The Nation Newspaper

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  • Governors, UNESCO, others score The Nation high

    THE rollcall of those patting The Nation on the back for its contribution to print journalism increased yesterday with goodwill messages from local and international organisations, governors and businessmen, as well as professional bodies. They described the newspaper as a major player in the media industry and urged its management to build on the landmarks recorded in the past 10 years. Those who sent in goodwill messages yesterday include:

    Okezie Ikpeazu: It has been 10 years of robust journalism

    “The Nation newspaper has created its trailblazing footprints in mainstream and social media publication in Nigeria in the past 10 years of robust journalism.

    “The management and members of staff should not to relent in their drive to maintain their position as the widest circulating national newspaper in the country.

    “They should continue to provide balanced information in the reportage to the reading public and deepen existing partnership with our government by reporting more on the positive developments across the state.

    “The newspaper should also support our administration’s ‘Made in Aba’ campaign through focused feature stories and community reporting that will let the world know that Aba and Abia State are open for business in support of the local economy.”

    “The government and people of Abia State wish the newspaper many more years of celebration of journalistic excellence.”

     

    Abdulfatah Ahmed: It’s the voiceless’ authentic voice

    “The Nation newspaper has been consistent in standard and advocacy for the greater but deprived majority of Nigerians.

    “It has remained the authentic voice of the voiceless and an abode of versatile journalists contributing immensely to national discourse.  It has upped the ante in ensuring that our democratic practice grows in the face of numerous challenges.

    “I have observed in the past ten years that The Nation adheres strictly to basic principles of professionalism.

    “Congratulations to The Nation at 10.”

     

    Peter Obi: It’s 10 years of purposeful, focused journalism

    “It has been 10 years of purposeful and focused journalism.

    “When you juxtapose The Nation with 10 years, its achievements towered above an institution that was just ten years.

    “Those who work at The Nation are among the best in the industry. This can be verified by the number of awards the newspaper and its workers have garnered over the years.

    “While wishing the management and staff many more fruitful and happy years, they should keep the flag flying and remain consistent in the quality of its editorials, which always designed to offer direction to the country.

     

    Abike Dabiri-Erewa: The Nation has upheld journalism etiquettes

    “This is to felicitate with the entire management and staff of Vintage Press Nigeria Limited on your attainment of a decade in news publication.

    “It is gratifying to note that since you hit the newsstand 10 years ago, your media team has brought professionalism to the front burner with the upholding of journalism etiquettes.

    “I urge your team to keep up the principles of accuracy, speed and balancing in all sphere of reportage of events so that your peers in the publishing industry will emulate your footsteps.

    “While wishing the management and staff of the Vintage Press Limited many more useful years in the service of mankind, I wish you well in all your future endeavours.

    “Accept the assurances of the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora.

    “Once again, congratulations and happy 10th anniversary in the service of the nation.”

     

    Uchechukwu Ogah: Vision, teamwork behind meteoric rise

    “It gives me great joy to felicitate with you, the Editorial Board, Management and Staff of Vintage Press Limited on the 10th Anniversary of The Nation newspaper.

    “Your 10th anniversary clearly demonstrates the fact with doggedness, forthrightness, dedication, vision, team work and focus, one can achieve his set objectives, given your meteoric rise to the top echelon of national newspaper in Nigeria. The quantum of your achievement also validates the saying that it is not how long have been in existence but how well that matters.

    “There is no denying the fact that The Nation has contributed so much in the shaping of national discourse. The newspaper has a cream of talented and well motivated writers that have positioned the newspaper to what it is today. The richness and objectivity fo your editorial contents is a delight to read. Needless to say that your daily circulation, even to the remotest areas is a very big plus for you.

    “It is my prayer that God will continue to guide you and take you to greater heights, while I challenge you to remain dispassionate in your report of issues that will continue to educate, inform and entertain your broad based readers”.

     

    Master Energy Group: The Nation has carved a niche

    “It is remarkable knowing that The Nation newspaper is 10 years.  More remarkable is the fact the newspaper has carved a name and niche for it self within the last decade of its existence. Your venture into the media industry has yielded immense benefit to the extent that The Nation has become a major player in the newspaper stable.

    “You have a rich blend of talented and experienced journalists who have newspape to a position of prominience in Nigeria’s media clime. There is no doubt that The Nation is easily counted among the national newspapers coupled with your practice of responsible journalism has won you numerous admirers, and make The Nation newspaper a must read.

    “We are very proud of your achievements in the last 10 years and we are happy to be associated with you. We wish you many more  profoud successes as you begin a new journey to greater years ahead”

    Emeka Ogah…Vice Preident, Masters Energy Group.

     

    Benoit Sossou: The Nation has  reshaped journalism

    “UNESCO appreciates the efforts of The Nation in reshaping the practice of journalism in the country.

    “The newspaper has contributed immensely to the development of the country through vibrant, fearless and objective reportage which has helped to build a solid reputation as a reliable partner of the United Nations (UN) in Nigeria.

    “The Nation has achieved a lot in providing information, education and entertainment which have helped in shaping the society.

    “There will be a stronger collaboration in future on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 16 that focuses on the public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms between the media organisation and UNESCO.”

     

    Chief Oji Ngofa: It’s a daily menu to many Nigerians

    ”The newspaper has made tremendous impact. Its objectivity and fervent stand for the common good and progress of Nigeria has endeared it to me. For me, The Nation is my daily stable on political and economic events in Nigeria”

     

    Babatunde Odele: The Nation is balanced, unbiased

    “The Nation is a balanced newspaper disseminating unbiased, sound and investigative journalism in business, judiciary, health, political, entertainment, foreign and local news to esteemed Nigerian readers in the past 10 years.

    “Your newspaper since its inception had been a trail blazer in the print media, the voice of the oppressed in the united committee of nations.

    “Your reportage is unequal in news measure. Your editorial team is fantastic in journalism balance at the editorial level.

    “Please keep the news banner flying ahead of your competitors as you have just counted another 10 years of successful print journalism in Nigeria.”

