The print journalism industry in Nigeria is known to have a masculine atmosphere, just as in other parts of the world. Even when looking at the early history of the Nigerian press you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at the level of newspaper ownership and managerial jobs. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility. It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Who is Doyin Abiola?

Dr. Doyin Abiola (Nee Aboaba) is a journalist, publisher, editor and an administrator. She is the wife of M.K.O Abiola whom she married in 1981. She is one of the leading legends in Nigeria’s press history.

Education

Dr. Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. She obtained a doctorate degree in journalism in 1979. She had earlier bagged her Masters degree in Journalism in the United States.

Journalism Career

Dr. Abiola’s journalism career is very eventful and exciting. Never a boring moment in the field at all. She started out as a reporter with the Daily Sketch from 1969 to 1970. There, she also tried her hands at column writing. Just as her weekly column, Tiro, was waxing strong, addressing sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters, she left for the United States to pursue her Masters programme in Journalism. When she returned to Nigeria after her Masters programme, she was offered the position of Woman Editor at the Daily Times. She saw this as an attempt to pigeonhole her talents and rejected the offer. This was kind of unbelievable happening at a time every journalist wanted to work with Daily Times which was Nigeria’s biggest and leading daily at that time. She was later employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. The Daily Times crisis of 1975/76 and the fouled atmosphere at the work place offered her opportunity to embark on her doctoral programme in Journalism so she travelled to the United States on study leave. In 1979, armed with her Ph.D, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the Editorial Board where she enjoyed the company of the likes of Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan. It was, however, to be a short stay as the newly formed Concord Group of Newspapers soon invited her to be its pioneer daily editor. She then moved to the next phase of her career which was at the driving seat of the most robust daily newspaper in Nigeria at that time – Concord newspaper.

Exploits as Editor

Dr. Abiola was exemplary as editor of National Concord. She managed the men and resources in the newspaper in a manner that made it the envy of older newspapers and those who had thought partisan considerations would becloud the writers’ sense of judgement were soon disappointed.

In two years, she had proved her mettle and moved up the ladder as director/editor-in-chief. As The Nation Newspaper observes, when the pioneer managing director, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, a respected elder in the profession, had to bow out in 1984, his shoes were considered so large that a number of professionals wondered if the fortunes of the newspaper would not begin to decline. His successor would have to manage an array of achievers who had been assembled to produce a first-class newspaper. Dr. Abiola who was the wife of the publisher and proprietor of the vibrant group of newspapers was found fit and proper to run all divisions of the group as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. Her contributions to the growth of the newspaper made her to be highly regarded by all. Her positive exploits while running the newspaper and it became a reference point. Dr. Abiola’s career days at the Concord spanned three decades. From her privileged position as pioneer editor of the newspaper, she was, however, able to shape public opinion on a number of issues and guide Concord Group into public reckoning and respect. After her Concord days she did not just disappear into the society like some of her colleagues. She continued to lend her talents and time to the consistent effort to mould the Nigerian media into a respectable institution through column writing, training and mentoring.

Other Special Feats

Dr. Abiola has served in various capacities at remarkable events. She served as Chairperson of Awards Nominating panel at the Nigerian Media Merit Award when it was first established. She has also served as Chairperson of CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards. She was a member of Advisory Council,Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Ogun State University. She was also recognized by Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy. The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her selection as a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME. She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award (after Mrs. Omobola Onajide). When Dr. Abiola was elevated to managing director and editor-in-chief in 1986, she was also the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group. Also, when she was selected for the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986, she was the first Nigerian woman to participate. She is indeed a serial record breaker.

Trying Times

Dr. Abiola experienced trying times on her way to the top and while managing success at the peak of her career. Her strength of character was aptly demonstrated during the struggle for the validation of the mandate overwhelmingly won by her husband, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The adversity faced by the family when the embodiment of the nation’s democratic struggles was locked up by the Abacha regime was enough to break the spirit of mean men and women. The regime put in place measures to frustrate the late Abiola’s businesses, including the newspapers; yet, the Concord manager refused to oblige them the pleasure of having the last laugh. She would neither betray her husband nor the struggle. She kept the flag flying, ensuring that the company remained profitably afloat.

Though she literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death in the days of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) resistance movement, she held on till the very end. As The Nation observes, heroes and heroines are made in a country’s difficult moments; Men of straw find it very easy to betray a cause they had hitherto professed, but, Dr. Abiola passed the test. She stood for Nigeria, would do nothing to put pressure on her husband to recant and rather gave him all the encouragement he needed. She is an epitome of loyalty, steadfastness in achieving a goal and strength of womanhood in trying times.

Finally!

Dr. Abiola is a special breed among legendary female Nigerian journalists. Having attained a height that is the dream of many as a career journalist, she convinced the Nigerian public that there was nothing about the office editor of a national newspaper that should make it an exclusive preserve of men. This was a landmark achievement in the country’s press history. She is truly a role model to up and coming female journalists who now have the belief that they could excel in a male dominated profession.

The print journalism industry in Nigeria is known to have a masculine atmosphere, just as in other parts of the world. Even when looking at the early history of the Nigerian press you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at the level of newspaper ownership and managerial jobs. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility. It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Who is Doyin Abiola?

Dr. Doyin Abiola (Nee Aboaba) is a journalist, publisher, editor and an administrator. She is the wife of M.K.O Abiola whom she married in 1981. She is one of the leading legends in Nigeria’s press history.

Education

Dr. Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. She obtained a doctorate degree in journalism in 1979. She had earlier bagged her Masters degree in Journalism in the United States.

