Nigerian TV has had its fair share of cringe-worthy and belly-laugh-inducing moments, and Nollywood stars aren’t always the culprits.
From politicians who lost their cool, to on-air hiccups from presenters and TV hosts, to afrobeat stars falling off the stage during live performances, and unexpected technical glitches, we’ve been there, clutching our pearls and compiling the meme-worthy moments. Let’s take a trip down memory lane.
Senator Akpabio Sharing money (August 2023)
During a plenary session, Senate President Godswill Akpabio got carried away and announced that a token would be sent to his colleagues so they can enjoy their holidays. The session was televised and live-streamed on social media. He, however, retracted the words when he realised this.
NTA News broadcast (May 2023)
A viral video captured the moment a female presenter suffered an injury to the head after the backdrop in the studio tipped and crashed on her.
Power outage as Governor Hope Uzodinma gives speech (September 2022)
Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma, was giving a speech on live TV when the power went off and darkness enveloped the screen. The governor had to improvise with a mobile phone touchlight. He lightened the awkward situation with the comment: “Well, we’re in Nigeria”.
Arrested criminal freestyles on TV (June 2020)
A Nigerian police officer asked a man arrested in connection to criminal activities if he sings or paints. The individual mentioned the former and proceeded to freestyle on live TV.
Podium collapses during PDP campaign in Kebbi (January 2019)
A podium housing top officials of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) crashed during a televised Kebbi campaign.
Ambode calls Sanwo-Olu a drug addict (September 2018)
While addressing a televised press conference, ex-Lagos state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, accused his then-opponent, Babajide Sanwo-Olu of being a drug addict unfit to govern the state. “This is somebody that has gone for rehabilitation before. The records are there at the Gbagada General Hospital.”
Omawumi walks out of a live interview (May 2016)
HF TV’s presenter asked the singer to confirm if the rumours that she smoked were true and how it impacted her image as a mother and role model. Omawumi wasn’t having it as she gave the host a dressing down before storming out of the studio.
Olamide x Don Jazzy (2015)
During the Headies live show in 2015, rapper Olamide openly dismissed Reekado Bank’s Next Rated Artiste win and declared his protégé, Lil Kesh, the winner. Don Jazzy stormed the stage afterwards and said “Egbon Olamide, if you want the car, come and collect it.”
Wizkid snubs Eva Alordiah’s man (December 2016)
At the Headies’ venue, Wizkid ignored rapper Eva Alordiah’s fiance who had stood up and even stretched his hand out for a handshake.
NSCDC official clueless about agency’s website (March 2013)
During Channel’s TV Sunrise Daily show, a commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Obafaiye Shem, could not state the organisation’s official website when asked about it.
