President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday felicitated with legendary newscaster, presenter and first African female to appear on television, Anike Agbaje Williams, on her 80th birthday.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, the President said he joined Williams’ family, friends and the vibrant media profession, in celebrating the broadcaster who he said had a sonorous voice that ruled the industry for more than 30 years, starting out early with the first television station in Africa in 1959, Western Nigeria Television.
As one of the pioneer African television broadcasters, better known as ‘‘Africa’s First Lady of the Tube’’, the President believes the veteran journalist worked hard to inform, educate and entertain her listeners, and to also sustain the legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo who established the WNTV as a ‘‘surrogate teacher’’.
The statement read, “The President commends the quintessential courage and persistent spirit of Williams who constantly pushed herself to improve on her God-given talent until she reached the pinnacle of her career, carting home many awards even after retirement.
“President Buhari prays that the almighty God will grant Williams longer life, good health and more strength in her newfound love of singing in the choir after retirement.”