Funke Egbemode Biography, Early Life, Education, Career, Personal Life, Awards (Update ) Full Breakdown & Details

Funke Egbemode is one of Nigeria’s most respected journalists and media leaders. Over a career that has lasted more than thirty years, she has worked as a reporter, editor, columnist, and president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. She became the first person ever to be re-elected as president of the Guild. In 2020 she moved from the newsroom to government when she was appointed Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State. Even in 2026, she continues to write popular newspaper columns that millions of Nigerians read every week. This article tells her story in a simple and clear way, from her childhood in Osun State to her many achievements in media and public service.

Early Life

Funke Egbemode was born in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria. Her birth name is Funke Aderanti. She grew up in the towns of Iwo and Osogbo where Yoruba culture and community life are strong. Her father is Joseph Aderanti and her mother was Florence Aderanti, who has passed away. Growing up in a close family, she learned the value of education, respect, and asking questions. These early lessons shaped the way she later wrote about everyday life in her columns. As a young girl, she enjoyed listening to stories from elders and reading whatever books she could find. The experiences of her childhood in Osun State gave her a deep understanding of Nigerian family life, an understanding she still uses in her writing today.

Education

Funke started her schooling at Baptist Practising Primary School in Iwo, Osun State. She later attended Baptist Girls High School in Osogbo. Both schools helped her build a strong foundation in reading, writing, and discipline. After secondary school, she gained admission to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where she studied English Studies and graduated around 1988. To prepare for a career in journalism, she went on to obtain a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos. This combination of a university degree in English and professional journalism training gave her the perfect skills to write clearly, research well, and tell stories that people want to read.

Career

Funke Egbemode began her journalism journey as a staff writer at Prime People magazine. In 1993 she joined The Punch newspaper and worked there until 2000. During those years she covered many important stories and learned how to report accurately. After leaving Punch, she worked at Post Express, ThisDay, and Saturday Independent newspapers. Each move helped her grow and handle bigger responsibilities.

She later became Editor of Sunday Sun at Daily Sun newspaper, a position that allowed her to lead a team and shape weekend reading for millions of Nigerians. In 2006 the United States Information Service invited her to cover the American mid-term elections, an experience that widened her view of global journalism.

She rose to become Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph newspaper. While leading New Telegraph, she guided the paper through the shift from print to digital news.

Her biggest leadership role came when she was elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. She served two full terms and became the first person in the Guild’s history to be re-elected. During her time as president, she fought for better pay for journalists, safety on the job, and the fight against fake news.

She has been a board member of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria since 2006 and also headed the Nigerian chapter of the International Press Institute.

In 2020 she accepted an appointment as Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State under Governor Gboyega Oyetola. In that role she used her media experience to help the government communicate clearly with citizens.

Even after entering government, she never stopped writing. As of 2026 she still writes weekly columns for The Sun and Premium Times. Her popular columns include “Intimate Affairs,” “Adam’s Apple,” and “What Women Want,” where she gives practical advice on marriage, family, and relationships.

Here are the main steps of her career in simple list form:

Staff writer at Prime People magazine

Reporter and writer at The Punch (1993 to 2000)

Worked at Post Express, ThisDay, and Saturday Independent

Editor of Sunday Sun at Daily Sun newspaper

Covered United States mid-term elections in 2006

Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph

President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (two terms, first person re-elected)

Board member of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria since 2006

Commissioner for Information, Osun State (2020 onwards)

Weekly columnist for The Sun and Premium Times in 2026

Awards and Recognitions

Funke Egbemode has received several important honors for her work. Some of the major ones are listed below:

• Named the 9th Most Powerful Woman in Nigerian Journalism by Women in Journalism Africa (WiJAfrica)
• Included in the list of the 25 Most Powerful Female Journalists in Nigeria
• Awarded Media Personality of the Year in April 2026
• First and only re-elected President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors
• Selected by the United States Information Service in 2006 to cover American elections These awards show the respect she has earned from colleagues and the wider media community for her skill, leadership, and commitment to truthful reporting.

Personal Life

Funke Egbemode was married to Nicholas Adedotun Egbemode, who passed away some years ago. She is now a widow and keeps most details of her private life away from the public. She often uses her own life experiences to give honest advice in her relationship columns without sharing unnecessary personal information. Her writings show that she values family, culture, and mutual respect in marriage. She is proud of her Yoruba roots and sometimes writes about the importance of teaching children the Yoruba language and traditions.

Conclusion

Funke Egbemode’s journey from a small town in Osun State to the top of Nigerian journalism is an inspiring example of hard work, talent, and determination. She broke barriers for women in a field that was once dominated by men. She led the Nigerian Guild of Editors with courage, served her state as a commissioner, and continues to teach millions through her weekly columns. Her life shows that one person who stays honest and committed can make a real difference in media and society. As of 2026 she remains active, writing and speaking on issues that matter to everyday Nigerians. Her story encourages young people, especially girls, to dream big and work hard to achieve their goals.

FAQs

Who is Funke Egbemode?

She is a leading Nigerian journalist, former president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and current columnist who also served as Osun State Commissioner for Information.

Where and when was she born?

She was born in Osun State, Nigeria. The exact date is not publicly shared.

What is her educational background?

Primary and secondary education in Osun State schools, Bachelor’s degree in English Studies from Obafemi Awolowo University (around 1988), and Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.

What newspapers has she worked for?

Prime People, The Punch, Post Express, ThisDay, Saturday Independent, Daily Sun, and New Telegraph (where she was Managing Director).

What is her most famous column?

Many readers love her relationship columns such as “Intimate Affairs,” “Adam’s Apple,” and “What Women Want.”

Has she ever worked outside Nigeria?

In 2006 she was invited by the United States to cover the mid-term elections.

What government position does she hold?

She is the Commissioner for Information and Orientation in Osun State (appointed in 2020).

Is she still writing in 2026?

Yes, she writes regular columns for The Sun newspaper and Premium Times.

What awards has she won?

Among others, Media Personality of the Year 2026, 9th Most Powerful Woman in Nigerian Journalism, and recognition as the only re-elected president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors.

Who was her husband?

Her late husband was Nicholas Adedotun Egbemode. She is widowed.