Television broadcasting in Nigeria began with the establishment of Western Nigeria Television in Ibadan on 31 October 1959 by the government of the Western Region. The station was created under the leadership of Premier Obafemi Awolowo and became Nigeria’s first television service. It is also widely recognised as the first operational television station in Africa.
WNTV operated alongside the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service, which provided radio services across the region. Together, these institutions became important training grounds for the development of Nigerian broadcasting. News presenters, producers, technicians, writers, and announcers developed their professional skills in the studios of Ibadan during the early decades of Nigerian television.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, WNTV had become a significant centre for television production and broadcast journalism. Many broadcasters who later appeared on national television gained early experience in the station’s studios.
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Ronke Dalley enters broadcasting
Ronke Dalley began her career in broadcasting in 1972, working in Ibadan as a freelance presenter with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation. At the time, radio remained Nigeria’s most widely accessible mass communication platform, and many broadcasters began their careers behind the microphone before moving into television.
Working in radio required presenters to master clear speech, disciplined timing, and confident delivery. These skills later became essential for television presentation, where announcers and newscasters were expected to communicate with authority and clarity.
During this early stage of her career, Dalley also gained experience working with Western Nigeria Television and the Western Nigeria Broadcasting Service, participating in programme presentation and studio broadcasting activities.
Becoming a presenter at WNTV
In March 1973, Ronke Dalley joined WNTV and WNBS as a full time announcer and presenter. The role placed her within the professional broadcasting environment of Ibadan, where television and radio programmes were produced for audiences across the Western Region.
Announcers during this period often performed several roles. They introduced programmes, handled continuity between broadcasts, and participated in studio presentations. The presentation style associated with Nigerian broadcasting at the time emphasised careful diction, formal delivery, and composure on air.
WNTV’s broadcasting culture shaped many of the voices that later appeared across Nigerian television networks.
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The emergence of the Nigerian Television Authority
Nigeria’s television system changed significantly during the 1970s. Until that period, television stations were operated by regional governments. Stations such as Western Nigeria Television, Eastern Nigerian Television Service, and Radio Television Kaduna served audiences in their respective regions.
In 1977, the Federal Government established the Nigerian Television Authority through national legislation that reorganised television broadcasting across the country. Regional stations were incorporated into a national structure that coordinated television operations nationwide.
The creation of the NTA introduced a new phase in Nigerian broadcasting. The network linked television stations across the country and allowed programmes, including national news bulletins, to reach audiences far beyond individual regional centres.
Move to NTA Lagos
In 1981, Ronke Dalley moved to NTA Lagos, where she worked as a television newscaster. NTA Lagos was one of the most prominent stations in the national network and played a major role in delivering news programmes to viewers across Nigeria.
During the early 1980s, television ownership was increasing in urban centres, and the evening news became an important part of daily viewing for many households. Newscasters appeared regularly on screen to present national developments, government announcements, and major events.
Dalley’s work as a newscaster placed her among the broadcasters responsible for presenting news during this period of expansion in Nigerian television.
Women in Nigerian broadcasting
Female broadcasters played an important role in the development of Nigerian television. One of the earliest pioneers was Anike Agbaje Williams, who became Nigeria’s first female television announcer when WNTV began broadcasting in 1959.
Over the following decades, more women appeared on television as announcers, presenters, and journalists. By the 1970s and early 1980s, female broadcasters were regularly seen presenting programmes and news bulletins on Nigerian television.
Ronke Dalley belonged to this generation of broadcasters who worked during the expansion of television and the development of the national broadcasting network.
Leaving television
Ronke Dalley left broadcasting in October 1985. After leaving television, she pursued business interests in Lagos, including ventures connected to fashion and hospitality.
Her departure marked the end of her years as a television news presenter during the formative period of Nigeria’s national television network.
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A place in the history of Nigerian television
Ronke Dalley’s career reflects an important period in Nigerian media history. She began in Ibadan within the regional broadcasting culture created by Western Nigeria Television and later worked in Lagos as part of the national network of the Nigerian Television Authority.
Her professional path illustrates the movement of broadcasters from regional television centres to national broadcasting institutions during the expansion of television across Nigeria.
Through her work as an announcer and newscaster, she became part of the generation of broadcasters who appeared on Nigerian television during the early decades of the medium’s development.
Author’s Note
The history of Nigerian television is built on institutions, reforms, and the broadcasters who carried news and programmes to viewers across the country. Ronke Dalley’s career reflects that journey, from the studios of Western Nigeria Television in Ibadan to the national broadcasts of NTA Lagos. Her work belongs to the period when television news was establishing its authority and when broadcasters helped shape the voice and professionalism of Nigerian television.
References
Dr Biggie, Ronke Ayuba, NTA’s Number One Newscaster of the 1980s.
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Nigerian Television Authority Act, 1977 (No. 24).