    … Minister-in-Charge, C&S Salem Evangelical Church of Christ, Ilupeju, Lagos.

     

    Licensed Customs Agents: It’s a leader in analytical reportage

    “We join millions of Nigerians across the length and breadth of this great country in congratulating The Nation newspaper on its 10th anniversary as a national tabloid.

    “Your incisive, investigative and analytical reportage are second to none. On daily basis, one is routinely fed with well written and researched information on national and international spheres by your  highly innovative and committed team.

    “One couldn’t have expected anything less from such an array of stars that are known for spectacular awards and distinctive recognitions in the journalism industry.

    “While looking forward to a more cordial and robust relationship with your esteemed organisation, kindly accept our sincere congratulations on this remarkable feat”.

    … Prince Olayiwola Shittu, National President, ANLCA.

     

    Rivers State APC: The Nation is bastion of democray struggle

    “The Nation has become the bastion of democratic sustenance in Nigeria.

    “Behold, I do feel, and I am sure many Nigerians will attest, that newspaper has made more impact within just 10 years than any known newspaper has done in Nigeria within same time frame. One can only wish the newspaper and those driving it well.”

    Chris Finebone

    … Rivers State APC spokesman.

  • THE NATION @ 10

    Sani Bello:
    The Nation has
    redefined
    journalism

    “I congratulate the management and staff of Vintage Press Nigeria Limited, publishers of The Nation Newspaper for your doggedness, forthrightness and factual reportage in the last one decade of the existence of the title.

    “Your newspaper has continued to brace the trail in investigative journalism, in-depth and incisive analysis and reporting on politics, commerce, sports and international affairs. Human interest stories and life transforming columns on your weekend titles make you copy a must read.

    “The Nation newspaper within this short life span has become the reference point for politicians, Captains of industry, banking and finance while the weekly Campus Life pullout has endeared youth and students of tertiary institutions to the newspaper.

    “I commend the legendary role played by the paper in deepening our democratic ethos and helping in sustaining the nation’s nascent democracy. The paper has never reneged in serving as the voice of the voiceless, champion of true democracy, human right, justice and promoter of national unity, cohesion and progress”.

    Mudashiru Obasa:
    The Nation lives
    up to Nigerians’
    expectation

    “It is the 10th year existence of a ‘‘foremost whistle blower and truth bearer in the media industry.

    “In 10 years as a ‘‘major and vibrant source of veritable and dependable information,’’ The Nation has lived up to the expectation of members of the public as a media organisation whose preoccupation is not only telling the ‘Truth in Defence of Freedom’ but ‘standing firm in promoting transparency, rule of law and democratic governance.’

    ‘‘It is on record that you have demonstrated  uncommon zeal,  energetic character, resourcefulness,  overwhelming intelligence and uprightness in carrying out the responsibility of nation building through your unbiased publication that keeps the government and the governed on their toes since inception.

    “The newspaper has remained a formidable force and beautiful pride to all lovers of investigative journalism, democracy and good governance.

    “The organisation’s philosophy that aligns with the change mantra which characterises operations of governments at all levels.

    ‘‘The attitude and language you put into your publication is a pointer to your drive towards making the country great again.

    “Through your stories, you have shown that media organisations can be fair and objective in their publications.

    “I wish the newspaper many more years of responsible reporting and selfless service to Nigeria. The management and members of staff should keep up the good work.’’

    Gbenga Ashafa:
    It’s a dependable news source

    “This is indeed a reflection of the newspaper’s motto: “Truth in Defence of Freedom”.

    “Over the past 10 year, I have come to depend and rely on The Nation newspaper for daily updates of news and intellectual perspective of your various columnists. These are conscientious writers who communicate the pulse of the nation on almost every topical issue.

    “I must also recall the roll of The Nation in ensuring a free and fair electioneering process in 2015, which culminated in the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls. Being the conscience of the nation and the voice of the people, your organisation played this role, without being partisan.

    “While the steady rise of The Nation is not completely surprising, it remains commendable and outstanding. In 10 years, the newspaper has become a multiple award-winning newspaper with nation spread.

    “Once again, I celebrate you and The Nation in a new decade that would dwarf the best of achievements so far”

    Oloruntola Sunday:
    It has groomed budding journalists

    “The Nation has done well in upholding the code of journalism in Nigeria.

    “The contributions of the newspaper to the development and grooming of young journalists through its Campus Life segment is worthy of mention

    “It has provided opportunities to groom students, especially those from UNILAG. The Mass Communication Department will continually welcome partnership and support in developing the profession of journalism in Nigeria.

    “We wish that you continue in reporting the truth and supporting the next generation.”

    … Lecturer, UNILAG Mass

    Comminucation Department

    Florence Ita-Giwa:
    It’s fearless in
    ventilating ideas

    It’s truly professional newspapers

    “The Nation has risen above partisan politics in ventilating the ideas of all Nigerians irrespective of their political leanings.

    “The medium has supported its course with thunderous editorials in the past and has allowed her opinions on national issues to be published freely without it being killed.

    “Other newspapers should abide strictly with the ethos of objectivity in news reporting like The Nation and as such playing their role as the fourth estate of the realm.

    “I heartily congratulate the publisher, management and staff of The Nation newspaper as they clock 10. Inspite of the fact that the past years had been challenging, The Nation has distinguished itself as a medium that can be trusted and that cannot be gagged due to ownership influence which naturally tilts news reportage and coverage especially when it does not represent the interest of its owner.

    “ I have noted their candour and objectivity without sentiments even when political interests are not the same. They have supported the Bakassi struggle with their editorials, interviews and other writings and I urge all media organisations not to deviate from its ethics because they represent the voice of the voiceless and the downtrodden in the society.”

    Waheed Odusile:
    A dogged newspaper in democratic struggle

    “We salute the doggedness of The Nation newspaper in the quest for democracy through quality journalism that has for the past 10 years been shown in the fight for freedom to which all Nigerians are entitled to, especially the freedom of thought, and expression and equality before the law

    “Certainly, the struggle to keep your publication over the years on the newstand must have been a herculean task. Yet, you have successfully navigated the murky waters of newspapering to the admiration of most Nigerians.

