Kikelomo Atanda-Owo Celebrates 20 Years in Media: Unveils Podcast With Reuben Abati as Abike Dabiri Other Dignitaries Attend

It was a night of clinking glasses and bright lights at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island. Kikelomo Atanda‑Owo, the woman who’s been the voice on our radios and the face on our screens for twenty years, was surrounded by a crowd that read like a who’s‑who of Nigerian power. The buzz? She was celebrating two decades in broadcasting and the seventh year of Real Talk With Kike, her flagship TV show that’s become a staple for anyone who wants honest conversation about politics, culture, and everyday life.

The event, themed “The Future of Nigeria: Where Leadership, Innovation, Culture & Media Converge to Shape Nation Building,” was more than a partyit was a manifesto. The room hummed with the energy of leaders, business magnates, diplomats, and creatives, all nodding to the fact that media is the engine of change. As the night unfolded, Kikelomo’s journey from a young radio host to a media mogul was recounted, and the spotlight shifted to a fresh venture that promises to keep the dialogue alive in the digital age.

Picture this: a sleek, modern studio, the air thick with anticipation, and two iconsKikelomo and her husband, Dr. Reuben Abati, the veteran journalist and former presidential spokespersonunveiling a new podcast. The Reuben and Kike Abati Podcast is set to become the go‑to platform for in‑depth discussions on politics, culture, and the everyday pulse of Nigeria. The duo’s chemistry is electric; they’ve already proven they can turn a conversation into a cultural moment. Their partnership signals a shift: from traditional TV to a format that can reach younger audiences on the go, while still maintaining the depth that their listeners expect.

The evening’s keynote was delivered by Barrister Bimbola Salu‑Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, representing Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. Her speech was a masterclass in how leadership, innovation, culture, and media must intertwine to propel Nigeria forward. She didn’t just talk about policy; she spoke about the responsibility of media practitioners to foster constructive national conversations. It was a reminder that every story we tell has the power to shape the nation’s future.

The guest list read like a manifesto of influence. Hon. Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was there to remind us that the diaspora’s voice is integral to the national narrative. Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, underscored the importance of creative industries in nation‑building. Dr. Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace, and Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, represented the business side, showing how media and commerce can collaborate for growth. Even Tosin Akerele, a name that resonates in the entertainment world, added a touch of star power to the mix.

What I’m taking from this night is that Kikelomo’s legacy isn’t just about longevity; it’s about evolution. She’s moved from radio waves to television, now to a podcast that will thrive on the digital frontier. The event highlighted that media is not a passive observer but an active participant in shaping policy, culture, and public opinion. It’s a reminder that every story, every interview, every episode carries weight.

The night ended with a toast to the future, and as the lights dimmed, the message was clear: the conversation is far from over. With Kikelomo and Reuben steering the ship, Nigeria’s media landscape is set to navigate new waters, blending tradition with innovation, and ensuring that every voiceespecially those that dare to speak truthgets the platform it deserves.