Journalism Career

Dr. Abiola’s journalism career is very eventful and exciting. Never a boring moment in the field at all. She started out as a reporter with the Daily Sketch from 1969 to 1970. There, she also tried her hands at column writing. Just as her weekly column, Tiro, was waxing strong, addressing sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters, she left for the United States to pursue her Masters programme in Journalism. When she returned to Nigeria after her Masters programme, she was offered the position of Woman Editor at the Daily Times. She saw this as an attempt to pigeonhole her talents and rejected the offer. This was kind of unbelievable happening at a time every journalist wanted to work with Daily Times which was Nigeria’s biggest and leading daily at that time. She was later employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. The Daily Times crisis of 1975/76 and the fouled atmosphere at the work place offered her opportunity to embark on her doctoral programme in Journalism so she travelled to the United States on study leave. In 1979, armed with her Ph.D, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the Editorial Board where she enjoyed the company of the likes of Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan. It was, however, to be a short stay as the newly formed Concord Group of Newspapers soon invited her to be its pioneer daily editor. She then moved to the next phase of her career which was at the driving seat of the most robust daily newspaper in Nigeria at that time – Concord newspaper.

Exploits as Editor

Dr. Abiola was exemplary as editor of National Concord. She managed the men and resources in the newspaper in a manner that made it the envy of older newspapers and those who had thought partisan considerations would becloud the writers’ sense of judgement were soon disappointed.

In two years, she had proved her mettle and moved up the ladder as director/editor-in-chief. As The Nation Newspaper observes, when the pioneer managing director, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, a respected elder in the profession, had to bow out in 1984, his shoes were considered so large that a number of professionals wondered if the fortunes of the newspaper would not begin to decline. His successor would have to manage an array of achievers who had been assembled to produce a first-class newspaper. Dr. Abiola who was the wife of the publisher and proprietor of the vibrant group of newspapers was found fit and proper to run all divisions of the group as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. Her contributions to the growth of the newspaper made her to be highly regarded by all. Her positive exploits while running the newspaper and it became a reference point. Dr. Abiola’s career days at the Concord spanned three decades. From her privileged position as pioneer editor of the newspaper, she was, however, able to shape public opinion on a number of issues and guide Concord Group into public reckoning and respect. After her Concord days she did not just disappear into the society like some of her colleagues. She continued to lend her talents and time to the consistent effort to mould the Nigerian media into a respectable institution through column writing, training and mentoring.

Other Special Feats

Dr. Abiola has served in various capacities at remarkable events. She served as Chairperson of Awards Nominating panel at the Nigerian Media Merit Award when it was first established. She has also served as Chairperson of CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards. She was a member of Advisory Council,Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Ogun State University. She was also recognized by Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy. The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her selection as a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME. She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award (after Mrs. Omobola Onajide). When Dr. Abiola was elevated to managing director and editor-in-chief in 1986, she was also the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group. Also, when she was selected for the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986, she was the first Nigerian woman to participate. She is indeed a serial record breaker.

Trying Times

Dr. Abiola experienced trying times on her way to the top and while managing success at the peak of her career. Her strength of character was aptly demonstrated during the struggle for the validation of the mandate overwhelmingly won by her husband, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The adversity faced by the family when the embodiment of the nation’s democratic struggles was locked up by the Abacha regime was enough to break the spirit of mean men and women. The regime put in place measures to frustrate the late Abiola’s businesses, including the newspapers; yet, the Concord manager refused to oblige them the pleasure of having the last laugh. She would neither betray her husband nor the struggle. She kept the flag flying, ensuring that the company remained profitably afloat.

Though she literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death in the days of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) resistance movement, she held on till the very end. As The Nation observes, heroes and heroines are made in a country’s difficult moments; Men of straw find it very easy to betray a cause they had hitherto professed, but, Dr. Abiola passed the test. She stood for Nigeria, would do nothing to put pressure on her husband to recant and rather gave him all the encouragement he needed. She is an epitome of loyalty, steadfastness in achieving a goal and strength of womanhood in trying times.

Finally!

Dr. Abiola is a special breed among legendary female Nigerian journalists. Having attained a height that is the dream of many as a career journalist, she convinced the Nigerian public that there was nothing about the office editor of a national newspaper that should make it an exclusive preserve of men. This was a landmark achievement in the country’s press history. She is truly a role model to up and coming female journalists who now have the belief that they could excel in a male dominated profession.

The print journalism industry in Nigeria is known to have a masculine atmosphere, just as in other parts of the world. Even when looking at the early history of the Nigerian press you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at the level of newspaper ownership and managerial jobs. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility. It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Who is Doyin Abiola?

Dr. Doyin Abiola (Nee Aboaba) is a journalist, publisher, editor and an administrator. She is the wife of M.K.O Abiola whom she married in 1981. She is one of the leading legends in Nigeria’s press history.

Education

Dr. Abiola earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969. She obtained a doctorate degree in journalism in 1979. She had earlier bagged her Masters degree in Journalism in the United States.

Journalism Career

Dr. Abiola’s journalism career is very eventful and exciting. Never a boring moment in the field at all. She started out as a reporter with the Daily Sketch from 1969 to 1970. There, she also tried her hands at column writing. Just as her weekly column, Tiro, was waxing strong, addressing sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters, she left for the United States to pursue her Masters programme in Journalism. When she returned to Nigeria after her Masters programme, she was offered the position of Woman Editor at the Daily Times. She saw this as an attempt to pigeonhole her talents and rejected the offer. This was kind of unbelievable happening at a time every journalist wanted to work with Daily Times which was Nigeria’s biggest and leading daily at that time. She was later employed as a Features Writer at Daily Times and rose to become the Group Features Editor. The Daily Times crisis of 1975/76 and the fouled atmosphere at the work place offered her opportunity to embark on her doctoral programme in Journalism so she travelled to the United States on study leave. In 1979, armed with her Ph.D, she returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the Editorial Board where she enjoyed the company of the likes of Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan. It was, however, to be a short stay as the newly formed Concord Group of Newspapers soon invited her to be its pioneer daily editor. She then moved to the next phase of her career which was at the driving seat of the most robust daily newspaper in Nigeria at that time – Concord newspaper.

