The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has extended warm congratulations to veteran broadcast journalist Stella Din-Jacob on her groundbreaking appointment as the first female Executive Director of News at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). The historic move, announced by the Federal Government on August 20, 2025, and effective immediately, marks a milestone in Nigeria’s media landscape, affirming women’s leadership in public broadcasting.
In a statement signed by Chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita Ikpang and Secretary Comr. Nkiruka Okeke, NAWOJ celebrated Din-Jacob as a “trailblazer” whose career exemplifies excellence, integrity, and innovation. “Your leadership at various levels brought innovation, balance, and inclusivity into broadcast journalism, while championing the voices of women and advancing gender equity in the newsroom and beyond,” the statement read. It described the appointment as “not only a recognition of your professionalism but also a groundbreaking milestone that affirms women can rise to the highest levels of leadership in the media industry.” NAWOJ expressed confidence that Din-Jacob, who has “broken barriers before,” will continue to shatter the glass ceiling and inspire generations of female journalists. “We celebrate this achievement and wish her continued success in this new role,” the statement concluded, signing off with “Congratulations once again, EDN.”
Stella Din-Jacob, born on November 11 in Plateau State to Captain Joseph Din and Christy Din, is a native of Jos North Local Government Area. A qualified lawyer and seasoned broadcast journalist with over 30 years of experience, she has become a household name in Nigerian media, often called “The General” for her commanding leadership. Din-Jacob’s educational journey includes a foundation course in law at the University of Warwick, UK, an LLB from the University of Kent, England (1992), and her Barrister-at-Law (B.L.) from the Nigerian Law School (1993). This legal background complements her media prowess, enabling her to navigate complex stories with precision and ethical rigor.
Her career began in 1994 at Channels Television, where she served as a programme producer on the foreign and diplomatic desks, newscaster, and editor until 2002. She freelanced for international outlets like CNN, Al Jazeera, Vatican Radio, and The Guardian (London), covering pivotal events such as African Union summits and ECOWAS meetings. Din-Jacob later held senior roles at Silverbird Television (as National Head of News and General Manager of News 24), Minaj Broadcast Group, and NEWSMEDIA Productions, where she was Executive Producer. In 2018, she joined TVC Communications as Director of News and Editor-in-Chief, transforming the station into one of Nigeria’s top three most-watched news channels. Under her stewardship, TVC earned the Nigerian Media Merit Award for Best Television Station and provided extensive coverage of the 2023 elections, with correspondents across 30 states.
Din-Jacob’s advocacy for gender equity is renowned; she mentored emerging female journalists and was ranked Nigeria’s most powerful woman in journalism by Women in Journalism Africa (WIJAFRICA) in 2024, topping a list of 25 influential peers. She received the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism’s Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence in 2022 and was named among the 25 Most Powerful Women in Journalism in Nigeria by WIJAFRICA in 2020. As a global affairs enthusiast, security analyst, and Nnamdi Azikiwe Fellow, she has consulted for the Nigeria Police Force and emphasized inclusive storytelling. TVC’s Group Managing Director, Victoria Abiola Ajayi, praised her departure as “bittersweet,” noting, “Stella has been instrumental in our success; we’re proud of her national service.”
Din-Jacob’s appointment, part of President Bola Tinubu’s reshuffle of NTA leadership—including Rotimi Pedro as Director-General and Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing—signals a push for unity and diplomacy in national broadcasting. As the first woman in this role at NTA, Nigeria’s oldest and largest TV network (established 1962), she inherits a platform reaching 200 million viewers. Her legal expertise and track record in investigative journalism position her to enhance NTA’s credibility amid challenges like misinformation and digital shifts.
NAWOJ’s endorsement highlights the broader struggle for gender equity in Nigeria’s media, where women hold only 25% of senior roles (UNESCO 2023). Din-Jacob’s rise aligns with global trends, such as the UN’s call for 50% female leadership in media by 2030.
TVC Communications lauded her as a “visionary leader,” while Plateau Governor Caleb Mutfwang congratulated her as a “daughter of the soil.” On X, @MediaNG celebrated: “Stella Din-Jacob at NTA—women breaking ceilings! #GenderEquity.” Critics, however, urge NTA to address funding shortfalls (NTA budget: ₦10 billion in 2024) to match her vision.
Din-Jacob’s milestone inspires, proving women can lead Nigeria’s media revolution. As NAWOJ noted, “She will continue to break the glass ceiling and inspire generations.”
