From his early days in the newsroom of Radio Nigeria to his influential years in the boardroom of DAAR Communications Plc, where he served as the Group Managing Director for fifteen years, his journey reflects both experience and resilience.

Senior High Chief (SHC) Tony Anegbe Akiotu has been elected Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, securing a decisive victory at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Hawthorn Suites, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

With the theme, “The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Elections,” the AGM brought together key stakeholders across Nigeria’s broadcast landscape, with the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed as Special Guest of Honour.

CBI News reports that, Akiotu, a former Group Managing Director of Daar Communications, polled 62 votes, defeating his only challenger, Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jr, who secured 9 votes, in what observers have described as a clear and emphatic mandate from BON members.

The election, which marked the climax of the AGM, drew stakeholders from across Nigeria’s broadcast industry, including public and private sector operators, regulators, and media professionals.

A CLEAR MANDATE

Akiotu’s victory reflects widespread confidence in his leadership credentials, extensive industry experience, and long-standing contributions to the growth of broadcasting in Nigeria. Prior to the election, he was widely regarded as the frontrunner, enjoying strong endorsements across the sector.

Industry watchers say the outcome signals a preference for experienced, consensus-driven leadership at a time when the broadcast sector faces significant transitions, including digital migration, rising operational costs, and evolving audience dynamics.

CONTEST CONTEXT

The chairmanship contest was between Akiotu and Chief Raymond Dokpesi Jr., both respected figures within the industry. Despite the competitive nature of the race, the election was conducted peacefully, reinforcing BON’s commitment to democratic principles and institutional stability.

The new chairman succeeds Alhaji Salihu Abdullahi Dembos, whose two-year tenure comes to an end with this election. In line with BON’s tradition of rotating leadership between public and private sector broadcasters, the chairmanship has now returned to the private broadcasting bloc.

AGM HIGHLIGHTS

The AGM was held under the theme:

“The Management of the Airwaves: An Assessment of the 2026 Nigerian Electoral Act on Broadcast Media Coverage of the Elections.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, attended as Special Guest of Honour, alongside other key stakeholders in the media and communication sectors.

EXPECTATIONS

With his overwhelming victory, Akiotu is expected to lead BON through a critical phase in Nigeria’s broadcasting evolution, focusing on industry sustainability, digital transformation, capacity development, and strengthened collaboration among member organisations.

His emergence is widely seen as ushering in a period of continuity, stability, and strategic engagement within the Association.

BON Chairman Tony Akiotu Releases Five Points Agenda

1️⃣ *Industry Sustainability*

Promote cost-reduction strategies through energy partnerships, infrastructure sharing, and financing support initiatives to help stabilise stations and protect jobs.

2️⃣ *Constructive Digital Transition*

Work closely with the NBC and stakeholders to ensure the digital switchover strengthens broadcasters, protects investments, and expands opportunities for members.

3️⃣ *Skills & Training Modernisation*

Champion practical industry training in digital broadcasting, newsroom convergence, streaming, and emerging technologies to keep BON members competitive.

4️⃣ *Content Collaboration*

Encourage voluntary cooperation among members through shared coverage opportunities, joint productions, and knowledge exchange to reduce costs and widen reach.

5️⃣ *BON National Development Lecture Series*

Introduce a respected BON platform for dialogue on national development, positioning our association as a thought leader in shaping Nigeria’s future.

My commitment is simple: focused leadership, achievable goals, and measurable progress.

Together, we can strengthen BON and secure a resilient future for Nigerian broadcasting.

SHC Tony Anegbe Akiotu