Veteran Nigerian journalist Kadaria Ahmed has narrated how fear and uncertainty surrounded her first appearance on television in 2011, a moment she says later became a turning point in her professional career.

Writing in a personal reflection published on March 13, 2026, Ahmed explained that before 2011 her journalism career had largely taken place behind the scenes. She began her career at the BBC in London, where she worked mainly in radio as a producer, occasionally producing television content but deliberately avoiding on-screen roles.

By 2011, she had returned to Nigeria and was serving as Editor of the investigative newspaper NEXT when she received an unexpected call from a former colleague and close friend, Uduak Amimo. At the time, Amimo had joined NN24, a Nigerian news channel founded by Tony Dara.

NN24, in partnership with CNN, was preparing to host Nigeria’s 2011 presidential debates, aimed at giving Nigerians the opportunity to question candidates seeking the country’s highest office. The organizers hoped the initiative would help establish televised political debates as a permanent feature of Nigeria’s democratic process.

CNN had initially selected its anchor Jonathan Mann to moderate the debate, but organizers also wanted a Nigerian journalist who understood the country’s political landscape. Amimo suggested Ahmed for the role.

According to Ahmed, the arrangement seemed logical on paper—Mann would bring international broadcasting experience while she would provide local political context. In reality, however, the prospect terrified her, as she had avoided television throughout her career.

Despite her hesitation, she eventually accepted after encouragement from Amimo.

Preparations began for two debates: the vice-presidential debate scheduled for March 11, 2011, and the presidential debate on March 18 at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where the organizers and moderators were also lodged.

Ahmed said she and Mann met with the NN24 Presidential Debate Committee, which included prominent Nigerians such as Mohammed Haruna and Joe Keshi, to review questions covering key sectors including the economy, education, security, healthcare and governance.

However, just two hours before the first debate was scheduled to begin, the situation changed dramatically. CNN withdrew from the programme after reports that the ruling People's Democratic Party and the incumbent president, Goodluck Jonathan, would not participate.

With CNN’s withdrawal, Mann also left the event, leaving Ahmed to moderate the debate alone.

“I panicked,” Ahmed recalled, explaining that she had never anchored a television programme before and suddenly found herself responsible for moderating a national vice-presidential debate.

Despite her initial refusal, encouragement from the NN24 team—particularly Amimo and Dara—convinced her to proceed.

The debate eventually took place on March 11, 2011, although the vice-presidential candidate of the ruling party, Namadi Sambo, did not attend.

Ahmed said she was extremely nervous during the broadcast, noting that viewers who watch the recording may notice her repeatedly licking her lips because her mouth had become completely dry.

She described the experience as both terrifying and deeply rewarding, adding that the event ultimately marked the beginning of her journey in television broadcasting.

Ahmed also expressed gratitude to Amimo for believing in her abilities at a time when she doubted herself.

However, she revealed that the two have since lost contact due to a misunderstanding, despite her attempts to apologise.

“I still miss her friendship terribly,” Ahmed wrote, adding that she hopes one day Amimo might forgive her and restore their friendship.