Bayo Onanuga Biography: Age, Journalism And Presidency Role

Bayo Onanuga was a prominent newspaper figure long before he became a familiar voice from Nigeria’s Presidency. His career connects the country’s independent press, public news administration and political communications.

His statements on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, and his responses to political opponents, regularly draw attention. Before those presidential headlines, he helped establish TheNEWS and led the News Agency of Nigeria.

Bayo Onanuga Quick Facts

Early Life And University Education

Onanuga was born in Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State. His educational background includes Federal Government College, Odogbolu, before his university studies.

He entered the University of Lagos in 1977 and graduated in 1980 with a degree in mass communication. That training led into a professional life in journalism and publishing.

His background is sometimes reduced to his current political affiliation, but the chronology begins much earlier. He spent decades working within news organisations before becoming a presidential adviser.

Building A Career In Journalism

Onanuga worked with the Concord press organisation and became editor of African Concord. His career developed during a period when Nigerian newspapers and magazines played an important part in the contest over military rule and public accountability.

In 1993, he was among the founders of TheNEWS. The publishing operation was also associated with P.M. News and Tempo, titles that became familiar within Nigeria’s independent media landscape.

The work involved building and running publications as well as writing and editing. His later positions as a media executive therefore grew from experience in both editorial decisions and the business of producing news.

Accounts of this period should distinguish the contribution of the founding team from the work of any one individual. TheNEWS was a collaborative publishing venture, even though Onanuga became one of its most recognisable leaders.

News Agency Of Nigeria Leadership

President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Onanuga managing director of the News Agency of Nigeria in 2016. The position moved him from private publishing into leadership of the state-owned news agency.

That role was different from a presidential spokesperson’s job. A national news agency gathers and distributes news, while a political adviser communicates and advances the administration’s position.

His experience at NAN added a public-sector management chapter to a career already rooted in newspapers. It also helps explain why he is often introduced as both a veteran journalist and a media executive.

Political Involvement And Tinubu Appointment

Onanuga became involved in the All Progressives Congress and political campaigning. In 2014, he publicly expressed interest in the Ogun East senatorial seat, but that should not be mistaken for having served as a senator.

He later worked in communications supporting Bola Tinubu’s presidential campaign. On 13 October 2023, the Presidency announced his appointment as special adviser on information and strategy.

The official title matters. It identifies the position through which he issues statements and responds to public debate, without suggesting that he is the minister of information or an elected member of the National Assembly.

Why His Statements Attract Attention

Presidential communications often sit at the point where government policy meets partisan argument. Onanuga is regularly quoted because he explains the administration’s decisions and answers critics in direct language.

In September 2026, reports covered his criticism of former Anambra governor Peter Obi. He was also named in coverage of a Presidency condolence visit following the death of a State House media official.

These stories illustrate different parts of the same role: political argument, official representation and communication of the president’s position. Readers should distinguish a government announcement from a personal opinion or campaign response, even when all are delivered by the same official.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Old Is Bayo Onanuga?

He is 69 as of September 2026. His birthday is 20 June 1957.

Where Is Bayo Onanuga From?

He is from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State, Nigeria.

What Did Bayo Onanuga Study?

He studied mass communication at the University of Lagos and graduated in 1980.

What Is Bayo Onanuga’s Position In The Presidency?

He is President Bola Tinubu’s special adviser on information and strategy. His appointment was announced in October 2023.

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