Exploits as Editor

Dr. Abiola was exemplary as editor of National Concord. She managed the men and resources in the newspaper in a manner that made it the envy of older newspapers and those who had thought partisan considerations would becloud the writers’ sense of judgement were soon disappointed.

In two years, she had proved her mettle and moved up the ladder as director/editor-in-chief. As The Nation Newspaper observes, when the pioneer managing director, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, a respected elder in the profession, had to bow out in 1984, his shoes were considered so large that a number of professionals wondered if the fortunes of the newspaper would not begin to decline. His successor would have to manage an array of achievers who had been assembled to produce a first-class newspaper. Dr. Abiola who was the wife of the publisher and proprietor of the vibrant group of newspapers was found fit and proper to run all divisions of the group as Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief. Her contributions to the growth of the newspaper made her to be highly regarded by all. Her positive exploits while running the newspaper and it became a reference point. Dr. Abiola’s career days at the Concord spanned three decades. From her privileged position as pioneer editor of the newspaper, she was, however, able to shape public opinion on a number of issues and guide Concord Group into public reckoning and respect. After her Concord days she did not just disappear into the society like some of her colleagues. She continued to lend her talents and time to the consistent effort to mould the Nigerian media into a respectable institution through column writing, training and mentoring.

Other Special Feats

Dr. Abiola has served in various capacities at remarkable events. She served as Chairperson of Awards Nominating panel at the Nigerian Media Merit Award when it was first established. She has also served as Chairperson of CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards. She was a member of Advisory Council,Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Ogun State University. She was also recognized by Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy. The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her selection as a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME. She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award (after Mrs. Omobola Onajide). When Dr. Abiola was elevated to managing director and editor-in-chief in 1986, she was also the first Nigerian woman to preside over the fortunes of a national newspaper group. Also, when she was selected for the Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986, she was the first Nigerian woman to participate. She is indeed a serial record breaker.

Trying Times

Dr. Abiola experienced trying times on her way to the top and while managing success at the peak of her career. Her strength of character was aptly demonstrated during the struggle for the validation of the mandate overwhelmingly won by her husband, the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola in the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The adversity faced by the family when the embodiment of the nation’s democratic struggles was locked up by the Abacha regime was enough to break the spirit of mean men and women. The regime put in place measures to frustrate the late Abiola’s businesses, including the newspapers; yet, the Concord manager refused to oblige them the pleasure of having the last laugh. She would neither betray her husband nor the struggle. She kept the flag flying, ensuring that the company remained profitably afloat.

Though she literally walked through the valley of the shadow of death in the days of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) resistance movement, she held on till the very end. As The Nation observes, heroes and heroines are made in a country’s difficult moments; Men of straw find it very easy to betray a cause they had hitherto professed, but, Dr. Abiola passed the test. She stood for Nigeria, would do nothing to put pressure on her husband to recant and rather gave him all the encouragement he needed. She is an epitome of loyalty, steadfastness in achieving a goal and strength of womanhood in trying times.

Finally!

Dr. Abiola is a special breed among legendary female Nigerian journalists. Having attained a height that is the dream of many as a career journalist, she convinced the Nigerian public that there was nothing about the office editor of a national newspaper that should make it an exclusive preserve of men. This was a landmark achievement in the country’s press history. She is truly a role model to up and coming female journalists who now have the belief that they could excel in a male dominated profession.

As a communication scholar in Nigeria, you need friendship and collaborations with fellow scholars across the world to excel in your field and acquire global experience relevant to this discipline. One sure way to achieve this goal is by joining international communication bodies, groups, or associations where you can exchange views and research experiences with other communication scholars from different parts of the world. Membership of such associations help boost your professional network.

For Mass Communication students in Nigeria, networking with others in your field before you graduate provides countless benefits beyond future referrals, among which are: Support and advice from peers and mentors, Discovery opportunities for new careers, Resources for how to be more successful in your career, including access to events, and Increase in leadership and communication skills and growth in confidence. Graduates of mass communication in Nigeria also need to be members of national and international communication associations to build connections, sharpen your professional communication skills and stand out among the job seekers.

Finding the right international professional association in the communication discipline to join could be challenging. You might search for and join specific international bodies in your area of specialization but there are associations that bring several areas of specialization under one umbrella, though with sub-divisions. As a communication scholar in Nigeria who wants to excel in the area of scholarship and research it is always good to join international communication organizations to improve your visibility and widen your knowledge base. Here’s a list of top 10 international communication associations popular among Nigerian communication graduates and scholars.

1). Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)

The Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC) is a major international membership organization for academic in the field, offering regional and national conferences and refereed publications. It has numerous membership divisions, interest groups, publications and websites. Click here for more info.

2). International Communication Association

The International Communication Association (ICA) is the premier academic association for scholars engaged in the study, teaching, and application of all aspects of human and mediated communication internationally. Members gain immediate access to a full array of benefits. Click here for more.

3). Public Relations Society of America

The Public Relations Society of America is the world’s largest organization of public relations professionals. The society includes programs highlighting professional development and has more than 22,000 members, as well as 10,000 university members in the Public Relations Student Society of America. You can become a member from any part of the world. Click here for more info.

