Remembering the life, career, and legacy of Boniface “Bonny” Offokaja
Boniface Offokaja, fondly known as Bonny to his family, was a pioneering Nigerian broadcaster, journalist, and media leader whose career spanned several decades and helped shape the trajectory of Nigerian television journalism.
Early Life and Family Background
Boniface Offokaja was born on May 21, 1940, in Kano, Northern Nigeria, as the first son of Thomas Igala Offokaja and Susanna Offokaja. His father was a successful businessman and a respected leader in the Kano Igbo community, eventually becoming Igwe Thomas Offokaja of Akwu-ukwu, a traditional ruler in Idemmili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Growing up in Kano, young Bonny became fluent in Hausa, reflecting the multicultural environment in which he was raised.
Education
Offokaja began his secondary education at St. Gregory’s College, Obalende, Lagos, where he excelled academically. He was double promoted and graduated in 1957 at just 17 years old. During his time at St. Gregory’s, he showcased exceptional talent in writing and public speaking.
In 1957, he won a nationwide essay competition organized by the New York Herald Tribune on the topic “The World We Want.” This achievement earned him the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the World Youth Forum in the United States, a remarkable accomplishment for a teenager.
Career in Broadcasting
Following his secondary school success, Offokaja quickly transitioned into broadcasting in 1958. His exceptional skills in communication earned him a position as a newscaster with the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC). At NBC, he honed his reporting, writing, and presentation skills, while also advocating for workers’ rights—a stance that occasionally put him at odds with management and the Federal Minister of Information.
In June 1963, Boniface Offokaja achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian to head the news department of the Nigerian Television Service (NTV). His tenure marked a turning point in Nigerian broadcasting, as he emphasized professionalism, accuracy, and journalistic integrity.
Offokaja also served at the Eastern Nigerian Broadcasting Service and eventually retired as the Director-General of the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) in 1984, leaving a legacy of excellence and mentorship for generations of Nigerian journalists.
Legacy and Death
Offokaja’s career in broadcasting and journalism made him a respected figure in Nigerian media history. He is remembered not only for his technical proficiency and professionalism but also for his commitment to nurturing young talent in the field.
Boniface Offokaja passed away on November 10, 2018, at the age of 78, leaving behind a rich legacy of pioneering work in Nigerian broadcasting, a record of advocacy for journalistic integrity, and an enduring influence on the country’s media landscape.
Sources:
Olufunke Adeboye, Reading the Diaries of Early Nigerian Elites
TheNews Nigeria, Profiles in Broadcasting