The Maison des Médias Thomas Mégnassan in Benin has a new director, Ulrich Vital Ahotondji, who took over on September 24, 2026. He was appointed by the Special Assembly of the Union of Benin's Media Professionals (Upmb) and the National Council of Press and Audiovisual Patronage (Cnpa-Bénin). Ahotondji succeeds Alain Sessou, who led the institution for 14 years. The handover ceremony was attended by Hervé Prudence Hessou, Vice-President of the Special Assembly.
The appointment of Ulrich Vital Ahotondji follows a decision made on September 22, 2026. He is responsible for the administrative and financial management of the Maison des Médias, which is under the authority of the Board of Directors. Ahotondji has experience in the media sector, having led the ninth mandate of the Observatory of Deontology and Ethics in Media (Odem) since his election in March 2023 for a three-year term.
During his tenure at Odem, Ahotondji oversaw the update of the Code of Deontology and Ethics in Media, which had not been revised since 1999. He is also the promoter of the Educ'Action press group. His appointment to the Maison des Médias marks a new stage in his career in the media sector. Ahotondji's predecessor, Alain Sessou, handed over documents and a summary of his management to the new director.
The handover ceremony was conducted in the presence of institution advisors. Alain Sessou wished his successor success in his new role. After 14 years at the helm of the Maison des Médias, Sessou leaves behind a legacy. Hervé Prudence Hessou assured Ahotondji of the Special Assembly's availability to support him in his mission.
Hessou emphasized the importance of collaboration between the direction and the Special Assembly to address the challenges facing the institution. The appointment of Ulrich Vital Ahotondji follows a process that began several months ago. An appeal for candidatures was launched on June 15, 2026, for the recruitment of administrative and support staff.
The deadline for submissions was extended several times, with the final closure on July 17, 2026. However, the procedure was declared unsuccessful, leading to an extraordinary session of the Special Assembly on July 31, 2026. Ahotondji's nomination was subsequently approved.
With his experience in the media sector and his achievements at Odem, Ulrich Vital Ahotondji is expected to bring new perspectives to the Maison des Médias. His appointment has been welcomed by stakeholders, who look forward to seeing the impact of his leadership on the institution.
Key points
- Ulrich Vital Ahotondji has been appointed as the new director of Benin's Maison des Médias, succeeding Alain Sessou after 14 years.
- Ahotondji has experience in the media sector, having led the Observatory of Deontology and Ethics in Media (Odem) and promoted the Educ'Action press group.
- The appointment follows a process that began several months ago, with Ahotondji expected to bring new perspectives to the Maison des Médias.
