Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first face on Television, passed away on Wednesday 26th February 2025 aged 88 years old.
According to a statement by a family member, she passed on peacefully in Ibadan where she has lived for most of her life.
The aannouncement by Mrs Banji Sokoya reads:
“Goodnight, my ever so cherished mummy, boss and mentor. We’ll surely see in the morning.
“Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams Africa’s first face on Television passed away on Wednesday 26th February 2025 aged 88 years old. She passed on peacefully in Ibadan where she has lived for most of her life.
“Chief Mrs Anike Agbaje-Williams (née Kuforiji)) was born on 23rd October 1936. She was a well-known name in the media world. She made history by being the first face to appear on the first Television station in the whole of Africa on 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). 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.
“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.
“During the coming period of mourning, the family would appreciate the space and privacy to mourn her at this difficult time. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Funeral Arrangements would be announced later.
“Mrs Banji Sokoya (For The Family).”
Biography of Agbaje-Williams
Anike Agbaje-Williams, born on October 23, 1936, in Abeokuta, Nigeria, was more than just a beautiful face. She emerged as a trailblazing figure in the realm of broadcasting, leaving an indelible mark as the first African woman on both radio and television. Growing up as the third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kuforiji, she exhibited early signs of brilliance and charisma that would later define her illustrious career.
During her formative years in Lagos, Agbaje-Williams found herself under the guidance of Mrs. Gbemisola Rosiji, wife of Ayo Rosiji, and Bishop and Mrs. S.C. Philips. These influential figures played a pivotal role in shaping her character and nurturing her talents. Beginning her education at the CMS Girls School in 1941 at the age of 5, she embarked on a journey that would lead her to unexpected heights.
Anike Agbaje-Williams’ journey into broadcasting was serendipitous. She got introduced to broadcasting when she was in school at Abeokuta, where she sang along with Bassey Edet at the radio station. Afterwards she secured employment as a Junior Technical Staff at the Nigerian Broadcasting Service (NBC) in Lagos on January 5, 1953. A co-worker’s absence led to her unplanned debut as a newsreader, and her sonorous voice resonated with listeners and supervisors alike and to the world as the golden voice on radio. Hence, she believed her career trajectory in broadcasting was divinely ordained. Her career trajectory continued to ascend as she joined the programmes department as a staff announcer at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation in Ikoyi, Lagos, in 1955.
The turning point in her career came when she became the ‘first face on television’ in the entire continent of Africa on August 31, 1959. This historic moment, coupled with being the first voice on the First Commercial Radio under the name WNBS, solidified her legacy as a pioneer in African broadcasting. Beyond her striking beauty, it was Agbaje-Williams’ exceptional diction and photographic memory that set her apart as an outstanding presenter at Western Nigerian Television (WNTV).
Chief Atinuke Agbaje-Williams was not only a broadcaster but a dedicated journalist committed to informing, educating, and entertaining her audience. She saw her role as continuing the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who established WNTV as a ‘surrogate teacher.’ Her commitment to excellence led her to pursue various in-service trainings in Glasgow, Germany, and the USA, and she completed a certificate course in Management Studies at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).
After years of contributing to WNBS/WNTN (Nigerian Television Authority), she was transferred to BCOS (Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State). In July 1986, after 32 years of dedicated service, she retired from the Civil Service as the Director of Programmes, leaving a legacy of resilience, professionalism, and innovation.
