Veteran Broadcaster, Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first face on TV, Takes a Bow at 88
Veteran broadcaster and the first face to appear on television in Africa, Chief (Mrs) Anike Agbaje-Williams, is dead. She was aged 88.
Agbaje-Williams died in her Ibadan home on Wednesday.
Her death was confirmed in a statement signed on behalf of the family by Mrs Benji Sokoya.
Chief (Mrs) Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji)), a respectable media practitioner, made her mark as the first face to appear on the first television station in Africa, the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV), Ibadan.
She made her appearance both on the Test Transmission Night and on the Official Opening Night (Saturday night, October 31, 1959).
Aside being the first face to be shown on TV, her voice was the first voice to be heard on Africa’s first commercial radio station, WNBS.
She was, therefore, pro claimed ‘Double-First. She had a great career and rose through the ranks until she retired in July 1986 as a well-respected producer and director of programmes.
The statement announcing her transition reads: “Her death is a moment of great sadness for the entire family and 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.
