THE GOLDEN DAYS OF THE NIGERIAN TELEVISION AUTHORITY (NTA)

By Douglas Ogbankwa
Kanempress News
27th December 2024
@douglasogbankwa@gmail.com

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is not just an ordinary television network; it is the first television network in Africa, emerging from the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) established in Ibadan in 1959.

NTA became a behemoth that shaped the minds and nuances of Nigerians. It featured numerous programs, dramas, and sitcoms that kept viewers glued to their black-and-white televisions. A typical day on NTA began with color bars, followed by the National Anthem, before transitioning to the Duty Continuity Announcer. The anticipation of waiting for the station to commence its daily activities was a joy for many. Today, we are fortunate that television now operates 24 hours a day.

Among the memorable shows was the NTA Port Harcourt blockbuster Willie Willie, which captivated young audiences and became a must-watch. Children often replicated its songs as play songs.

“My name is Frank Olise, this is News Line, it is 9 PM; do you know where your children are?” With these lines, Frank Olise emerged as one of the foremost presenters of News Line. He seamlessly transitioned from report to report, interspersing comic and satirical interludes that mocked the Nigerian ruling class. Abike Dabiri also distinguished herself on News Line, first as a presenter who exposed a child theft network before moving into politics. However, News Line lost its vibrancy after Frank Olise departed.

The golden days of NTA Network News were anchored by notable figures like Ruth Benemisia-Opia, whom Frank Olise affectionately referred to as “Ruthless Ruth,” and the late Tokunboh Ajayi, who passed away under mysterious circumstances. Other legends included Cyril Stober, Ronke Ayuba, Aisha Katung, Hauwa Baba Ahmed, and Jennifer Osigwe. The network also boasted super reporters like Emma Okondo, Ben Orji, and Manasara Iloh.

NTA aired both local and national foreign shows and films such as Famous Five, Big Foot, The Incredible Hulk, Blues Brothers, Police Academy, Space: 1999, Knight Rider, and Bring Him Back Alive.

At NTA Benin, one of the highly successful programs was Hotel De Jordan, featuring characters like Chief Ajas, Chief Igho, Casino Manager Gbedegbedegbehun, Kokori (played by David Ariyo), who met an untimely death, Idemudia, and the grandiloquent Bob Allan (played by my former lecturer Professor Richard Idubor). In this program, Kokori and Idemudia often sang: “I say na lie, I say biggie biggie lie o; person no dey big, make im big like Chief Ajas; the thing wey e dey do e pass milik o…”

In NTA’s Sports Department, who could forget Akinloye Oyebanji, Paul Ogazi, Yakubu Ibn Mohammed, and Fabio Lanipekun’s dramatic commentary during the Damman Miracle—the match between Nigeria and the USSR at the Under-20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 1989? As Nigeria equalized from 4-1 to 4-4 against the USSR, Lanipekun exclaimed: “This is impossible; this is incredible; this is unbelievable; this is patriotism!” Nigeria eventually won on penalties with a last strike by Nduka Ogbade, sparking nationwide celebrations.

Who can forget the star-studded soap opera Checkmate, where Richard Mofe-Damijo and Ego Boyo engaged in an enduring love tango? The immortal comic lines of Uche Obi Ositule’s character—a house girl—still resonate today: “In Lagos, anywhere you go fry over; anywhere you go fry over; in short, Lagos is fry over.”

In NTA Benin again was a Sunday special movie called Super Movie. It featured various episodes with titles such as one where Mosis Obakpolo played an armed robbery kingpin so convincingly that many believed he was an armed robber in real life! In that same movie, my elder sister—then Esther Ogbankwa—now Esther Njoku—played a lead character. The late Flavian Okojie was also a major character in many episodes.

NTA indeed produced evergreen stars that are unforgettable.

An article published by AllAfrica.com on March 31st, 2019 captured the essence of NTA’s stars:

“The 80s and 90s were one of the best TV eras in Nigeria’s history. This period was marked by riveting soap operas featuring indelible characters. From The New Masquerade to Behind the Clouds, these actors evoke nostalgia whenever their names are mentioned.”

Some notable stars include:

• Chika Okpala: Played Chief Zebrudaya in The New Masquerade. His comedic mannerisms made him beloved.
• Sadiq Daba: Known for his role as Bitrus in Cock Crow at Dawn.
• Funmi Adams: Remembered for her patriotic songs such as “Nigeria, My Beloved Country.”
• Pete Edochie: Famous for his role as Okonkwo in Things Fall Apart.
• Franca Brown: Featured prominently in Behind the Clouds.
• Justice Esiri: Known for his role in The Village Headmaster.
• Albert Egbe: Starred as Basi in Basi and Company.
• Zack Amata: Known for his role in Behind the Clouds.
• Taiwo Ajai-Lycett: Featured prominently in various productions.
• Abiola Atanda (Madam Kofo): Known for her dramatic roles.
• Sunday Omobolanle (Papi Luwe): Delightful actor known for his comic style.
• Ene Oloja: Renowned for her role in Cock Crow at Dawn.
• Olu Jacobs: Recognized for his authoritative voice and roles in various dramas.

In the late 90s, an interesting program called “A.M. Express” featured Yinka Craig, Sadiq Daba, Katherine Obiag (later Edoko), Ololade Obafemi among others. It was a delight to watch and marked Yinka Craig’s last show before he passed away after a terminal illness.

Unfortunately, the Nigerian Television Authority has lost its vibrancy over time. Current entertainment programs lack substance and appeal. News programs have also become drab.

To regain its former glory, NTA must attract talent based on merit rather than political affiliations. This is crucial for revitalizing its programming and restoring its status as a leading television network in Nigeria.