October 31 in History: Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) Became First TV Station in Africa

On October 31, 1959, the Western Nigeria Television Service (WNTV) commenced transmission, becoming the first television station in Africa and the first in tropical Africa.

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The station, with the call sign WNTV, Ibadan, transmitting on Channel 4, went on air at exactly 6 p.m. from its studios at Agodi, Ibadan.

The ceremony was performed by the Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who in his address described the establishment of the television station as a bold step in the march of Western Nigeria towards educational and cultural enlightenment.

Chief Awolowo said the Western Region Government decided to establish a television service after the Federal Government denied the Region the opportunity to air its views on the controversial national issues on the Federal Radio service.

“This television station will serve as a teacher, an entertainer and a mirror of our culture to the world,” the Premier declared.

He stressed that WNTV will not be used for political propaganda but will be devoted to the upliftment of the people through informative and educational programmes.

The station was owned by the Western Nigeria Government in partnership with Overseas Rediffusion Limited of the United Kingdom and will cover the entire Western Region and parts of Lagos.

Present at the historic occasion were the Governor of the Western Region, Sir John Rankine, Chiefs, members of the Western House of Assembly, and other dignitaries.

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