements will be communicated later. We thank God for his life. May God have mercy on his shortcomings and grant his soul eternal peaceful rest in His Heavenly Kingdom, Amen.”
Professor Adaba served as the first principal of the NTA Television College in Jos, Plateau State, from 1980 to 1987, and in 1989, he became the first Ph.D. graduate of the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Jos.
Appointed as the inaugural DG of the NBC in 1992, Adaba played a pivotal role in overseeing the deregulation of Nigeria’s broadcast industry under the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.
His tenure marked a significant turning point in the country’s media landscape, enabling the emergence of private broadcasters.
Adaba also served as a board member of DAAR Communications PLC, the parent company of Africa Independent Television (AIT), Raypower FM and Faaji Radio.
He was the first Nigerian to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education, a role he held between 1988 and 1992.
He was a prominent community leader in Ebiraland, Kogi State, holding a traditional title of Ohiete ohweyi of Ebiraland.
Professor Adaba is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa Aaze Adaba, children and great-grandchildren.
