Tade Ogidan biography, career achievements, net worth, appointment

Akintade Ogidan, popularly known as Tade Ogidan, is a renowned Nigerian film and television screenwriter, producer, and director whose work has been instrumental in shaping the Nollywood industry over the past four decades.

Renowned for his creative vision and unwavering dedication, Ogidan has earned multiple awards and critical acclaim.

His expertise and influence recently led to his appointment to the Board of Directors of Tantalizers Plc, a pioneering company blending food services with entertainment.

Profile summary

Name: Akintade Ogidan

Date of birth: July 1960

Place of birth: Lagos

Tribe: Yoruba

Education: Eastern New Mexico University, USA

Religion: Christianity

Career: Movie Producer, Director

Background

Born in July 1960 in Lagos, Nigeria, Tade Ogidan was raised by middle-class parents, Akinola and Rachael Ogidan in Surulere, a vibrant suburb of Lagos State, Nigeria.

He began his formal education at Government Demonstration School and Surulere Baptist School, before attending Ekiti Parapo College in Ido-Ekiti for his early secondary education.

He completed his secondary schooling at Maryland Comprehensive Secondary School, Ikeja, graduating in 1978.

Seeking higher education abroad, Ogidan enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico, USA, and later attended the State University of New York, Buffalo.

These academic experiences broadened his horizons and helped him develop a disciplined approach to storytelling and production.

Career highlights

Ogidan returned to Nigeria and fulfilled his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) obligations from 1982 to 1983 at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) in Lagos.

He quickly transitioned into a full-time producer and director role at NTA Channel 10, while also serving as a continuity announcer for NTA 2 – Channel 5.

During his eight years at NTA, Ogidan produced and directed numerous drama series and specials, including:

• Play of the week
• Tele Theatre
• Legal angle
• The new village headmaster

He also gained recognition for acclaimed episodes like Blinking Hope, The Boys Next Door and To Save a Falling Angel.

Notably, The Reign of Abiku, written by Sola Osofisan and directed by Ogidan, won several awards at the Nigerian Festival of Television Programmes (NIFETEP) 1986.

Additionally, he contributed to magazine shows such as ‘SUNNY SIDE OF LIFE’ hosted by Patrick Ityohegh, demonstrating his versatility across different television formats.

In 1990, Tade Ogidan left NTA to establish OGD Pictures, Ltd., a private production company named after his surname.

Over the years, he has produced and directed some of Nigeria’s most celebrated films, including:

• Owo Blow
• Out of Bounds
• Hostages
• Diamond Ring
• Saving Alero
• Ayomida
• Dangerous Twins
• Aya mi òwòn: Madam Dearest
• Family on Fire
• Playing Games
• Gold Statue

Most of these films have earned multiple awards locally and internationally, cementing Ogidan’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker.

Other ventures

Tade Ogidan’s creative influence extends beyond film. His OGD Pictures team has been instrumental in producing:

Television series like Behind the Siege, Crime Fighters, The Intern, and The next titan.

TV commercials for top brands such as Crystal Bank, First Bank, FCMB, Nigeria Airways, Royco, Maggi, Ajinomoto, Close Up Toothpaste, and Arik Air.

Major live events including the Lagos State Governor’s Education Awards (2013 & 2014), showcasing hundreds of public school students performing alongside Nollywood stars

Ogidan also launched the OGD All Stars music project, a unique collaboration featuring dozens of Nigerian actors and musicians, blending cinematic storytelling with music.

Personal life

Tade Ogidan is married with children. Despite his demanding career, he has maintained a stable family life while mentoring younger creatives in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Recent appointment

In September 2025, Tantalizers Plc announced Tade Ogidan’s appointment to its Board of Directors.

This strategic move aligns with the company’s vision to evolve into a “foodtainment” business model, integrating food services with entertainment experiences to attract and engage customers.

Ogidan’s wealth of creative and production experience is expected to play a pivotal role in this transformation.

Net worth

Tade Ogidan has an estimated net worth of  about $3 million earned from his career in the entertainment industry and other ventures.