Jane Salihu
The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, has appointed veteran journalist Steve Nwosu as his Spokesman, with VinMartin Obiora Ilo named Chief Technical Adviser and Sani Takori appointed Political Adviser.
The appointments, according to the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Esq., are designed to strengthen operations, administration and strategic communication around Senator Dickson and the NDC ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued by Director, the three appointments take immediate effect and cover Dickson’s activities both as National Leader of the NDC and as a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Director said Nwosu and Ilo were bringing to their new roles extensive professional experience, credibility and integrity, while Takori had distinguished himself as a tested public administrator and politician with an impressive political record.
Nwosu, a journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist, has more than three decades of experience spanning print, broadcast and online journalism.
He worked with leading Nigerian newspapers, including The Guardian, THISDAY and The SUN, where he held several editorial and management positions. He was also the pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun, later becoming Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, and Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Sun.
He later established The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and currently serves as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Edibofa Communication and Publishing Limited, owners of People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa and The Nigerian Xpress.
Nwosu is also known for his widely read satirical column, FRANKTALK. He served for eight years on the Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, first as a representative of the West Zone and later as Treasurer.
Ilo, the newly appointed Chief Technical Adviser, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations expert with nearly four decades of experience in broadcasting, public service, strategic communication and development consultancy.
An alumnus of Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Ilo holds degrees in Mass Communication, Development Studies, and International Relations and Strategic Studies.
He began his broadcasting career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a Network Newscaster, before joining Africa Independent Television (AIT). He retired from AIT in 2013 as Director, Special Duties and South-East Operations.
Ilo also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and was a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission. Until his latest appointment, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV.
Takori, who becomes Political Adviser, is a lawyer and experienced politician from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
He began his legal career in the old Sokoto State and served in various capacities, including Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General and Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.
He was elected into the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007 and later secured his party’s senatorial ticket on four occasions, although he voluntarily stepped down for candidates who subsequently won the elections.
A founding member of the NDC, Takori served as its Protem National Secretary at the party’s registration. He was also the Zamfara State governorship candidate of the Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA) in the 2019 election.
His previous positions include Local Government Chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas, Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission and Secretary of the Yarima Presidential Campaign in 2003 and 2007.
According to the NDC, the three appointees will be responsible for supporting Senator Dickson’s political, technical and communication activities as the party’s National Leader and in his capacity as a serving senator.