    “As you continue with this but laudable objective, you will accept once more the re-assurance of the union’s support at all times”

     

  • The Nation in the eyes of Nigerians

    The Nation in the eyes of Nigerians

    MORE goodwill messages poured in for The Nation yesterday to identify with the newspaper on the celebration of its 10th anniversary.
    The messages were from the public and private sectors. They include governors, business executives and party administrators.
    In their goodwill statements, they lauded the leading role the newspaper has played since its debut, urging its management and members of staff not to rest on their oars.
    Below are some of the messages:

    Yakubu Dogara: It’s
    one of the few being
    professionally run

    “The Nation is one of the few newspapers in the country who have stuck to the ethics of journalism. Nigerian journalists should go the extra mile to verify information before presenting them to the public. It is only through qualitative investigative journalism that the press can truly be the watchdog of the society.
    “The power of the press is enormous, so much that it can build or tear down a society. This is so because it has the capacity to drive change in the society through the content of the information it passes to the public. It can motivate, champion and drive development at any given time through agenda setting.
    “In like manner, if it sends the wrong message to the public, it can trigger chaos and the society will take the fall for it.
    “I, therefore, urge the Nigerian press to, on this occasion of the 10th anniversary of The Nation, return to the days when investigative journalism was the hallmark of the profession. If any time is ripe for that, it is now. We need it, our democracy needs it.
    “All information gathered or passed to the press should be put through the furnace of law, ethics and above all the public good to ensure that they can stand the test of time and benefit humanity. Like they say, truth is sacred.”

    Adams Oshiomhole:
    Clearly
    Nigerians’ choice

    “Celebrating 10 years as a leading newspaper on the nation’s media space is an eloquent testimony to the ruggedness, doggedness, perseverance and resilience of the management and staff of The Nation newspaper, which is today the choice of Nigerians across social, cultural, religious and political spectrum.
    “In a world that is increasingly becoming digitalised with the threat of cyber-media, The Nation has consistently remained the ‘Bible’ in the hands of the ordinary Nigerian, captains of industries, opinion moulders, political actors, academics and information managers.
    “To us in Edo State, The Nation remains a newspaper which is served fresh every morning for authentic and unbiased news.
    “This journey of 10 years would not have been this successful and eventful without the huge sacrifices of the management and staff of the newspapers who toil day and night to ensure that the newspaper lives up to its motto; ‘Truth in Defence of Freedom’.
    “They bring to the job uncommon commitment, devotion, diligence, resourcefulness and an abiding faith that has remained unparalleled in the last ten years.
    “We can only demand for more patriotic engagement to keep those in authorities on their toes in service to our nation, in the shared commitment to actualize the destiny of this great newspaper in particular, and our country, in general.
    In Edo, and as partners in this enduring democratic journey, we wish to place on record our appreciation for the balanced reportage extended to us without betraying the vision and mission of the newspaper.
    “Your reportage of issues, news, happenings and initiatives are not only incisive, critical, informative and patriotic, they derive from an informed perspective without minding whose ox is gored.
    “With such a patriotic mindset towards building an egalitarian society in sync with the flourishing ideals of our founding fathers as a nation, we can only continue to encourage and admonish you not to rest on your oars. “Your voice is required more than ever before at this critical time and hour when our nation is faced with many daunting challenges threatening the very foundation of our nationality.
    “Accept from us on behalf of the government and people of Edo state, our hearty congratulations even as we wish you greater achievements in the years ahead as you climb the ladder to your Olympian height.”

    Abdullahi
    Umar Ganduje:
    The Nation should keep the flag flying

    “As one of Nigeria’s leading newspaper, The Nation has not only redefined the journalism profession, but also become one of the earliest sources of news, views, analysis and robust editorial contents.
    “l really appreciate the managerial efficacy of the newspaper, its doggedness, resilience and determination to keep The Nation afloat, despite the daring challenges of the day.
    “Let me encourage that the newspaper keeps the flag flying by remaining a veritable platform for informed analysis while still sticking to the ethics of the profession which has endeared The Nation to the reading public.
    On behalf of the government and good people of Kano State, I congratulate the management and staff on the 10th anniversary of The Nation”

    Sani Bello:
    The Nation has
    redefined
    journalism

    “I congratulate the management and staff of Vintage Press Nigeria Limited, publishers of The Nation Newspaper for your doggedness, forthrightness and factual reportage in the last one decade of the existence of the title.
    “Your newspaper has continued to brace the trail in investigative journalism, in-depth and incisive analysis and reporting on politics, commerce, sports and international affairs. Human interest stories and life transforming columns on your weekend titles make you copy a must read.
    “The Nation newspaper within this short life span has become the reference point for politicians, Captains of industry, banking and finance while the weekly Campus Life pullout has endeared youth and students of tertiary institutions to the newspaper.
    “I commend the legendary role played by the paper in deepening our democratic ethos and helping in sustaining the nation’s nascent democracy. The paper has never reneged in serving as the voice of the voiceless, champion of true democracy, human right, justice and promoter of national unity, cohesion and progress”.

    Emmanuel
    Uduaghan: Hard to believe that The
    Nation is just 10

    “The success recorded by The Nation newspaper is a reward for hard work, doggedness and trailblazing journalism after it hit the newsstand a decade ago.
    “The Nation newspaper stood the test of time and weathered the storm because of its abundant talents, commitment to the ethnics of the profession and dedication to truth.
    “I heartily congratulate and commend the management and staff of Vintage Press Limited, the publishers of The Nation, on this landmark and its successes over the years.
    “It is hard to believe that the paper has been around for just 10 years because of the giant leaps that it has recorded.
    “I therefore admonish the management, staff and everybody connected with the newspaper not to get carried away by the past successes but to remain focused because there are more heights to scale.”

