The Golden Voice of the Tube: Remembering Ruth Benamaisia-Opia, the Incomparable NTA Icon Whose Elegance Defined Nigerian Television History

Long before the era of 24-hour cable channels and fragmented media, Nigerian television was commanded by a league of extraordinary women who brought grace, intellect, and profound credibility into our living rooms. Among those towering figures, Ruth Benamaisia-Opia stood out as an absolute royalty of the screen.

​Her remarkable journey began way back in 1977 at Radio Nigeria in Enugu, fresh out of secondary school. Shaped by a childhood that included time spent abroad in Nairobi, Kenya, where her father served as a diplomat, young Ruth nurtured a deep fascination with presentation and public communication. That passion eventually drew her to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where her career blossomed into legendary status.

​As a frontline anchor for the prestigious 9 p.m. Network News and later taking the reins of the Sunday night favorite, Newsline, Ruth became a household name. With her signature elegance, sharp delivery, and iconic hairstyles—including her unforgettable, trend-setting dreadlocks—she defined what professional broadcasting meant in Nigeria.

​Yet, Ruth’s brilliance was never confined to the television studio. Demonstrating that the strategic communication skills honed in broadcasting could drive structural impact, she transitioned successfully into public service, serving with distinction as the Commissioner for Information in Bayelsa State between 2000 and 2001. She later brought her expertise to the corporate sector, serving as a community relations manager in the oil and gas industry with Brass LNG. In April 2016, she treated television lovers to a nostalgic surprise by returning briefly to the screen via Lagos Television (LTV).

​Today, Ruth is married to Professor Eric Opia, former chairman of OMPADEC, and is the proud mother of the internationally acclaimed British-Nigerian actress Weruche Opia (known for her stellar roles in global hits like HBO's I May Destroy You).

​Though she now enjoys a well-deserved life away from the daily media spotlight, her imprint on Nigerian television remains indelible. For the old timers and every Nigerian who remembers when the news was delivered with brains, beauty, and absolute authority, Ruth Benamaisia-Opia remains an enduring legend of the tube!