Meet Bayo Onanuga is a distinguished Nigerian journalist, Politician, renowned for his exemplary contributions to the field of journalism and media development. Born on 20 June 1957, he has established himself as a leading voice in Nigerian media, with a career spanning over three decades. His impressive trajectory includes co-founding TheNews Magazine, serving as Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and holding the position of CEO and Editor-in-Chief of PM News and TheNEWS magazine. On 13 October 2023, he was appointed Special Adviser on Information and Strategy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a testament to his expertise and influence.
Wiki
Full Name: Bayo Onanuga
Date of Birth: June 20, 1957
Place of Birth: Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
Origin: Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Journalist, Politician
Net Worth: $500,000
Early Life & Career
Bayo Onanuga was born into the Anikilaya Ruling House in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria. His early education began at the Moslem Primary School in Ijebu-Ode, where he studied from 1962 to 1969. Demonstrating academic excellence from a young age, he continued his secondary education at Muslim College Ijebu Ode, graduating in 1974 with a Grade One certificate.
After working briefly for a year, Onanuga attended the Federal Government College, Odogbolu, for his A-Levels between 1975 and 1977. His academic journey continued at the University of Lagos, where he was admitted in September 1977 to study Mass Communication. He graduated in 1980 with a second-class upper division, laying a strong foundation for his future career in journalism.
Onanuga’s professional journey began in early 1982 when he joined Practions Partners. Shortly thereafter, in June 1982, he became a pioneer staff member at Ogun State Television. By July 1983, he had moved to The Guardian in Lagos as a sub-editor, showcasing his growing expertise in the field. However, his tenure at The Guardian was short-lived; just 17 months later, he left to start Weekly Titbits, a venture that ultimately did not succeed.
Undeterred, Onanuga joined the National Concord in January 1985 as a senior features writer. His exceptional skills soon led to his transfer to the African Concord magazine, where he became the international editor in 1989, based in London. Later that year, he was appointed the editor of the magazine.
In April 1992, Onanuga made a principled decision to resign from Concord after refusing to apologize to the military dictator, General Ibrahim Babangida, over a controversial cover story titled “Has Babangida Given Up?” This story led to the closure of the Concord Group by the junta, highlighting Onanuga’s steadfast commitment to journalistic integrity.
In February 1993, Bayo Onanuga, along with colleagues Seye Kehinde, Dapo Olorunyomi, Sani Kabir, Idowu Obasa, Babafemi Ojudu, and Kunle Ajibade, co-founded TheNews Magazine. This period was marked by significant political turmoil in Nigeria, and TheNews quickly became known for its fearless reporting and critical stance against the military government.
When TheNews was shut down by the military regime, Onanuga and his colleagues launched TEMPO magazine and later P.M. NEWS in 1994. These publications continued to uphold the principles of free press and fearless journalism, often facing significant risks and challenges.
During the military dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, Bayo Onanuga was detained by the State Security Service in Lagos. His arrest was part of a broader crackdown on journalists and political activists. However, Onanuga managed to escape captivity and went into exile, returning to Nigeria in 1998 after Abacha’s death. His return marked a significant moment in his career, as he continued to advocate for democratic principles and free speech.
In May 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Onanuga as the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). In this role, he oversaw the agency’s operations, striving to ensure accurate and impartial news dissemination across the country. His tenure at NAN was marked by efforts to modernize the agency and improve its reach and effectiveness.
Fast forward to October 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bayo Onanuga as the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. This role positioned him at the heart of the government’s communication strategy, where he was responsible for advising the president on information dissemination and media relations.
In November 2023, Bayo Onanuga’s career faced a significant setback when the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) terminated his employment. The NLC labeled him as “the Tragedy of a Nation” following his criticism of a union strike on behalf of the federal government. This incident stirred controversy and led to his removal from the position, marking a tumultuous period in his otherwise distinguished career.
Personal Life
Bayo Onanuga, a stalwart in Nigerian journalism and public service, enjoys a fulfilling personal life alongside his professional achievements. He is married to Toyin Olamide Machado, who has adopted Onanuga as her surname. The couple shares a strong and supportive relationship, grounded in mutual respect and love. Together, they have been blessed with beautiful children who bring joy and fulfillment to their lives.
Social Media
In the digital age, social media has become an essential tool for public figures to connect with their audience and share insights into their personal and professional lives. Bayo Onanuga is no exception. He has a modest yet engaged following on Instagram, with over 3,000 followers on his account (@adebayoonanuga).
Net Worth
Bayo Onanuga’s dedication to his career has not only earned him respect and recognition but also a substantial financial reward. As of recent estimates, his net worth stands at approximately $500,000. This figure is a testament to his hard work and success across various roles in journalism and public service