4). International Environmental Communication Association (IECA)

The International Environmental Communication Association (IECA) is a professional nexus of practitioners, teachers, scholars, students, artists and organizations engaged in research and action to find more ethical and effective ways to communicate about environmental concerns in order to move society towards sustainability. Click here for more info.

5). International Association for Media and Communication Research (IAMCR)

The International Association for Media and Communication Research – IAMCR – is the preeminent worldwide professional organisation in the field of media and communication research. Its members promote global inclusiveness and excellence within the best traditions of critical scholarship in the field. The IAMCR aims to support and develop media and communication research throughout the world. It particularly encourages the participation of emerging scholars, women and those from economically disadvantaged regions. Click here for more info.

6). Social Media Association (SMA) 

The Social Media Association (SMA) brings together the media community both online and offline. It helps members navigate the evolution of this dynamic form of communication. Events and a regularly updated blog with social media news always give members something new to discover. Click here for more on this association.

7). American Communication Association (ACA)

American Communication Associations (ACA) is committed to enabling the effective use of new and evolving technologies to facilitate communication instruction, research and criticism, and to offering a technologically supportive venue for all who study the ways in which humans communicate. While the Association is based in the United States, it is a virtual organization that welcomes participation from academics and professionals throughout the world. For the technologically-minded looking to increase their agility in a world dominated by digital communication, the ACA welcomes global members into the group to learn more about how evolving technologies can aid communication. Click here for more info.

8). Association for Women in Communications (AWC)

The Association for Women in Communication (AWC) is the premier organization for empowering women with strength, support, and tools for taking their career to greater heights and becoming change agents in the industry. It is for women passionate for communication, driven towards greatness and motivated to lead. The AWC is a strong network of communicators in a broad range of disciplines across the globe. This is network for women professionals who work in communications is open to all disciplines. The association also offers scholarships and support for educational research and publications, as well as provides a forum for members to learn from and interact with communications leaders.

9). World Communication Association (WCA)

World Communication Association (WCA) members are professionals around the world who are interested in the study, teaching and/or practice of communication. They are teachers in formal schools and colleges, informal groups, associations and institutes. The WCA is dedicated to the improvement of communication and membership emphasizes and personfies common interests among all people and across all national and cultural boundaries. It is a worldwide communication association with international and intercultural emphasis. Click here for more info.

10). Global Communication Association (GCA)

The Global Communication Association (GCA) was established in 2007. Its objectives are the promotion of academic research in global communication studies among major universities worldwide; facilitation of joint project and research opportunities among scholars and students. More importantly, GCA provides an eclectic international platform for corporate executives, communication specialists, policy makers, academicians, bureaucrats, political leaders, public relations practitioners and co-related industry professionals to meet, interact and generate new ideas for growth.​ Click here for more info.

Print journalism industry in Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world, is known to have a masculine atmosphere. The history of the Nigerian press at its early stages was dominated by men. If you go through the history again you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at decision-making positions in newspapers, including newspaper ownership and managerial positions. After Rev. Henry Townsend established the first newspaper in Nigeria in 1859, a plethora of other publications began to spring up by the day. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility.

Though the upsurge of nationalism consciousness gave rise to the establishment of other newspapers across the country, journalism practices at this early stage remained the sole domain of men; as if it was their birth right.  For many decades, women were nowhere to be found in the practice of journalism in Nigeria.

Shortly after, the world began to witness an increase in global agitation for gender equality and empowerment in all sectors of the society. This led to changes in gender role in journalism practice as more women oriented stories started appearing in Nigeria newspapers of the early 1950s. Women started venturing into journalism practice in the 1950s, though they were restricted mainly to women and domestic issues. In some cases they even had to write under pseudonyms to hide their identity mainly because of the prevailing social and cultural challenges of that period. When Daily Times was established it gave women a little breakthrough as more of feature stories were published in the newspaper with more women having bylines.

Despite the shaky and limited opportunities for female journalists, they have made steady progress both in number and contribution to the growth of the profession. From just being women or gossip columnists, many of them have into mainstream genre of journalism and some have gone to become editors and publishers. There is the story of Ronke Ajayi who was appointed editor of Nigerian Daily Herald in 1931, though some people saw the appointment as a joke because rumour had it that she was a friend to the publisher. That was how gender stereotypes affected women in journalism at that time. Culture-based stereotypes were such that people didn’t believe women were strong and dogged enough to own, or edit newspapers.

It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Women began to break through the thick wall formed by the masculine atmosphere that made journalism in Nigeria seem like a profession customized for men. These women were among the early pioneers the Nigerian media, opening up the landscape for more women to move into the profession;