    Adeleke Adeyemo:
    We’ve made tremendous contributions

    “I am joining the league of well wishers to say a big congratulations.
    “There is no doubt that at 10, we (The Nation family) have made tremendous contributions to the growth of intellectual discourse as well as progressive ideas and thus positively influenced direction of the course of Nigeria as a nation.
    “We stand and raise our heads for ‘Truth in Defence of Freedom’.
    “We will forever be grateful to God Almighty for the staff and management who have been exuding doggedness in the face of numerous hostile environmental, commercial, political and economic challenges within which we have been operating.
    “What remains for us is to continue to agree as we always do that looking ahead, there is room for improvement. I want to believe that giving the human resource potential that avails The Nation, the best is yet to come.
    “May the Lord Almighty continue to lift The Nation.
    “Congratulations!”

    Lagos APC: It has
    championed clamour
    for good governance

    “The Nation has in its short span grown to become a reputable institution that has powered the growth of free speech, democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
    “The newspaper has come to stay as a redoubtable bastion of democracy as it played a frontal role in the democratic growth of the country and the rescue of Nigeria from the abyss of decay and corruption.
    “Nigerians should support such organisations as The Nation as it continues to strengthen the establishment of a free society where no man is oppressed.
    “We have been part and parcel of the renowned growth of The Nation in the past 10 years as we continue to see the paper as an irresistible bastion that has promoted and strengthened democracy in Nigeria.
    “The Nation has outgrown its tentative starting years to become a big player in the Nigerian newspaper industry through hard work, diligence and industriousness.
    “Its resolve to the promotion of truth and unbiased reportage stands out and we hail the paper as it continues to tower at a time the newspaper industry is facing tremendous challenges.
    “Lagos APC has been a strong stakeholder in the affairs of The Nation for the past ten years as we continue to relish the paper’s sense of objectivity enviably during the period that midwifed the present change we have in the country.
    “We note the resolve with which The Nation allied with Nigerians, despite several hostile attitudes, worked to promote change in Nigeria. We identify The Nation’s role in strengthening democracy by giving its voice to the voiceless and ensuring that Nigerians have their say in how they are governed.
    “We celebrate The Nation at 10 as it prepares to launch into a more expansive stage of its life. We laud the vision and tenacity behind The Nation as well as the resolve of its staff and management to make it the biggest institution in the newspaper industry.
    “We celebrate the doggedness of The Nation, especially during the 2015 general elections when it ranked foremost among the very few newspapers that stood solidly behind the Nigerian masses in their resolve to effect a change in the way and manner they were governed.
    “We see brighter days ahead for The Nation even in the face of the great challenges that face the Nigerian newspaper industry.
    “As we congratulate and celebrate The Nation at 10 and pray that God will prosper and strengthen the newspaper for the many tasks ahead and as Nigeria undergoes the process of change for the better, we hope The Nation will continue to shine the light on the best way to make progress in a new Nigeria that is emerging.”

    Favour Izoukumor:
    The Nation has
    defended Nigerians

    “The Nation has indeed fought for and defended the freedom of all Nigerians. The history of the Niger Delta people’s agitation for a better deal cannot be complete without paying tributes to the efforts of the fourth estate of the realm, particularly The Nation.
    “The newspaper has set a very high standard for its counterparts and those yet to come; it has remained resolute in fighting for the common man and giving voice to the voiceless in the society. I salute a worthy organisation, a crop of steadfast staff and focused management.”

     

  • The Nation will go higher, says Ifijeh

    The Nation will go higher, says Ifijeh

    THE Nation opted to mark its 10th year anniversary yesterday by giving thanks to God.

    Management and members of staff gathered at the firm’s quadrangle for the one-hour service which included praises to God and prayers.

    The Nation clocked 10 on Sunday having published its first issue on July 31, 2006.

    Managing Director Victor Ifijeh, who lead the team to the ceremony, said he foresaw a great future for the paper from inception, adding that it is destined to go higher.

    In attendance were Executive Director Ade Odunewu, Editorial Board Chairman Sam Omatseye, General Manager Soji Omotunde, Deputy Chairman Editorial Board Tunji Adegboyega and Editorial Page Editor Sanya Oni.

    Also there were Deputy Editor Lawal Ogienagbon, Deputy Editor (News) Adeniyi Adesina, Manager Administration Mrs Folake Adeoye and Advertisement Manager Robinson Osirike, among others.

    Editor (online) Lekan Otufodunrin led the praise and worship session that kicked off the programme before the message and prayer session conducted by Pastor Dapo Awosika of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Gbagada, Lagos.

    The pastor in his exhortation, titled: “Overflowing Grace” counseled the workers to tap into the Overflowing Grace of God so as to enjoy effortless progress.

    Taking his sermon from Zechariah Chapter 4:5-10, he said: “What manifold grace does to you is that it makes you to operate even in the midst of challenges.  This is the season of overflowing grace.  The peculiarity of this season is that we won’t struggle to achieve anything.”

    He urged the workers to be loyal,  dedicated, and to think positively always.

    Ifijeh, who addressed the workers, said The Nation had come this far to be named among the best in the media industry because it put God first.

    He also predicted a glorious future for the paper, which he said many people did not give a chance of survival.

    Ifijeh said: “We started on July 31, 2006.  It seems just like yesterday.  It is unbelievable that we are only 10 years old. Considering the strides we have achieved, you would think the paper has been around for decades.  We were full of hope; we believed the paper would go places.

    “We kept doing it believing that the Almighty would crown our efforts with success.  I have always told my editors that we will do what we are supposed to do; we will plant, we will water, but it is only God that can bring success.

    “When we started some people were hesitant to join us.  They said they were warned that The Nation would go under.  I know one senior editor who advised one of our editors not to join us that by 2007, this paper would die.  I don’t know what he saw, but I know what I saw.  I saw glorious years ahead. I could see as far as the eyes could see.  In 2006, I saw 2016; I saw 2026.  And today, I am seeing 2056; I am seeing 2080 as far as your eyes can see.” The workers clapped ecstasy.

    Ifijeh continued: “You are not the ones doing it; you are only playing your part and the Almighty will bring increase.  I tell people that this paper is destined for greatness.

