Anike Agbaje-Williams, Africa’s first face on TV, dies at 88

ACE 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.

“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.”