Our Reporter
Early Life and Education
Born on 13 December 1967 in Kano, Kadaria Ahmed built a strong academic foundation:
Bachelor’s degree from Bayero University Kano
Master’s degree in Television from Goldsmiths University of London
Chevening Scholar
Her education shaped her global perspective and media expertise.
Career at the BBC
She began her career at the BBC, where she worked as a senior producer on major programmes like:
Focus on Africa
Network Africa
In this role, she:
Helped shape international news coverage
Reported from regions such as South Africa, Eritrea, and the United Nations
Return to Nigeria and Editorial Leadership
Back in Nigeria, Kadaria Ahmed became editor of NEXT, a highly regarded publication known for investigative journalism.
Managed a large newsroom of over 100 staff
Drove editorial direction and impactful reporting
Although the print edition ended in 2011, her influence during that period was significant.
Major Media Contributions
She has played key roles in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape:
Moderated the 2011 presidential debate, a landmark democratic event
Created and hosted Straight Talk, a bold interview programme
Through her shows, she has interviewed top figures including:
Ibrahim Babangida
Babatunde Fashola
Rotimi Amaechi
Oby Ezekwesili
The Nnamdi Kanu Interview
In 2017, on her show The Core on Channels TV, Kadaria Ahmed conducted a widely discussed interview with:
Nnamdi Kanu
The interview drew national and international attention due to Kanu’s controversial statements, reinforcing her reputation as a journalist willing to ask tough, necessary questions.
Entrepreneurship and Media Innovation
Beyond presenting, she is also a media entrepreneur:
Founded Daria Media Ltd (2017)
Launched RadioNow 95.3FM in 2020
Her focus has been on public service journalism, accountability, and informed civic engagement.
Professional Affiliations
Kadaria Ahmed is actively involved in advancing journalism standards:
Member, Nigerian Guild of Editors
Member, Nigerian Institute of Directors
Board of Trustees, Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism
Judge, Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism
Legacy and Impact
Kadaria Ahmed stands out for:
Fearless, issue-driven journalism
Elevating political discourse through interviews
Promoting accountability in governance
Building platforms for credible, independent media
From the BBC to founding RadioNow 95.3FM, Kadaria Ahmed has consistently pushed boundaries in Nigerian media.
Her work reminds us that journalism, when done right, is not just about reporting—it is about holding power accountable and shaping national conversations.
Source: Nigerian journalism archives and broadcast history