1. Adora Lilly Ulasi – Women’s page editor of Daily Times

2. Theresa Ogunbiyi, – succeeded Ulasi as Women’s page editor at Daily Times

3. Ronke Ajayi, – editor and publisher of the Nigeria Daily Herald

4. Dr. Doyin Abiola, – first female editor of a national newspaper (National Concord)

5. Lizzy Ikem, – editor, Home Studies (under Daily Times group)

6. Modupe Ajayi, – editor Weekend Times

7. Agbeke Ogunsanwo, – editor Health

8. Toyin Johnson, – editor Woman’s World

9. Medlin Tador, – editor, Poise magazine

10. Lola Olakunrin, – editor, Poise magazine

11. Amma Ogan, editor – the Guardian on Sunday

12. Harriet Lawrence, – deputy editor, feature desk, the Guardian

13. Kehinde Young – Harry NTA Network News

14. Remi Ojo

15. Rose Umoren, – editor, Business Concord

16. Nkechi Nwankwo, – deputy editor, Daily Champion

17. Hajiya Bilikisu, – editor, New Nigeria and Citizen Magazine (first female editor at the Sunday Triumph, Kano)

18. May Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo (MEE), – editor and publisher, Quality magazine

19. Chris Ayanwu, – editor and publisher, The Sunday Magazine (TSM)

20. Comfort Obi, editor and publisher, The Source magazine

21. Tosin Dokpesi, – M.D., AIT

22. Lara Owoeye Wise, – Director, AIT

23. Funmi Treasure, – G.M. NTA

24. Zainab Suleiman Okino, – E.D. Blueprint Newspaper

25. Maiden Ibru, Publisher, – The Guardian

Print journalism industry in Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world, is known to have a masculine atmosphere. The history of the Nigerian press at its early stages was dominated by men. If you go through the history again you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at decision-making positions in newspapers, including newspaper ownership and managerial positions. After Rev. Henry Townsend established the first newspaper in Nigeria in 1859, a plethora of other publications began to spring up by the day. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility.

Though the upsurge of nationalism consciousness gave rise to the establishment of other newspapers across the country, journalism practices at this early stage remained the sole domain of men; as if it was their birth right.  For many decades, women were nowhere to be found in the practice of journalism in Nigeria.

Shortly after, the world began to witness an increase in global agitation for gender equality and empowerment in all sectors of the society. This led to changes in gender role in journalism practice as more women oriented stories started appearing in Nigeria newspapers of the early 1950s. Women started venturing into journalism practice in the 1950s, though they were restricted mainly to women and domestic issues. In some cases they even had to write under pseudonyms to hide their identity mainly because of the prevailing social and cultural challenges of that period. When Daily Times was established it gave women a little breakthrough as more of feature stories were published in the newspaper with more women having bylines.

Despite the shaky and limited opportunities for female journalists, they have made steady progress both in number and contribution to the growth of the profession. From just being women or gossip columnists, many of them have into mainstream genre of journalism and some have gone to become editors and publishers. There is the story of Ronke Ajayi who was appointed editor of Nigerian Daily Herald in 1931, though some people saw the appointment as a joke because rumour had it that she was a friend to the publisher. That was how gender stereotypes affected women in journalism at that time. Culture-based stereotypes were such that people didn’t believe women were strong and dogged enough to own, or edit newspapers.

It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Women began to break through the thick wall formed by the masculine atmosphere that made journalism in Nigeria seem like a profession customized for men. These women were among the early pioneers the Nigerian media, opening up the landscape for more women to move into the profession;

1. Adora Lilly Ulasi – Women’s page editor of Daily Times

2. Theresa Ogunbiyi, – succeeded Ulasi as Women’s page editor at Daily Times

3. Ronke Ajayi, – editor and publisher of the Nigeria Daily Herald

4. Dr. Doyin Abiola, – first female editor of a national newspaper (National Concord)

5. Lizzy Ikem, – editor, Home Studies (under Daily Times group)

6. Modupe Ajayi, – editor Weekend Times

7. Agbeke Ogunsanwo, – editor Health

8. Toyin Johnson, – editor Woman’s World

9. Medlin Tador, – editor, Poise magazine

10. Lola Olakunrin, – editor, Poise magazine

11. Amma Ogan, editor – the Guardian on Sunday

12. Harriet Lawrence, – deputy editor, feature desk, the Guardian

13. Kehinde Young – Harry NTA Network News

14. Remi Ojo

15. Rose Umoren, – editor, Business Concord

16. Nkechi Nwankwo, – deputy editor, Daily Champion

17. Hajiya Bilikisu, – editor, New Nigeria and Citizen Magazine (first female editor at the Sunday Triumph, Kano)

18. May Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo (MEE), – editor and publisher, Quality magazine

19. Chris Ayanwu, – editor and publisher, The Sunday Magazine (TSM)

20. Comfort Obi, editor and publisher, The Source magazine

21. Tosin Dokpesi, – M.D., AIT

22. Lara Owoeye Wise, – Director, AIT

23. Funmi Treasure, – G.M. NTA

24. Zainab Suleiman Okino, – E.D. Blueprint Newspaper

25. Maiden Ibru, Publisher, – The Guardian

26. Ibim Semenitari – First editor of Broad Street Journal, publisher Business Eye

27. Janet Mba-Afolabi – Co-publisher, Insider Magazine, Publisher, The Scroll Magazine

28. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu – Editor, Saturday Thisday

29. Funke Egbemode – Editor, Saturday Sun, Saturday Post Express

30. Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye – First female Editor in The Punch Newspapers (she was Sunday Editor)

Print journalism industry in Nigeria, just like in other parts of the world, is known to have a masculine atmosphere. The history of the Nigerian press at its early stages was dominated by men. If you go through the history again you would notice that women were absent in the scene especially at decision-making positions in newspapers, including newspaper ownership and managerial positions. After Rev. Henry Townsend established the first newspaper in Nigeria in 1859, a plethora of other publications began to spring up by the day. The scene was dominated by activist like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry remained pretty tight for women to exist in with difficulties in upward career mobility.

Though the upsurge of nationalism consciousness gave rise to the establishment of other newspapers across the country, journalism practices at this early stage remained the sole domain of men; as if it was their birth right.  For many decades, women were nowhere to be found in the practice of journalism in Nigeria.

Shortly after, the world began to witness an increase in global agitation for gender equality and empowerment in all sectors of the society. This led to changes in gender role in journalism practice as more women oriented stories started appearing in Nigeria newspapers of the early 1950s. Women started venturing into journalism practice in the 1950s, though they were restricted mainly to women and domestic issues. In some cases they even had to write under pseudonyms to hide their identity mainly because of the prevailing social and cultural challenges of that period. When Daily Times was established it gave women a little breakthrough as more of feature stories were published in the newspaper with more women having bylines.

