Ex-NBC DG, Professor Tom Adaba, dies at 83

A former Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Professor Tom Adaba, is dead. He was aged 83.

The foremost broadcaster and erudite academic, died early Saturday morning, February 22 2025, in Abuja.

“It’s true Oga is gone,” a close family friend was quoted to have said in a report pu kissed by News Express just now.

He disclosed that the doyen of broadcasting, who was born on July 2, 1941, had been indisposed for a while and was taken to hospital for medical attention when he found it difficult to eat.

“He got better and started to eat, but soon had a relapse. They said he needed blood. Around 5:00 O’clock this morning, I got a call that he has gone to be with the Lord,” the source lamented.

Confirming Prof. Adaba’s death, Chief Adinoyi Joe Anivasa JP, Secretary Egbira Elders Forum Abuja, stated: “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 be with the Lord this morning.

“Further details about his burial arrangements would 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.

“He was the first Nigerian (between 1988 and 1992) to be honoured as president of the African Council for Communication Education.”

*Biography

The name Tom Adaba is synonymous with media and broadcasting in Nigeria.

Beyond broadcasting, his mark as an outstanding teacher, driven leader, generous Philanthropist, and loving Family Man has trailed his rich legacy. For over five decades, Tom Adaba has functioned in different capacities in the global media space. His influence on the next generation locally and internationally is reflected in the many successful names in both private and public service that continue to praise this mentorship.

His journey as a pioneer started at an early age. The first of six siblings born to a devout Catholic family of Joseph Abara and Mary Oniya Adaba in Asaba on Wednesday, July 2, 1941, Thomas Aaze Adaba initially set out to become a priest.

After a brief seminary stay at St. Peter Claver’s Seminary, Okpala Imo State, that desire soon changed to joining the army.

It was while training at the Advanced Teacher’s College (ATC) Kano in the 60s that he got his first feel of broadcasting after successfully organising a debate among the students. That got the attention of the school authorities, and he never looked back.

In 1980, Tom Adaba was appointed the first Principal of the NTA Television College Jos, a training institution set up to meet manpower demands of the nation’s growing television industry.

Between 1990 and 1992, he continued to rise through the ranks within the industry serving as General Manager NTA Makurdi, Benue State, and as Deputy Director Operations, NTA Headquarters Lagos.

His first-of-a-kind journey continued in 1992 with his appointment as the Pioneer Director General of the National Broadcasting Commission, the new regulatory body responsible for Nigeria’s broadcast license and codes.

For the next seven years under his charge, the Nigerian broadcast industry changed the media landscape, birthing private media in Nigeria.

Following his retirement from public service in 1999, Tom Adaba has continued to consult and teach in the private sector through his Abuja-based media consulting firm, Trim Communications Ltd.

He continues his public speaking roles, presenting papers on global subjects, and sits on some select boards.

● Notable Awards/Honours/Positions

Chairman/CEO of Trim Communications Limited Abuja, Nigeria (1999-2025);

National Honour: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) (2008);

Ohi Etohueyi (the Beacon of Light) of Ebiraland (1994);

Director/Board Member: DAAR Communications (AIT/Raypower) (2000-2010);

Consultant: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP),

Consultant: The World Bank;

Chair: Anebira Heritage Foundation;

Director/Chair: Africa-Related Nigeria/USA (2008-date)
President: The African Council on Communication Education (ACCE) Nairobi, Kenya (1988-1992);

Board Member/Governing Council: Loyola Jesuit College, Abuja, Nigeria;

Director Reliance Telecommunications Ltd. Lagos, Nigeria;