Ehi Braimah was born on March 21, 1963, in Iruekpen, Ekpoma, a town within the Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. His parents, Pa Benjamin Aluya Braimah and Madam Rose Osovbakhia Braimah, guided his early years as he attended several primary schools across Auchi, Benin City in Edo State, and Ughelli in Delta State. At ten years old, Ehi began his secondary education at Government College, Ughelli, where he stood out as one of the smallest in his class, with a slender frame that made him particularly noticeable. Despite this, his academic prowess quickly earned him respect, as he secured the top position in his class by the end of the first term, an achievement that surprised many, including his classmate, Sam Omatseye, now a renowned columnist and Chairman of the Editorial Board at The Nation newspaper.
Following his early academic success, Ehi advanced to the University of Benin, where he pursued a degree in Industrial Mathematics, graduating in 1986. Upon completing his studies, he served in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) at the Anambra State College of Education in Awka, then newly established. Shortly after, he embarked on a professional journey that began in the late 1980s at Complete Communications Limited, under the mentorship of the late Dr. Emmanuel Sunny Ojeagbase. Ehi joined the company just months before a close associate, and the two shared not only office space but also an official vehicle for several years, building a strong professional camaraderie.
Despite his background in mathematics, Ehi was drawn to writing early in his career, leading him to Ojeagbase’s publishing company, where he began as a proofreader. His dedication soon saw him promoted to roles such as sub-editor and research assistant on Complete Football magazine. When the company expanded its portfolio to include Climax, a general interest publication, Ehi transitioned to this new title, initially as a staff writer, then progressing to roles of greater responsibility, such as general editor and deputy editor. His versatility was further demonstrated when he was appointed the pioneering editor of International Soccer Review (ISR), where he crafted memorable features, including a cover story on the Italian footballer Pierluigi Casiraghi, which remains a highlight in his career.
In addition to his work ethic, Ehi was known for his active social life, balancing the demands of journalism with building an impressive network. He frequented Niteshift, a popular Lagos nightclub and hub for influential figures of the time, where he eventually became president of the Glamour Boys of Nigeria (GBN). This role further broadened his professional reach and provided him with a stepping stone into public relations. By 1991, Ehi transitioned to Ideas Communications Limited, joining Mr. Yemi Akeju, a distinguished figure in the field, as Head of Media Relations and later advancing to General Manager. During his tenure, he oversaw events such as the Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA), the foremost media awards in Nigeria, solidifying his standing in the industry.
In 1995, Ehi continued to expand his career by joining Whitewood Group, where he contributed significantly to the company’s growth in event marketing, media relations, and brand development. After a successful four-year tenure, he decided to co-found TQA Communications Limited in May 1999, serving as Executive Director until 2008. Eventually, Ehi ventured independently, establishing Neo Media & Marketing in October 2008. This company quickly gained recognition, offering public relations and marketing consultancy services to notable clients like Nigerian Breweries, Coca-Cola, Unilever, PZ, and Promasidor. In 2013, Neo Media was celebrated as one of the top 50 fastest-growing companies in Nigeria, an accolade awarded by the Allworld Network in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
Ehi’s entrepreneurial spirit led him beyond media, as he diversified into hospitality with the founding of Adna Hotel in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, which opened in 2011. Known for its welcoming atmosphere, Adna Hotel embodies Ehi’s meticulous standards and attention to detail, offering guests a “home away from home” experience. The establishment stands as a testament to his organizational skills and his commitment to quality, setting a new benchmark for boutique hotels in the area.
Throughout his varied career, Ehi has never strayed far from his roots in publishing. He remains a close collaborator with Complete Communications Limited, continuing his involvement in journalism alongside his other ventures. As Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Naija Times, he was recently honored with the prestigious Chancellor’s Alumni Award from the University of Roehampton in London, an acknowledgment of his commitment to journalism and societal betterment. Ehi was among 20 recipients, including three Nigerians, who were awarded the Alumni Innovation and Inspiration Award for their contributions.
The award citation highlighted Ehi’s work with Naija Times, particularly his balanced reporting during the 2023 Nigerian presidential election. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his advocacy for political and economic reform were commended, underscoring his role as a leader in promoting high standards and combating corruption within the media landscape.