Despite the shaky and limited opportunities for female journalists, they have made steady progress both in number and contribution to the growth of the profession. From just being women or gossip columnists, many of them have into mainstream genre of journalism and some have gone to become editors and publishers. There is the story of Ronke Ajayi who was appointed editor of Nigerian Daily Herald in 1931, though some people saw the appointment as a joke because rumour had it that she was a friend to the publisher. That was how gender stereotypes affected women in journalism at that time. Culture-based stereotypes were such that people didn’t believe women were strong and dogged enough to own, or edit newspapers.

It was not until 1980 that a woman set an exceptional, disruptive record in Nigeria’s print journalism landscape, becoming the first woman to be appointed editor of any national newspaper in the country. That woman is Dr. Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. She was made editor of National Concord, was of the dominant national dailies at that time.

Women began to break through the thick wall formed by the masculine atmosphere that made journalism in Nigeria seem like a profession customized for men. These women were among the early pioneers the Nigerian media, opening up the landscape for more women to move into the profession;

1. Adora Lilly Ulasi – Women’s page editor of Daily Times

2. Theresa Ogunbiyi, – succeeded Ulasi as Women’s page editor at Daily Times

3. Ronke Ajayi, – editor and publisher of the Nigeria Daily Herald

4. Dr. Doyin Abiola, – first female editor of a national newspaper (National Concord)

5. Lizzy Ikem, – editor, Home Studies (under Daily Times group)

6. Modupe Ajayi, – editor Weekend Times

7. Agbeke Ogunsanwo, – editor Health

8. Toyin Johnson, – editor Woman’s World

9. Medlin Tador, – editor, Poise magazine

10. Lola Olakunrin, – editor, Poise magazine

11. Amma Ogan, editor – the Guardian on Sunday

12. Harriet Lawrence, – deputy editor, feature desk, the Guardian

13. Kehinde Young – Harry NTA Network News

14. Remi Ojo

15. Rose Umoren, – editor, Business Concord

16. Nkechi Nwankwo, – deputy editor, Daily Champion

17. Hajiya Bilikisu, – editor, New Nigeria and Citizen Magazine (first female editor at the Sunday Triumph, Kano)

18. May Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo (MEE), – editor and publisher, Quality magazine

19. Chris Ayanwu, – editor and publisher, The Sunday Magazine (TSM)

20. Comfort Obi, editor and publisher, The Source magazine

21. Tosin Dokpesi, – M.D., AIT

22. Lara Owoeye Wise, – Director, AIT

23. Funmi Treasure, – G.M. NTA

24. Zainab Suleiman Okino, – E.D. Blueprint Newspaper

25. Maiden Ibru, Publisher, – The Guardian

26. Ibim Semenitari – First editor of Broad Street Journal, publisher Business Eye

27. Janet Mba-Afolabi – Co-publisher, Insider Magazine, Publisher, The Scroll Magazine

28. Funke Egbemode – The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of New Telegraph Newspapers

29. Funke Egbemode – Editor, Saturday Sun, Saturday Post Express

30. Oluwatoyosi Ogunseye – First female Editor in The Punch Newspapers (she was Sunday Editor)

31. Olabisi Ope Deji-folutile – Editor Saturday Punch

32. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu – Editor, Saturday Thisday

Nigerian women have made remarkable impact in every aspect of the society. A number of them have made landmark contributions and achievements to extent they’ve become reference points in the nation’s history. The journalism industry in Nigeria has felt women’s impact but in the classroom and the field.

Adaora Lily Ulasi is one woman whose name is a major reference point in the history of journalism education and practice in Nigeria. She was the first woman in West Africa to earn a degree in Journalism.

Brief Bio

Adaora was born in 1932 in Aba, Eastern Nigeria (now Abia State). She was a Nigerian journalist and novelist. Her stay in Aba was short-lived. She attended the local missionary school, but at the age of 15 was sent to the US to study.

Education

After graduating from high school she then proceeded to study at Pepperdine University and at the University of Southern California, where she earned a BA in journalism in 1954. Adaora supplemented her income by working extra hard and extra hours. She was writing the occasional newspaper column, working as a nanny, and as a film extra appearing. For instance, she starred as an extra in the 1953 film White Witch Doctor that starred Susan Hayward and Robert Mitchum. Adaora married Deryk James and had three children Heather, Angela and Martin. After her divorce in 1972 she went to Nigeria as editor of Woman’s World magazine. Again she returned to England in 1976 to continue a quiet life as an author.

Journalism career

Adaora’s journalism career was very eventful. In the 1960s she was women’s page editor of the Daily Times of Nigeria, at a time when the industry was thickly dominated by men, as women had little or no chance of climbing to editorial or decision-making positions. She also worked for the BBC and Voice of America.

A Fine Novelist

Adaora had a flare for writing novels, which she developed and came up with works that have been read across nations. Her first novel, Many Thing You No Understand (1970), “controversially (for the first time) used pidgin English to dramatize the interaction between colonial officers and local people in the pre-independence era, as did her subsequent works, Many Thing Begin For Change (1971), Who Is Jonah? (1978) and The Man from Sagamu (1978). By contrast, The Night Harry Died (1974) is set in southern USA.” Ulasi worked at the Times Complex in Lagos, Nigeria. As a novelist she wrote Detective Fiction in English, “adapting the genre of the crime thriller to an Igbo or Yoruba context”.

Finally!

Adaora was among the female journalists in Nigeria’s press history that set the pace for other young women to move into an industry seen as a man’s career to work hard and excel. She remains a role model to many upcoming female novelists and journalists who would want to achieve what she accomplished in her life-time or even more.

