John Momoh is an esteemed Nigerian media mogul, celebrated for his pioneering work in broadcasting and his leadership as the chairman and CEO of Channels Television. His contributions to the media industry were notably recognized in 2019 when he received the HLF-Christopher Kolade Award for Excellence in Leadership and Professionalism in the Media from the Hallmarks of Labour Foundation. This prestigious accolade was awarded to Momoh in recognition of his tireless efforts in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape, alongside other distinguished figures such as Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.
John Momoh’s journey began in 1992 when he co-founded Channels Incorporated, a company that would eventually give rise to Channels Television. At the time, the Nigerian broadcasting sector was largely government-dominated, with media deregulation only just beginning under the military regime of Ibrahim Babangida. The following year, 1993, saw Channels Television granted its operating license, and in 1995, the station began broadcasting, with Momoh himself presenting the very first news bulletin. What started with a small team of just 15 employees has now grown into one of the most influential media houses in Nigeria, employing over 400 staff and reaching a vast audience both locally and internationally.
The station, which is known for its commitment to news and current affairs programming, has earned numerous awards over the years, including the TV Station of the Year Award a record 16 times at the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA). Channels Television is widely regarded as the most awarded and most-watched television station in Nigeria and Africa. In 2014, it was also recognized as Best Television Station in Africa by the African Achievers Award Trust.
Channels Television has been at the forefront of numerous industry innovations, becoming the first Nigerian station to achieve international recognition, such as being nominated for the International Emmy for its coverage of children’s broadcasting. It was also the first to stream its content online and use Skype and Google Hangouts in news programming, further cementing its role as an industry leader.
John Momoh’s personal achievements in the media industry are equally impressive. He was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) by the Nigerian government in 2005 and has received multiple accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Nigerian Information Society in 2006 and the Media Icon Award by the Nigeria Union of Journalists in 2022. Other notable recognitions include the ZIK Award for Entrepreneurship (2015) and honorary doctorates in Business Administration and Science from Ambrose Alli University and Crescent University, respectively.
Before founding Channels Television, Momoh’s career in broadcasting began in Abeokuta with Ogun State Radio, followed by roles at Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he honed his skills as a news anchor, reporter, and producer.
Educated at the University of Lagos, where he obtained a degree in Mass Communication, Momoh also holds a Master’s in International Law & Diplomacy. He furthered his education at the Harvard Business School and the Lagos Business School, and has received several professional accolades, including fellowships from prominent international institutions like the British Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Beyond broadcasting, John Momoh is deeply involved in a variety of charitable and non-governmental initiatives. He serves on the boards of several organizations, including the Sickle Cell Foundation, Tristate Heart Foundation, and Public Media Alliance. His global influence also extends to being a juror for the prestigious International Emmy Awards and the AIB Awards.
Momoh’s journey from a pioneering broadcaster to a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist makes him a role model for many aspiring professionals in Nigeria and beyond. His leadership continues to inspire, with heroes such as Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, and Nelson Mandela serving as key figures in his personal and professional life.
