Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and representative of Bayelsa West in the Senate, has appointed veteran journalist Steve Nwosu as his spokesperson, alongside two other senior aides.
The former Bayelsa State governor also approved the appointment of Sani Takori as a key member of his political and administrative team and VinMartin Obiora Ilo as Chief Technical Adviser.
The appointments take immediate effect and are aimed at strengthening the senator’s political operations, administration and strategic communication, both in his capacity as NDC National Leader and as a serving senator.
Nwosu, a longtime associate of Dickson, is a journalist, media administrator, consultant and political communication strategist with more than three decades of experience spanning print, broadcasting and digital media.
A graduate of the University of Nigeria and Lagos Business School, Nwosu began his journalism career with The Guardian and later worked with ThisDay, where he held several editorial positions, including Features Editor, Political Editor and Editor of ThisDay Style.
He joined the Sun Newspapers at its inception as pioneer Editor of Saturday Sun and subsequently served as Editor of Daily Sun, Executive Director, Corporate Services, Deputy Managing Director and Deputy Editor-in-Chief.
He later founded the Nigerian Xpress Newspaper and also had a stint with Plus TV Africa as Controller of News.
Nwosu currently serves as Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Edibofa Communication and Publishing Limited, which operates People’s FM 105.5 Abuja, People’s FM 93.1 Yenagoa, Universal Television Africa and The Nigerian Xpress Newspaper.
He also 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.
Takori, a lawyer and experienced public administrator, brings extensive legal, political and governmental experience to the team.
His public service career began in the old Sokoto State, where he served in various capacities, including Registrar, Magistrate, Solicitor-General, and later Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Zamfara State.
An alumnus of Ahmadu Bello University and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Takori represented his constituency in the House of Representatives from 2003 to 2007.
He is also a founding member of the NDC and served as the party’s Protem National Secretary during its registration.
Takori has previously served as a local government chairman, National Legal Adviser to the Council of Ulamas and Chief Legal Officer of the Nigerian Electoral Commission. He also served as secretary of the Yarima presidential campaign in 2003 and 2007.
The 68-year-old politician and legal practitioner is from Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Ilo, who has been appointed Chief Technical Adviser, is a media executive, broadcast journalist and development and international relations specialist with nearly four decades of professional experience.
He studied Mass Communication at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, and holds postgraduate degrees in Development Studies from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and International Relations and Strategic Studies from Lagos State University. He is also an alumnus of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
Ilo began his career with Radio Nigeria, where he rose to become a network newscaster before joining Africa Independent Television. He retired from AIT in 2013 as Director of Special Duties and South-East Operations.
He has also served as Special Adviser on Media to the Governor of Enugu State and as a member of the Governing Board of the National Broadcasting Commission.
Until his appointment, Ilo was President and Chief Executive Officer of Signature TV. He is from Enugu State.
In a statement issued by the NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, Dickson said the appointments were informed by the appointees’ professional competence, experience and records of service.
The senator expressed confidence that Nwosu, Takori and Ilo would bring professionalism, credibility and strategic expertise to the responsibilities assigned to them.
The new appointments are expected to enhance the coordination of Dickson’s senatorial duties, political activities and responsibilities as National Leader of the NDC.