The media landscape of Nigeria has a number of indigenous language newspapers which shared in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin.

However, one indigenous language newspaper put up a good fight in the competitive media landscape, becoming the longest surviving local language newspaper that existed in Nigeria. That newspaper is Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, popularly called Gaskiya.

Brief History

Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo (meaning the truth is worth more than a kobo) was established in 1936 at a time the media industry in Nigeria was dominated by English language newspapers mostly published by nationalists. It was established by the Northern Nigerian Government and had its head office in Zaria. Gaskiya was the first newspaper published entirely in Hausa, the largest language in West Africa and in Nigeria. The newspaper was printed three times a week and was the world’s first Hausa-language newspaper. It was very popular at that time as its audience base quickly spread even beyond Nigeria to countries where the language was spoken. Based on its popularity, Romanised Hausa became more popular than Arabic script and began to predominate. The spelling, grammar, vocabulary and style used in Gaskiya became standard Hausa. The newspaper was among the most sought-after among Hausa speaking people especially because it was providing information about World War II to Nigerians. The newspaper mirrored Africans understanding of World War II. The newspaper did not only highlight the attitudes of Africans to the war but also chronicled the experiences of Nigerians in the war. Gaskiya also helped to generate and sustain the nationalist movement which was popular in the early stages of the newspaper’s existence.

Within the stable of Gaskiya Corporation which printed the newspaper, an English language version, Nigerian Citizen emerged in 1965. Then a few months later (in 1966) its name was changed to New Nigerian and the headquarters relocated to Kaduna where it is now based.The first editor of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo was Abubakar Imam.

In 1941, some pages in Ajami were added to the newspaper for those who could not read the Roman script. They were called ‘Yar Gaskiya’ (meaning Daughter of Truth). This addition was prompted by the huge success recorded by the newspaper with a rapidly spreading audience base. The addition of Hausa Ajami further added more readers to the publication.

The Northern Nigerian Government also made a landmark achievement with Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo based on the fact that it was the first major attempt by any government in Nigeria to set up a newspaper. The Northern Nigerian Government, with the establishment of Gaskiya Corporation, began the publication of Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo in 1936 and, in 1948 established the English language bi-weekly, The Nigerian Citizen, which became a weekly shortly after.

Quick Facts

Here are some quick facts about Gaskiya Tafi Kwabo you should know.

1. It was the first Hausa Language Newspaper in Nigeria

2. It was the Largest Hausa Language Newspaper in West Africa

3. It was the World’s first Hausa Language Newspaper

4. It was established in 1936

5. It was printed three times a week

6. It was published in Roman letters and later added Ajama Hausa pages

7. It was published by the Northern Nigerian Government under Gaskiya Corporation

8. It was the first government-owned newspaper in Nigeria

9. It was popular for chronicling experiences of Nigerians in World War II

10. Its headquarters was in Zaria

11. It had an English-language version, The Nigerian Citizen, first published in 1948.

12. It was the longest surviving indigenous language newspaper in Nigeria, having existed for over 70 years.

13. It was used to propagate nationalist struggle in Hausa language

14. It established an online version to adapt to the dynamic digitalized society

15. Its first editor was Abubakar Imam

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played and are still playing various roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant. Here’s a list of top indigenous language newspapers in Nigeria’s press history.

1. Iwe Irohin (Yoruba), First published in December, 1859 by C.M.S. Press under the direction of Rev. Henry Townsend

2. Iwe Irohin Eko (Yoruba), 1888, Edited and published by Andrew Thomas.

3. Unwana Efik (Efik), 1885. Published by the Church of Scotland Mission.

4. Obukpong Efik (Efik), 1885, Published by the Church of Scotland Mission

5. Eko Akete (Yoruba), July 18, 1922. Edited by Adeoye Deniga, printed by Tika-Tore Press.

6. Eleti Ofe (Yoruba), December 2, 1923. Edited and published by E. A. Akintan, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

7. Eko Igbehin (Yoruba), December 9, 1925. published by Olagunju Oni.

8. Osumare Egba (Yoruba), November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

9. Akede Eko (Yoruba), December 23, 1927. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas.

10. Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, January 1, 1939. Published by the Gaskiya Corporation.

11. Alaroye (Yoruba), First published in 1985 by Musa Alao Adedayo.

12. Aminiya (Hausa), a weekly newspaper published by Media Trust

13. Leadership A Yau (Hausa), Hausa language edition of Leadership newspaper, established in 2004.

14. Premium Times Hausa – An online-only newspaper published by Premium Times Services, publishers of Premium Times Newspaper.

15. Nigbati Owo Ba Dile (Yoruba), First published in 1910 by two female missionaries at the CMS bookshop.

16. Irohin Owuro (Yoruba), published by E. Adisa.

17. Laberin Ekklesia (Hausa), December 7, 1959. Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

18. Ogene (Igbo), Published by the Daily Star, Enugu State owned newspaper.

19. Iwe Eko (Yoruba), It was established by the Anglican Mission

20. Isokan (Yoruba), First published in 1980 by Concord Press Nigeria Limited

21. Albishir (Hausa), Published by Triumph Publishing Company Limited based in Kano

22. Alfijir Jumma (Hausa), Published by Triumph Publishing Company Limited based in Kano

23. Gbohungbohun (Yoruba), First published in 1970, by the sketch press limited, an establishment founded by the Western Nigeria State Government.

24. Iwe Iroyin Osose (Yoruba), a weekly newspaper published in 1925 by Thomas Horatio Jackson of the Weekly Record fame.

25. Irohin Yoruba (Yoruba), Founded by Allied Newspapers of Nigeria limited, a company established by the leaders of Action Group (AG).

