Nduka Obaigbena
- Born
- 1959-07-14 (age 66)
- Birthplace
- Ibadan, Western Region, Nigeria
- Occupation
- Journalist, Publisher, Media Executive, Media Entrepreneur, Businessman, Administrator, Politician
- Spouse
- Efe Egbarin
- Alma Mater
- University of Benin; University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; Advanced Management Programme at the University of Cape Town; Edo College, Benin City
- AKA
- media prince
Biography
EARLY LIFE
Born into the royal family of Ibusa, Obaigbena is the son of Prince Albert Obaigbena, a respected civil servant and traditional chief. This royal and political lineage provided him with early exposure to leadership, elite education, and influential networks. Secondary Education: Edo College, Benin City. Higher Education: University of Benin, Nigeria (briefly studied), University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa, Advanced Management Programme at the University of Cape Town. Obaigbgena’s educational path, though unconventional and spanning multiple institutions, equipped him with both the strategic communication and business acumen that would define his media empire.
CAREER
Nduka Obaigbena began his career as a journalist in the 1980s, writing for various Nigerian publications. He founded ThisDay Newspapers in 1995, which quickly became one of Nigeria’s most influential and widely read daily papers. It combined hard-hitting political analysis with elite social reporting, targeting the country’s middle and upper classes. In 2009, he launched ARISE Magazine and later ARISE News Channel, with studios in London, Johannesburg, New York, and Lagos. The ARISE platform was envisioned as an African-centric global media outlet aimed at reshaping Africa's narrative on the world stage. Obaigbena has held several prestigious positions, including: President of the Newspapers Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), Founder, Global Business Roundtable Nigeria, Convener, ThisDay Awards and ARISE Fashion Week. He is often described as the “media prince” who blends editorial ambition with high society glamour, using his platforms to bridge entertainment, fashion, diplomacy, and politics. In 2024, Obaigbgena announced the expansion of ARISE News to East Africa, with plans to open a Nairobi studio by 2025. He also led the 10th edition of ARISE Fashion Week in Lagos, drawing designers from over 20 African countries. In 2021, Obaigbena was disqualified from serving as a company director in the UK for seven years due to his conduct as sole director of Arise TV.
PERSONAL LIFE
Though never elected into public office, Obaigbena has been a behind-the-scenes powerbroker in Nigerian politics, frequently aligning with presidents and governors across different regimes. Notably: A close ally of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who regularly attended ThisDay events. Maintained strong ties with Goodluck Jonathan during his presidency. Known for strategic relationships with state governors across southern Nigeria, including Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and Godswill Akpabio. Controversies and Scandals: 1. Financial Mismanagement Allegations (2015): In 2015, Obaigbena was implicated in the arms procurement scandal involving former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki. It was revealed by the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) that ThisDay received N670 million allegedly linked to diverted security funds. Obaigbena admitted receiving the funds but claimed they were compensation for the 2012 Boko Haram bombing of ThisDay's Abuja office. 2. Non-payment of Staff Salaries (2012–2018): Obaigbena faced multiple lawsuits and industrial actions from journalists and staff over months of unpaid wages. The International Press Centre (IPC) and NUJ Lagos Chapter called on him to address labor violations, citing at least three major staff strikes at ARISE and ThisDay between 2014 and 2017. 3. Lavish Spending Criticism: Despite owing salaries, Obaigbena was frequently criticized for hosting extravagant events such as ThisDay Style Icon Awards and ARISE Fashion Week, often attended by global celebrities like Naomi Campbell and John Legend. Critics alleged that the events were used to distract from financial impropriety and boost political patronage. Rumors and Public Gossips: Alleged Romantic Liaisons: Obaigbena has been the subject of rumors involving high-profile socialites and Nollywood personalities. In 2013, popular gossip blogs claimed he fathered a child with a Lagos-based media entrepreneur—claims he has never publicly addressed. Divorce and Family Privacy: He is known to be a very private individual when it comes to his immediate family. Reports of a quiet divorce in the late 2000s surfaced in City People Magazine, but have never been confirmed. Family and Notable Relatives: The Obaigbena family remains one of the most influential royal houses in Delta North. His cousin, Ijeoma Obaigbena, is a top banker and executive in Nigeria’s financial services sector. His younger brother, Osita Obaigbena, has served in international trade consulting circles. Associations with Other Igbo Personalities: Collaborated with: Emeka Ihedioha, former Imo Governor, as a guest at multiple media award ceremonies. Peter Obi, former Anambra Governor, featured at ThisDay Economic Policy Dialogue. Genevieve Nnaji, invited for ARISE Women in Film series. Dr. Alex Otti, through ARISE Economic Roundtable. Controversies with: Dele Momodu (Yoruba but deeply intertwined with Igbo elite circles) – accused Obaigbena of journalistic elitism in a 2011 interview. Senator Uche Ekwunife – reportedly declined an invite to a ThisDay event, accusing Obaigbena of media bias in 2015 (Vanguard).
Filmography
No filmography available for this person yet.
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