ANIKE AGBAJE-WILLIAMS, Nigeria’s first TV face dies at 88

Friday, February 28, 2025 - Anike Agbaje-Williams, the first person to appear on African television, has been reported dead at the age of 88.

Agbaje-Williams made history on October 31, 1959, when she became the first face to be seen on Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) during its test transmission and official opening night.

WNTV, now the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), was Africa’s first television station.

According to a statement signed by a member of her family, Mrs Banji Sokoya, Agbaje-Williams passed on peacefully in Ibadan, Oyo State, where she lived for most of her life.

“Anike Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji), who was born on 23rd October 1937, made history by being the first face to appear on the first Television station in the whole of Africa, the Western Nigerian Television (WNTV) station (located at Agodi, Ibadan) – both on the Test Transmission Night and on the Official Opening Night (Saturday night October 31, 1959),” the statement reads.

“Hers was also the first voice to be heard on Africa’s First Commercial Radio Station, WNBS.

“She was therefore proclaimed “Double First”. She had a glorious career and rose through the ranks until she retired in July 1986 as a well-respected producer and director of programs,” the family recalled in the statement.

“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.

“The family understands that her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country and also abroad by many people. They would be comforted and reassured by the knowledge that she lived a glorious, remarkable and impactful life.

“The family would forever cherish the memories of her great love of broadcasting, her tremendous passion for life and her love for God.

“She inspired lots of fans and mentees through the years and the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers. She will remain in our hearts forever.”

Sokoya requested privacy for the family to mourn Agbaje-Williams and stated that funeral arrangements would be announced later.