1. THE BEGINNING (1859 – Early 1900s): The history of journalism in Nigeria dates back to 1859, when Rev. Henry Townsend, a missionary of the Church Missionary Society (CMS), established the first newspaper in Nigeria Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba Ati Yoruba. Iwe Irohin was published in Abeokuta and written in the Yoruba language (later also in English). Its main purpose was to educate the Yoruba people, spread Christianity, and promote literacy. It laid the foundation for the print media in Nigeria. Unfortunately, Iwe Irohin stopped publication in 1867 due to the Egba–European conflict.
2. THE GROWTH OF INDIGENIOUS PRESS (1900 – 1930s): After Iwe Irohin, the Nigerian press became more political and nationalistic, with newspapers emerging in Lagos and other regions.
Key Newspapers of This Era Include:
– The Lagos Times (1880) founded by Richard Beale Blaize.
– The Lagos Observer (1882).
– The Eagle and Lagos Critic (1883).
– The Lagos Weekly Record (1890) edited by John Payne Jackson, one of the earliest nationalist journalists.
These publications began criticizing colonial policies and became platforms for African self-determination and anti-colonial advocacy.
3. THE RISE OF NATIONALIST PRESS (1930s – 1950s): This was the golden age of Nigerian journalism, when newspapers became tools for nationalism and independence struggle. Prominent figures and newspapers: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe founded West African Pilot (1937). It inspired other nationalist papers across the country. Motto: “Show the light and the people will find the way.” Obafemi Awolowo established The Nigerian Tribune (1949), which still exists today. Ernest Ikoli founded The Daily Service. These newspapers mobilized public opinion against colonialism and played a major role in Nigeria’s road to independence (1960).
4. POST-INDEPENDENCE ERA (1960 – 1970s): After independence, journalism became more diversified and commercialized. The government, political parties, and private individuals owned newspapers. Notable papers included The Daily Times, New Nigerian, and The Sketch. Radio and television broadcasting began to grow with Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in 1959 being the first in Africa. During the military regimes (1966–1979), the press faced censorship, arrests, and intimidation, yet it remained a powerful voice for democracy and accountability.
5. THE ERA OF PRESS STRUGGLE (1980s – 1990s): This period was marked by authoritarian rule and press repression. Newspapers like The Guardian, Tell, The News, and Punch stood out for investigative journalism and bold criticism of military governments. Journalists faced harassment, detentions, and sometimes exile. Despite this, the press became a symbol of resistance and democracy.
6. THE MODERN ERA (2000s – PRESENT): With the return to democracy in 1999, Nigerian journalism entered a new phase: Freedom of the press improved, though challenges remain. Social media (Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, Thread, etc) has become a major tool for citizen journalism, activism, and information dissemination.