    “Today, if you mention the first three papers, The Nation is among them; if you mention two papers with influence, The Nation is there; three papers with national spread, The Nation is there; two papers that are authoritative, you will call The Nation; papers that set agenda, papers with good writers; a must read paper, The Nation is there.”

    Ifijeh also thanked the workers for their commitment and tenacity, even when things were rough.  He said up to 50 per cent of those that started the paper were still around.

    “We also thank you for your hard work and commitment.  This would not have been possible without your commitment.  We have not met your expectations but it has not dampened your enthusiasm, commitment and belief in the paper.  The owners of this paper are seeing you.  Through me, they are saying thank you.  I say thank you for believing in us.

    Omatseye, said he saw signs of the paper’s progress from the day he came on board.

    “I was on my way from the United States (U.S.) to Nigeria to join the paper.  I was to arrive on July 31, 2006 but my connecting flight was delayed because of bad weather.  I finally arrived on August 1 and I felt that arriving on the first day, the paper we are starting will be the first,” he said.

    Odunewu, expressed joy that the paper has beaten all odds to survive, particularly during this period of economic hardship.

    The session wrapped up with testimonies of God’s goodness in the  lives of members of staff.

  • What Aregbesola, Ambode, Fashola, Ezekwesili, Ngige, others think of The Nation

    What Aregbesola, Ambode, Fashola, Ezekwesili, Ngige, others think of The Nation

    Rauf Aregbesola:
    The Nation has served democracy, humanity

    “The birth of The Nation with an unusually panoramic editorial spread gives Journalism in Africa a refreshingly new breath. Democracy, humanity have been meritoriously served by this newspaper.”

    Akinwunmi Ambode:
    It’s a veritable platform for informed analysis

    “In 10 years of its existence, The Nation has redefined the scope and shape of Nigeria’s media industry.

    “The newspaper has not only carved a niche for itself, it has in the past decade, been in the forefront of shaping public discourse, through its robust editorial contents, spearheading major news breaks through its exclusive reportage and controlling narratives through its array of foremost columnists.

    “Despite its emergence at a time the media industry was facing a lot of challenges, The Nation, through consistent, vibrant and pragmatic management of news and human resources, has remained steadfast to its mission and vision.

    “The Nation remains a veritable platform for political discourse, informed analysis and development of our economy.

    It is my wish that you continue to champion the progressive ideals that will foster the unity and prosperity of all Nigerians.

    “On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I congratulate the management and staff of Vintage Press Limited, publishers of the Nation for reaching this enviable milestone.”

    Aminu Tambuwal: It has made critical interventions 

    “The people and government of Sokoto State rejoice with your organisation as you mark 10 years on the news stand.

    “In its first decade of existence, The Nation has influenced many aspects of our social, economic and political life. From business and economy to sports, security, politics and entertainment, the newspaper has made critical interventions that have shaped public policy and influenced the actions of those in authority.

    “From its very humble beginning, The Nation has today become a tremendous force whose views are respected nationally and internationally. It not only continues, as always, to give news but also comments on them, criticizes the people and the government, deals with social, political, industrial and religious questions, reviews books and periodicals, ventilates and aggregates views and grievances of the haves and the have-nots.

    “While congratulating you, let me urge you to sustain the tempo and be among the vanguard in the defence of our liberty, diversity, freedom and democracy.”

    Babatunde Fashola: Continue the pursuit of truth

    “Truth in Defence of Freedom is the motto emblazoned on her masthead.

    “Since her arrival on Nigeria’s media stage some of the boundaries of freedom have been expanded but the dynamic and developing nature of our democracy demands that the work must continue.

    “The pursuit of the truth must remain the nation’s compass and gold standard, if she must remain a relevant competitor in the conventional media space and a force to be reckoned with in the new media space.”

    Kashim Shettima: It’s a clear leader in news

    “One of Nigeria’s leading newspapers, The Nation  Group, celebrates its tenth anniversary this week. When you debuted a decade ago, in 2006, the Nigerian media landscape was already familiar with a host of publications, that helped Nigerians come to terms with our lives. But the socio-political context was also a fluid one for a nation of a nascent democracy, that still carried the imprints of the decades of military dictatorship. The media, above all other institutions of civil society, has always been at the forefront of the democratic struggle in our country. And it was therefore no coincidence, that those who muted the idea of The Nation had a deep appreciation of the context against which the newspaper group was midwifed. These are individuals who have become synonymous with the democratic struggle and for a new social order that will be characterised by the rapid development of our country. We welcomed the emergence of The Nation because we were convinced it had a sense of mission and the array of talented journalists, writers and media administrators charged with the emergence of this paper, would help propel its growth. In the decade of its development, we have not been disappointed!

    “The newspaper has become one of the most authoritative titles in Nigeria today. It is a clear leader in news. It carries very forthright and pungent editorials and it has in its stables some of the most informed commentators and columnists of the day. And the fact that it is available all over the country as one of the earliest sources of news,views and analysis, has endeared it to the reading public. That is indeed testimony to the organisational abilities of its team of administrators, journalists and other key support personnel. For us in Borno, the fact that we could reach you early in the morning everyday, has endeared your titles to us. The Nation helps us to connect with the news, views, even the day-to-day stories of ordinary citizens in all corners of the country, creating livelihoods, forging friendships or even arguing, thus helping to shape our collective destiny as a people while underlining the inter-connectedness of our humanity.

    “Similarly, for us in Borno, we will never forget how The Nation  has stood by us during the trying years of the Boko Haram crisis. Your reporters have been objective in coverage of our anti-terror initiatives; your leading columnists have been very sympathetic to the Borno people and your editorials have helped Nigerians and the world at large to understand us better. Our government has not faced hostility from you; your journalism has tried very much to live to the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, especially where it says that the duty of the media is to hold government accountable to the people. I make bold to say that you have kept a sense of your duty to the society in your first decade of existence. I have no doubts in my mind that you will do even better in the next 10 years, and the next 10,  and so on!

