Yvonne Okwara Announces Departure from Citizen TV After 20-Year Media Career

Renowned journalist and news anchor Yvonne Okwara has announced her departure from Citizen TV after eight years with the station, marking the end of her 20-year career in the media industry.

Okwara made the announcement in an emotional on-air farewell, thanking her colleagues, mentors, and viewers who have supported her throughout her career. “It has been my greatest honour to serve you,” Okwara said in her farewell address. “You have watched my career blossom from its infancy to this point, 20 years later. Thank you for your support, your feedback, your critique.“

During her two-decade career, Okwara has interviewed presidents, CEOs, world leaders, activists, political actors, and ordinary citizens. She has been present for some of the most significant conversations in the country and has built a reputation for her incisive interviewing style and commitment to holding power to account.

Reflecting on her journey, Okwara emphasised the importance of journalism in a democratic society. “I’ve always believed that asking the question matters. That holding power to account matters. That giving ordinary people a voice matters. And that in its own small way, journalism can help us build a better country.“

Known for her passionate approach to storytelling, Okwara addressed those who have criticised her emotional style: “If over the years I have been accused of being too emotional, I will take that. Of course, I am emotional. I am passionate about this country. I want to see it succeed.“

While she did not specify her next professional endeavour, she made clear that her departure marks a new beginning rather than an ending. “After 20 years of building this ship, it is time to build another,” she said. “I am not done building. I’m simply moving to build something else.”

She leaves with the same optimism and curiosity she brought to the industry two decades ago, urging viewers to continue demanding accountability and believing in the country’s potential. “Keep asking the right questions, keep demanding better, keep holding power to account, keep believing that this country is worth fighting for, because it is, and it must be, together.“

Okwara sent special thanks to her family, describing them as her “biggest fans and biggest critics” and thanking them for their support throughout her career.