Eugenia Abu Biography
Eugenia Abu (born Eugenia Jummai Amodu) stands as one of Nigeria’s most respected broadcast journalists, writers, and media professionals. With a career spanning over four decades at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), she became a household name as the anchor of the 9:00 pm network news for 17 years. Her clear delivery, professionalism, and poise earned her recognition as one of the finest broadcasters and compères in the country.
Beyond television, Eugenia Abu has made significant contributions as a poet, essayist, columnist, media trainer, and mentor. She has interviewed world leaders and Nobel laureates, served on national committees, and founded initiatives to nurture young writers. Her work reflects a deep commitment to excellence, storytelling, and empowering the next generation. Today, she continues to influence the media landscape through her consultancy, masterclasses, and public speaking.
Eugenia Abu Early Life and Background
Eugenia Jummai Amodu was born on 19 October 1962 in Kaduna, Nigeria. She hails from Kogi State in north-central Nigeria, with a rich mixed heritage. Her mother, Josephine Amodu, was Ebira from Okene, while her father, Alfred Yenisa Amodu, came from Ankpa and descended from a lineage of missionaries and educators.
She grew up in a culturally rich environment in northern Nigeria that fostered her love for communication and storytelling. Eugenia started writing at the tender age of seven. She has often described her parents as among the greatest influences in her life, crediting them with instilling values of discipline, education, and resilience.
Eugenia attended ABU Staff School in Zaria for primary education and Queen Amina College in Kaduna for secondary school. These formative years in the north shaped her perspective and prepared her for higher education. Her early interest in literature and writing led her to pursue studies in English.
Eugenia Abu Education
Eugenia Abu studied English at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, graduating in 1981. During her time at ABU, she served as the acting editor of the English literary magazine Kuka in 1982 and even ran for Vice President of the Students’ Union Government. She also earned a Graduate Certificate in Education from the same institution that year.
Driven by her passion for communication, she pursued further studies abroad. In 1992 (some sources note 1991), she obtained a Master’s Degree in Communication Policy Studies from City, University of London, graduating with distinction. She later earned another Master’s in Creative Writing from Keele University in Staffordshire, United Kingdom.
In addition, Eugenia holds certificates in Educational Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, and TV Presentation. Her academic journey reflects a lifelong commitment to learning and professional development, equipping her with skills that would define her multifaceted career.
Eugenia Abu Career
Eugenia Abu’s broadcasting career began somewhat accidentally during a vacation job at NTA Makurdi. She joined the Nigerian Television Authority in 1979 and rose steadily through the ranks. She became a News Anchor and Correspondent, eventually anchoring the prestigious 9:00 pm NTA network news for 17 years. Her calm, authoritative presence made her one of Nigeria’s most recognizable television faces.
Over her 34-year tenure at NTA, she served in various capacities, culminating in her appointment as Executive Director of Programmes. She disengaged from the authority after meritorious service. Her work extended beyond anchoring to reporting, producing, and contributing to media policy.
As a multimedia strategist, columnist, and media consultant, Eugenia has written weekly columns for national newspapers such as Business Day and Sunday Trust. She has interviewed prominent figures including Presidents Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Yoweri Museveni, as well as Nobel laureates like Professor Wole Soyinka and Nadine Gordimer.
Post-NTA, she founded The Eugenia Abu Media (TEAM), where she serves as Managing Partner and CEO. The organization offers masterclasses in public speaking, broadcasting, leadership, creative writing, report writing, and customer service. These programs target executives and aim to bridge skill gaps in the professional space. She also acts as Creative Director of Essential Communications.
Eugenia has served on several national and international bodies, including the National Human Rights Commission, the Lagos State Innovation Council, the ThisDay Editorial Board, and Nigeria’s Vision 2020 technical committee on media. She joined the board of the Savannah Centre for Democracy, Development and Diplomacy. She serves as a judge for the National Maltina Teacher’s Award and has delivered lectures, such as the 2009 Nigerian Independence Anniversary Lecture in Perth, Western Australia.
Eugenia Abu Writing and Literary Works
Eugenia Abu is a prize-winning writer across multiple genres, including poetry, essays, fiction, creative non-fiction, and screenplays. She authored two notable books. Her first, In the Blink of an Eye, is a collection of essays that won the Association of Nigerian Authors/Niger Delta Development Commission (ANA/NDDC) Flora Nwapa Prize for Best Women’s Writing in 2008. Her second book, Don’t Look at Me Like That, is a poetry collection.
Her works have appeared in prominent outlets like The Guardian, Leadership, ThisDay, and Daily Trust, as well as in anthologies such as Themes Fall Apart but the Centre Holds. She founded the Treasured Writers summer creative writing boot camp in Abuja in 2007 for children aged 7 to 14, dedicating time each year to mentoring young talents.
Eugenia Abu Achievements
Eugenia Abu has received numerous accolades throughout her career. In 1995, she won the prestigious Nigerian Media Merit Award for Best Newscaster of the Year. She was voted Nigeria’s Most Inspiring Woman in 2013 in an online survey by Vlisco.
Her contributions to media and literature have earned her recognition as a trailblazer. She has compered major national events, including the inaugurations of Presidents Umaru Yar’Adua and Goodluck Jonathan, and served as national compère for President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration dinner in 2019.
Through her mentorship program, she has trained hundreds of young people. Her media training initiatives and writing workshops continue to impact professionals and aspiring talents across Nigeria. These efforts highlight her dedication to excellence and knowledge sharing.
Eugenia Abu Personal Life
Eugenia Abu is married to Mr. Joseph Abu (also referred to as Thompson in some records). She is a devoted mother of six children, including twins Oiza and Meyi, Sophie, Joseph, Chide (Ojochide), and Donna. She has successfully balanced a high-profile career with family responsibilities, often emphasizing the importance of family support, discipline, and education.
She lives in Abuja with her family. Eugenia remains active in community and professional circles while continuing her work in media and mentorship. Her personal philosophy centers on kindness, excellence, and giving back to society.
Conclusion
Eugenia Abu’s life and career exemplify professionalism, creativity, and service. From her early days in Kaduna to becoming a broadcasting icon and literary voice, she has inspired countless Nigerians. Her legacy lies not only in her on-screen achievements but also in her mentorship, writing, and commitment to developing talent. As she continues her work through The Eugenia Abu Media and other platforms, her influence on Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape remains profound and enduring.
FAQs
Who is Eugenia Abu?
Eugenia Abu, born Eugenia Jummai Amodu, is a renowned Nigerian broadcast journalist, writer, poet, and media consultant. She is best known for anchoring NTA network news for many years and for her contributions to literature and media training.
When and where was Eugenia Abu born?
She was born on 19 October 1962 in Kaduna, Nigeria.
What is Eugenia Abu known for?
She is known for her long career at NTA, where she anchored the 9 pm news, her award-winning books, and her work as a media trainer and compère for major national events.
What books has Eugenia Abu written?
Her published books include In the Blink of an Eye (essays) and Don’t Look at Me Like That (poetry). The former won the ANA/NDDC Flora Nwapa Prize.
How many children does Eugenia Abu have?
She has six children and is a dedicated mother who balances family life with her professional pursuits.
What awards has Eugenia Abu won?
Key awards include the Nigerian Media Merit Award for Best Newscaster in 1995 and the ANA/NDDC Flora Nwapa Prize for her book. She has also been recognized as an inspiring woman in national surveys.