    “Happy 10th anniversary to The Nation”

    Udom Emmanuel
    The Nation has redifined journalism profession

    “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Akwa Ibom State, I congratulate you on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of your newspaper – The Nation.

    “In 10 years, the newspaper has re-defined the profession of journalism and uplifted the image of its practitioners as opinion moulders and the guardians of our national trust and ethos.

    “You have been dispassionate and objective in the treatment of news and features and, have refused to use your pages to traffic in incendiary and un-sanitised reportage.

    “As you turn 10, my hope is that you will keep the standard afloat and continue to put your searchlight on issues that bind us as a nation rather than those that divide us.

    “Once again, congratulations!”

    Chris Ngige:
    The newspaper is bold, courageous, incisive, factual

    After a decade of robust journalism, there are many garlands on the mast of the titles published under The Nation. However, it is safe and gratifying to summarise that in such a short while, The Nation is competing favourably for the flagship of the  Nigerian press with others long-founded before it.

    “The Nation has borne true testimony to its motto: Truth in Defence of Freedom. It has penned the truth; it has also defended freedom. It is bold, courageous, incisive, factual, responsible, balanced and objective.  Every medium they say has its own audience. For The Nation, the readership is truly nationwide. All these one can attribute to a very in-depth, articulate and broad minded persons that populate the editorial team.

    “I therefore wish to say bravo and wish you many more years of vigorous and excellent journalism.“

    Adeleke Adeyemo:
    Big congratulations!

    “I am joining the league of our well-wishers to say a big congratulations.

    “There is no doubt that at 10, we (The Nation family) have made tremendous contributions to the growth of intellectual discourse as well as progressive ideas and thus positively influenced direction of the course of Nigeria as a nation.

    “We stand and raise our heads for Truth in Defence of Freedom.

    “We will forever be grateful to God Almighty for the staff and management who have been exuding doggedness in the face of numerous hostile environmental, commercial, political and economic challenges within which we have been operating.

    “What remains for us is to continue to agree as we always do that looking ahead, there is room for improvement. I want to believe that giving the human resource potential that avails The Nation the best is yet to come.

    “May the Lord Almighty continue to lift The Nation.

    “Congratulations.”

    Oby Ezekwesili: The Nation has achieved a strong journalistic pedigree

    “Ten years after The Nation made a grand entry, it has successfully achieved a strong journalistic pedigree by assembling and retaining some of the best minds of their profession. Today, The Nation can arguably be regarded as one of the foremost purveyors of public policy and debate in the Nigerian media space. Nigeria’s democracy can only mature when more of our media joins in that crucial role of the media in agenda setting, influencing policy choices and demanding democratic accountability.

    “Nothing explains this strong performance better than the paper’s adroitness in offering readers the best of two worlds in 21st century journalism. While still being the quintessential traditional news medium, The Nation has evolved into an internet savvy platform that keeps the public informed with ease and speed.”

    James Faleke: A milestone worth celebrating

    The 10 years of the existence of The Nation are  10 years of unmatched robust journalism.

    The Nation brought some refreshing air to  journalism in the country.

    “The Nation came just when the country was in dire need of a refreshing voice in the Fourth Estate of the Realm. It came with a bang, dominating all the major aspects of newspaper reporting, ranging from politics, sports, business and informed commentaries among others. I congratulate The Nation family on this milestone and pray that they continue to soar to many more years of robust journalism ahead.

    “I also urge managers of the newspaper not to rest on their oars. The Nation is going places”

    Congratulations!

     

  • Buhari, Aregbesola, Ambode, others hail The Nation at 10

    Buhari, Aregbesola, Ambode, others hail The Nation at 10

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday led the way in wishing The Nation well at 10. The Nation, Nigeria’s widest circulating newspaper, clocked 10 yesterday.

    “Ten years is a milestone in the life of any organisation”, the President said in his message.

    There will be a service today at the firm’s corporate office in Matori, Lagos, to mark the milestone.

    Governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Kashim Shettima (Borno), Udom Emmanuel (Akwa Ibom) and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola also sent goodwill messages.

    Fashola urged the newspaper to continue the “pursuit of the truth” and remain the nation’s compass and gold standard “if she must remain a relevant competitor in the conventional media space and a force to be reckoned with”.

    To Ambode, The Nation has redefined the scope and shape of Nigeria’s media industry.

    He said: “The newspaper has not only carved a niche for itself, it has in the past decade, been in the forefront of shaping public discourse, through its robust editorial contents, spearheading major news breaks through its exclusive reportage and controlling narratives through its array of foremost columnists.

    “Despite its emergence at a time the media industry was facing a lot of challenges, The Nation Newspaper through consistent, vibrant and pragmatic management of news and human resources, has remained steadfast to its mission and vision.”

    Aregbesola said The Nation gave journalism “a refreshingly new breath”.

    “The birth of The Nation with an unusually panoramic editorial spread gives Journalism in Africa a refreshingly new breath. Democracy, humanity have been meritoriously served by this newspaper,” he said.

    Tambuwal said The Nation in its first decade of existence has “influenced many aspects of our social, economic and political life. From business and economy to sports, security, politics and entertainment, the newspaper has made critical interventions that have shaped public policy and influenced the actions of those in authority”.

    Shettima said The Nation was welcomed because of its “array of talented journalists, writers and media administrators”.

    The newspaper, he said, has not disappointed him.

    “It is a clear leader in news; it carries very forthright and pungent editorials and it has in its stable some of the most informed commentators and columnists of the day. And the fact that it is available all over the country as one of the earliest sources of news, views and analyses, has endeared it to the Nigerian reading public. That is indeed a testimony to the organisational abilities of its entire team of administrators, journalists and other key support personnel. For us in Borno, the fact that we could reach you early in the morning everyday, has endeared your titles to us. The Nation newspapers help us to connect with the news, views, even the day-to-day stories of ordinary citizens in all corners of Nigeria, creating livelihoods, forging friendships or even arguing, thus helping to shape our collective destiny as a people while underlining the inter connectedness of our humanity,” Shettima said.

