African media body elects Nigerian, Aboderin, new chair

The board of African Media Initiative (AMI) has elected a Nigerian, Wale Aboderin, as its new chair. He succeeds the pioneer helmsman and Executive Vice Chairman of South Africa’s Mail & Guardian, Trevor Ncube, who has steered the pan-African organisation since its inception in 2008.

Aboderin, a businessman and Chairman of Lagos-based Punch group of newspapers, trained as a commercial pilot at the Burnside-Ott Flying School, Florida, United States. He mounted the media outfit’s chairmanship in 2012.

A renowned sports enthusiast, Aboderin is the founder of Dolphins Basketball Club, a leading African female side, with local and continental honours. He is a former chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association and a one-time member of the Nigerian Handball Federation.

On his new feat, he said: “I thankfully accept this role and I believe AMI should help African media bridge the communication gap between policymakers and the citizens to allow for a two-way feedback engagement.”

Aboderin continued: “During my tenure, I will champion the AMI cause everywhere and ensure that Africans stop being suspicious about homegrown initiatives and support this organisation.”

The CEO of AMI, Eric Chinje, noted: “With more than two decades of direct involvement in media, Mr. Wale (Aboderin) brings a wealth of experience to the organisation. He will surely help AMI refocus its work around the four major pillars of activity around which a new strategy is being developed: Strengthening media capacity (thematic specialisation); content development and promotion; research and performance incentives for media professionals.”