John Ugbe – Nominated for Man of Steel of the Year at the MOI Awards

John Ugbe is the Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, the company behind DStv and GOtv. 

He is one of the key leaders shaping Nigeria’s television and entertainment industry. Ugbe studied Electrical and Electronics Engineering at the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. 

He later earned an MBA from the University of Liverpool. He grew up in Calabar, where his parents worked as a civil servant and a teacher. He has always had a creative side and once sold paintings and artworks as a young person.

He started his career at MultiChoice Nigeria in 1998 as a help desk analyst. He later became the company’s IT Manager. After leaving MultiChoice in 2003, he worked with MWEB as IT Manager and eventually as General Manager. 

He also worked at iWayAfrica Nigeria before returning to MultiChoice. In October 2011, he returned to MultiChoice Nigeria and became the Managing Director. He later assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer.

Work and Achievements

Ugbe is known for driving major developments in the pay-TV space in Nigeria. Some of his notable achievements include:

• Introduction of GOtv to make pay-TV more affordable
  
• Launch of Africa Magic channels in Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo
  
• Growth of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA)
  
• Establishment of the MultiChoice Talent Factory to train filmmakers
  

Through these efforts, he has helped promote Nigerian content, culture, and local talent across Africa.

In 2021, he was elected Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria. His focus has included improving broadcast standards and supporting the growth of the media sector.

He was named CEO of the Year (Media & Entertainment) at the 2020 BrandCom Awards, as well as many more others.

John Ugbe is married and has two sons. He met his wife during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme. He still has an interest in art and fashion.