    Emmanuel said The Nation “has re-defined journalism and uplifted the image of its practitioners as opinion moulders and the guardians of our national trust and ethos”.

    He said the newspaper has been dispassionate and objective in its treatment of news and features and, has refused “to use your pages to traffic in incendiary and un-sanitised reportage”.

    The governor urged the newspaper to maintain the standard and continue to beam the searchlight on issues that “bind us as a nation rather than those that divide us”.

  • THE NATION @ 10: Anniversary reminiscences

    THE NATION @ 10: Anniversary reminiscences

    By Olatunji Dare Editorial Adviser

    I can hardly believe that ten years have rolled by since that day in June 2006 when I drove into the premises of Vintage Press Ltd, on Fatai Atere Way, in Isolo, Lagos, and signed in at the reception desk to see the Managing Director.

    No sooner was I announced than a gentleman slightly shorter than I but inclined to portliness like me breezed into the reception area, took my outstretched hand in his hands and with a bow introduced himself as Victor Ifijeh. I knew him only by reputation, from his time at ThisDay where he had distinguished himself as writer and editor and risen to managing director.

    He apologized that I was kept waiting when I should have been brought straight to his office, though I had no previous appointment.

    Preliminaries over, he asked Gbenga Omotoso, whom I had known since my Rutam House years, to join us.

    The COMET, where Omotoso was the editor, and to which I had contributed a weekly column titled “Matters Arising” was moribund. They were laying the ground for a new daily, to be called The NATION, they told me.

    They were wrestling that day with the paper’s Editorial Policy. They had submitted several drafts, but the fastidious proprietors kept asking that the drafts be re-worked.

    That was how they dragooned me into assisting with the task at hand, though I was visiting for old times’ sake, was in fact vacationing from the United States, and mental exertion of any kind was the last thing on my mind that day.

    Apparently, the proprietors liked the product. For, several weeks later, The NATION hit the newsstand, with the draft we had worked on standing as its editorial policy, and my name appearing as “Editorial Adviser.” By then, I had returned to the United States, and to my teaching at Bradley University, Peoria, in central Illinois.

    Writing a newspaper column is a great addiction. I have done so on and off, but mostly on, for more than three decades. Like every addiction, it is hard to kick. Plus, few things are more agreeable than having a good platform for ventilating your opinions, grievances and prejudices and of course your insights, hoping that, together, they will help shape the standards of sense and sensibility in the society.

    So, after a lapse of two years, I went back to columnism. I offered to do for The NATION every Tuesday a column to be called “At Home Abroad.”

    Ifijeh and Omotoso were ecstatic. After several installments of the column they mooted ever so gingerly the matter of compensation. What they called a modest recompense exceeded my expectations. I told them I would accept it on one condition: I had to be assured that staff salaries would be paid regularly.

    They kept the bargain, until the collapse of the oil market and the Naira upended the principles that had long governed the economics of newspaper production and distribution.

    “At Home and Abroad” has been a staple of The NATION this past decade, and the feedback suggests powerfully that it enjoys a wide, appreciative and discriminating audience, at home and abroad. Their generous praise and informed criticism have sustained and enriched the column.

    It has been a pleasure to serve as The NATION’s Editorial Adviser. The position carries no job description. Management has left it to me, as it were, to write my own remit, and to discharge it as I please. I suspect that this arrangement has left many in the house and outside wondering what the position actually consists in, what I do other than writing the column and serving as a member of the Editorial Board.

    As the title suggests, I advise. I advise on content and presentation. I suggest story ideas and ways of executing such stories. I encourage, pointing out what has been done well. I personally commend staff for superior work. When the work is of outstanding quality, I commend it to management for special recognition. I point out what I think could have been done better.

    I teach. I lead an occasional workshop on some aspects of newspapering.

    I also warn. I point out political, legal and social repercussions that may flow from publication of certain kinds of material.

    My advice is of course not binding, nor should it be. Otherwise it would erode the autonomy of the editors. But it has been generally well received. I cannot recall an occasion when it was spurned or even taken lightly.

    I operate as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, and even when I became a more regular presence in house, many still see me as a stranger. One day I went to the library to ask for a book. The librarian asked whether I was a staff, and I said yes. Could she see my ID card? I told her I had none. She asked whether anyone in the room could identify me. A reporter came to the rescue, and I checked the book out.

    The corridors and passages in the building are far from labyrinthine, but they can faze first-time or occasional visitors. One day, there was a knock on the door of my office, located at the end of a short passage abutting two other offices.

    “Come in,” I said to person on other side of the door.

    He opened the door, looked inside, and retreated quickly. He thought it was the toilet, he muttered by way of apology.

    Another such intrusion, Victor, and I will demand an office that is not so nondescript that it can be mistaken for a toilet.

  • Ten years of exciting journalism experience

    Ten years of exciting journalism experience

    How time flies! Today marks the tenth anniversary of the publication of our soar-away newspaper which hit the newsstands with a bang on July 31,2006 and has remained a major force to reckon with in the media industry in the country.

    I count myself privileged to be among the pioneer staff who midwifed the launch of the newspaper at a time not many gave it a chance to survive. Understandably, the newspaper market back then (and even now) appeared saturated and it was risky and ambitious taking the plunge when we did.

    Before then, some national newspapers had shut down, while some others were struggling to sustain publication. Not many gave us a chance to make it past a few years notwithstanding the formidable team, made up of experienced journalists led by our Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief, Victor Ifijeh.

    Even when we survived earlier projections of not lasting beyond two to three years, only few were convinced that The Nation was here to stay and become a major media player.

    There were justifiable concerns about the political leaning of the paper, but we are grateful and return all the glory to Almighty God for the grace to have made it this far.

    Our vision of being a quality paper of first choice among discerning readers has remained our guiding principle and it should not surprise anyone that our paper and staff have won virtually every available award in the industry.

