President Bola Tinubu has mourned the first Director-General of the National Broadcasting Commission, Tom Adaba.
In a statement on Saturday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Adaba’s family, the government, and the people of Kogi State over the media icon.
Professor Adaba passed away on Saturday (today) at the age of 83.
Tinubu recognised Adaba’s remarkable achievements as the first principal of the NTA Television College in Jos, the Plateau State capital.
The President said, “He (Adaba) contributed immensely to journalism practice in Nigeria, particularly in the broadcast industry.
“From teaching and mentoring to administration and consultancy, Professor Adaba was a towering figure and an inspiration to many within Nigeria’s broadcasting circles and beyond.“
The President also paid tribute to Adaba’s lifelong commitment to media development, mentorship, community service, and philanthropy.
He said, “The annals of Nigeria’s broadcast industry deregulation, communication scholarship, and the growth of media scholarship will be incomplete without a generous reference to Professor Adaba’s contributions.
”May his legacies live on in the many professionals he trained, the scholarly books he authored and the integrity he brought to the public offices he held.”
Tinubu prayed for the repose of Adaba’s soul and asked God Almighty to comfort his family, friends, and all who mourn this irreparable loss.
Adaba was the first Principal of NTA Television College in Jos, Plateau State from 1980 to 1987 and first Ph.D holder to be produced by the Department of Theatre Arts of the University of Jos in 1989.
As the NBC Director-General in 1992, the media icon was instrumental to overseeing the deregulation of Nigeria’s broadcast industry under the military administration of Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida.
Adaba was also at some time a Board member of DAAR Communications PLC, owners and operators of Africa Independent Television, AIT, Raypower FM and Faaji Radio.
He was a community leader of note in Ebiraland in Kogi State and a devout Catholic.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Theresa Aaze Adaba, children and great grandchildren.
