How NTA Ibadan Shaped My Career

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• IBADAN Broadcaster, Mayor ISAAC BROWN

One of Nigeria’s most respected broadcasters, Mayor Isaac Brown, has spent more than three decades building a reputation as a versatile radio and television personality, political analyst, and media professional. From his humble beginnings at NTA Ibadan to becoming the Head of Political Desk at Fresh FM Nigeria, Brown’s journey is a story of talent, resilience and consistency. Recently honoured with the City People Award for Excellence, the veteran broadcaster sat down with City People reporter, JAMIU ABUBAKAR (08085185886) to reflect on his career, the role NTA Ibadan played in shaping him, the challenges posed by Artificial Intelligence, and his advice for aspiring broadcasters. Excerpts:

Congratulations on receiving the City People Award for Excellence. How do you feel adding this honour to your long list of accolades?

I’m highly elated because, for me, this award speaks to three important things.

First, it reflects the significance of my contributions to the media industry, coming from a highly reputable media organisation like City People Magazine.

Secondly, when I received the award, I couldn’t help but remember my early days in show business. The very first time I appeared in City People Magazine was over 20 years ago. The late state correspondent who covered my activities at the time saw something worthy of celebrating. Today, the enduring success of City People is a testament to the dedication and hard work of pioneers like her and many others. More than three decades later, the magazine is still standing strong, celebrating excellence and projecting positive stories from our society.

Finally, there is the emotional aspect. July 5, the day I received the award, is my wife’s birthday. Although I couldn’t be with her, she told me that my recognition by City People was enough birthday gift for her. So, emotionally, professionally, and nostalgically, I have every reason to thank God.

I also want to appreciate the publisher, Seye Kehinde. He has built a brand that has stood the test of time and remains a benchmark in entertainment journalism in Nigeria.

Looking back at your professional journey, why did you choose broadcasting as a career?

That’s an interesting question because I actually graduated with a degree in Applied Chemistry.

However, my journey into entertainment started long before my university days. The turning point came during my National Youth Service in Enugu in 1989/1990. While at the orientation camp, I was appointed Chairman of the Social Committee, where I coordinated various activities for corps members. We also had a radio programme called VOYC (Voice of Youth Corpers), and I was asked to coordinate it. That experience marked the beginning of my broadcasting career.

After completing my service year and returning home, NTA Ibadan became the institution that truly shaped my early broadcasting career. I was given the opportunity to present a youth variety programme, and that was when I realised my talent and passion for broadcasting had found the right platform.

The real breakthrough came when Galaxy Television Ibadan, founded by Chief Steve Ojo as Nigeria’s first independent television station, was established. I joined as an anchor and Presentation Officer, and that changed everything for me.

I hosted several successful programmes, including Gotham City, one of my earliest television game shows. The programme became so popular that it was eventually aired on the NTA Network, with stations across Nigeria relaying it.

Since then, there has been no looking back. Today, I serve as the Head of Political Desk at Fresh FM Nigeria, a network with stations across Ibadan, Lagos, Ado-Ekiti, Osogbo and Ilorin.

When I received a congratulatory message from Seye Kehinde informing me about this award, I was genuinely overwhelmed. It reminded me that someone, somewhere, has always been watching my journey. City People has been watching, and today, that recognition has become a reality.

What words of encouragement do you have for young people aspiring to excel in broadcasting?

No matter what people say, stay true to your convictions. Believe in yourself and remain committed to your dreams.

People will criticise you. Some will mock you, while others may try to discourage you. But always remember that it is the fruitful tree that attracts the most stones. Stay focused, keep improving yourself, and never lose faith in your abilities.

Artificial Intelligence is transforming many professions, including broadcasting. How has AI affected the industry?

The most important issue is regulation. Government must step in, and the technology companies also have a major role to play.

For instance, during the period when students were abducted in the Ogbomoso area of Oyo State, there was a song that became very popular on social media. Many people believed it was performed by singer, Simi, but it was actually generated using Artificial Intelligence to imitate her voice.

That alone shows how copyright, intellectual property and creative talent are increasingly under threat.

If this trend continues without proper regulation, people may no longer need to employ professionals like Isaac Brown. They could simply clone my voice with AI technology and use it without my consent, leaving me unemployed.

That is why governments, regulators and technology companies must work together to establish clear rules that protect originality, intellectual property and the rights of creative professionals.