    Working in The Nation in the last ten years has been a personally and professionally exciting experience for me in many ways. When I left The Punch in 1999, I thought I was through with working full-time in a newspaper house. Between 2000 and 2005, I was in and out of three newspapers; National Interest, Financial Standard and New Age. I later went for an overdue Masters degree in Mass Communication,  preparatory to seeking a teaching appointment in the university but took up the offer of being Sunday Editor of the defunct Comet. Comet was soon over and I joined The Nation for what has become a major chapter in my new book, Journalism of My life.

    We published many great stories during my tenure as Sunday Editor, but a particular one I can never forget was about a Nigerian studying in the United Kingdom whose family, back in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, lost contact with. He had died without their knowledge.

    I read about this incident in a report on a new television series by an intern published in a London paper. The Yoruba name among the list of people who had died and buried by the council without any trace of their families got me curious and we published the story from the Nigerian angle.

    Following the publication, his family members, for the first time, got information about his death and sent me a text message to thank us for helping to unravel the mystery of their son’s disappearance in the UK after completing his studies.

    My Assistant Editor then, Eni Akinsola, travelled to Ibadan to get the full details of the journey of the deceased to the UK, and correspondences and pictures he sent before he became incommunicado, and efforts by the family to trace his whereabouts for years were futile until the publication.

    For the successes of the last ten years and the glorious years ahead, I join the management and staff to appreciate our readers, advertisers and other well wishers.

    Thanks for the patronage and support. You can always rely on The Nation to remain faithful to our motto: Truth in Defence of Freedom.

  • The Nation: 10 years of credible, impactful journalism

    The Nation: 10 years of credible, impactful journalism

    This Sunday, The Nation will be 10. It hit the newstands on Monday, July 31, 2006. The newspaper, which came at a time of high volatility in the media industry, has continued to brave the odds, setting the pace and positively impacting the nation, writes ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI.

    Investing in the newspaper business is considered a risky venture. For those who are close to managers in the industry, it is a volatile zone to put money in. Some investors liken the industry “to fetching water with a basket.”

    The industry has witnessed the rise and fall of many great papers, papers that shaped public opinion and set agenda for policy makers. They now exist only in the archives of national libraries and in memory.

    The demise of otherwise very influential titles like National Concord NEXT, African Guardian, The Post Express, The Diet, NewAge, ThisWeek, TheWeek, among others, has not  encouraged financial institutions to offer financial support to the industry.

    In spite of the tough operating environment, The Nation has continued to rally professionals and experienced journalists and managers to meeting the vision and mission set by its founders.

    When the newspaper first hit the newsstands, sector analysts said no one gave it any chance of survival because the space was already crowded.

    The paper proved critics wrong, as it has moved from the entry point to the centre stage and competing effectivily with those that came to be long before it.

    With three titles, Daily, Saturday and Sunday, it has become a reference point in credible journalism in the country today. It is one of the top three newspapers in Nigeria, in readership and spread, according to MediaFact 2016. For its journalistic excellence, The Nation in 2013, won The Newspaper of the Year prize at the Nigeria National Media Merit Award (NMMA). The next year, it won the DAME Award as Newspaper of the Year. It boasts of multi-award-winning journalists whose works compete favourably at both local and international media excellence awards.

    The former chairman of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and Group Managing Director of SO & U Group, a leading marketing conglomerate in Nigeria, Mr. Uffot Udeme, said: “The Nation has defied the odds of Nigerian print journalism. The paper has navigated a minefield strewn with the corpses of failed publications to carve out a space for itself as one of Nigeria’s most authoritative national newspapers with an amazing geographical coverage and broad readership.

    “It is a testament to its journalistic excellence that it’s readership and indeed advertising patronage cut across all sides of the country’s political divide. The Nation is certainly a case study for all media entrepreneurs intending to enter the high risk market in which the paper has attained success these past 10 years. I congratulate the team on the success of these past one decade and urge them not to rest on their oars.”

    The newspaper has carved a niche for itself among its teeming target audience comprising businesses, the political elite, the affluent, the educated, those in leadership positions in all spheres of life; the upwardly mobile and policy makers.

    According to the media fact report published by MediaReach OMD, a global advertising agency; The Nation is a point below Punch Newspaper in terms of readership nationwide, while it leads the paper in Southsouth, Northeast, Northcentral and follow closely in Northwest and  Lagos markets, according to other market surveys.

    Beyond readership rating, the paper has consistently outwitted other papers at various awards for media excellence, such as NMMA, and Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME), CNN Multi-choice African Journalist of the Year Awards. Since 2009 when it became second most read newspaper in Nigeria, three years after it made its debut on the newstand.

    The strides achieved by the newspaper have been acknowledged by the rating of Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Media Independent Agencies of Nigeria (MIPAN), which are all major players in the advertising industry in Nigeria.

    As the newspaper begins another phase of its race for largest share of the market, observers believe having crossed the five years gestation period of its business lifecycle, there is no doubt that the future is brighter than before.

  • The Nation bags Excellence Award

    The Nation was recently celebrated as the most popular newspaper  among socialites in Nigeria.

    The entire members of the Lions Club International District 404B-2 Nigeria at a special evening tagged the Night of Stewardship and  Excellence gave the newspaper the Excellence Award.

    The outgoing District Governor, Lion Dr Christine Funke Adebajo, who presented the award, also honoured some members of the club for their services to the club and the nation.

    The event, which took place at the Quadosh Event Place in Ikeja, Lagos, had prominent Nigerians in attendance.

    Among them were Senator Gbenga Ashafa and wife, Folashade; Senator Gbenga Obadara; Lion Stella Agbogun, who is also a multiple district council chairperson; Lion T.O.S. Adewunmi; past District Governor, Engr Olaitan Onalaja; Lion Princess Toyin Atobatele; Lion Deji Adebajo; Mrs Banke Obisesan  and a host of other distinguished persons.

    In her welcome address, Lion Folashade Ashafa, who headed the District Award Night-cum-Dinner Party Committee, extolled the virtues of the outgoing District Governor, saying: “The Mother Theresa of our enviable District, our own bold, brainy and beautiful first female District Governor, a doctor par excellence and, of course, an exemplary leader with a touch of class.”