26. Ikoro Igbo (Igbo), First published in 2016.

27. Ka Ọ Di Taa (Igbo), First published in 2017 by Anambra Newspapers and Publishing Corporation.

28. Òzísà (Igbo), a quarterly newspaper published by the Catholic church.

29. Irohin Imole (Yoruba)

30. Iriri Aye Alaroye

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played and are still playing various roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant. Here’s a list of top indigenous language newspapers in Nigeria’s press history.

1. Iwe Irohin (Yoruba), First published in December, 1859 by C.M.S. Press under the direction of Rev. Henry Townsend

2. Iwe Irohin Eko (Yoruba), 1888, Edited and published by Andrew Thomas.

3. Unwana Efik (Efik), 1885. Published by the Church of Scotland Mission.

4. Obukpong Efik (Efik), 1885, Published by the Church of Scotland Mission

5. Eko Akete (Yoruba), July 18, 1922. Edited by Adeoye Deniga, printed by Tika-Tore Press.

6. Eleti Ofe (Yoruba), December 2, 1923. Edited and published by E. A. Akintan, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

7. Eko Igbehin (Yoruba), December 9, 1925. published by Olagunju Oni.

8. Osumare Egba (Yoruba), November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

9. Akede Eko (Yoruba), December 23, 1927. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas.

10. Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, January 1, 1939. Published by the Gaskiya Corporation.

11. Alaroye (Yoruba), First published in 1985 by Musa Alao Adedayo.

12. Aminiya (Hausa), a weekly newspaper published by Media Trust

13. Leadership A Yau (Hausa), Hausa language edition of Leadership newspaper, established in 2004.

14. Premium Times Hausa – An online-only newspaper published by Premium Times Services, publishers of Premium Times Newspaper.

15. Nigbati Owo Ba Dile (Yoruba), First published in 1910 by two female missionaries at the CMS bookshop.

16. Irohin Owuro (Yoruba), published by E. Adisa.

17. Laberin Ekklesia (Hausa), December 7, 1959. Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

18. Ogene (Igbo), Published by the Daily Star, Enugu State owned newspaper.

19. Iwe Eko (Yoruba), It was established by the Anglican Mission

20. Isokan (Yoruba), First published in 1980 by Concord Press Nigeria Limited

21. Albishir (Hausa), Published by Triumph Publishing Company Limited based in Kano

22. Alfijir Jumma (Hausa), Published by Triumph Publishing Company Limited based in Kano

23. Gbohungbohun (Yoruba), First published in 1970, by the sketch press limited, an establishment founded by the Western Nigeria State Government.

24. Iwe Iroyin Osose (Yoruba), a weekly newspaper published in 1925 by Thomas Horatio Jackson of the Weekly Record fame.

25. Irohin Yoruba (Yoruba), Founded by Allied Newspapers of Nigeria limited, a company established by the leaders of Action Group (AG).

26. Ikoro Igbo (Igbo), First published in 2016.

27. Ka Ọ Di Taa (Igbo), First published in 2017 by Anambra Newspapers and Publishing Corporation.

28. Òzísà (Igbo), a quarterly newspaper published by the Catholic church.

29. Irohin Imole (Yoruba)

30. Iriri Aye Alaroye

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played and are still playing various roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, it might be worth mentioning the few Igbo language newspapers that flashed past the history of the Nigerian press. Here’s a list of Igbo language newspapers in Nigeria’s press history.

1. Ogene

Ogene was the first Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria. It was published in the early 1970s by East Central State government. This was one of the introductions at that time to reintegrate the Igbos into mainstream society and give them a sense of belonging after emerging from a brutal war that cost them a lot. Just like Rangers International football club and Daily Star newspaper which were also created at that time, Ogene newspaper was regarded as the pride of the Igbo speaking people of Nigeria and it was hugely popular and successful among readers in the South eastern part of the country and beyond. The newspaper was then inherited by the old Anambra state government after it was created in 1976. It was popular among the audience for some years but gradually began to decline as the competition in the industry became stiffer even for English language newspapers. Ask any Igbo-speaking person who had attained adulthood in the 1970s and 1980s about Ogene newspaper, the person will tell you good stories about the publication with nostalgia. Ogene was the most successful Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria’s press history.

2. Udoka

This is the second most successful Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria’s press history. One major reason was that the newspaper was already associated with success even before it came into existence, by virtue of the fact that it was published by Concord Group of newspapers, one of the leading media organizations in Nigeria at a point in the nation’s history. Concord group, publishers of Concord newspapers, was owned by renowned billionaire business man and politician, Chief M.K.O. Abiola. Udoka was one of Chief Abiola’s campaign tools to penetrate the South Eastern part of the country, just as he also had Amana, a Hausa language newspaper, published by his media organization and also thriving in the Northern part of the country and among Hausa speaking readers across the nation. Udoka thrived in the 1980s and was next to Ogene in terms of popularity and huge audience base.

3. Ka Ọ Di Taa

Published by Anambra Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Awka publishers of ‘National Light’ newspaper, Ka Ọ Di Taa made its debut on the newsstands in August 2017. The newspaper had the defined mission of disseminating news and current affairs to Igbo readers while also projecting the usage and sustenance of the language. The newspaper started as a pull-out section of National Light Newspaper, the company’s main all, became a stand-alone publication in 2019. Ka Ọ Di Taa became the most regular and professionally produced Igbo language newspaper in circulation 30 years after the first Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria, Ogene, went out of circulation. Though the newspaper is facing readership challenges, it could be described as the most serious Igbo language newspaper on the newsstands.

4. Òzísà

A publication of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Owerri, Òzísà is another Igbo language newspaper that was part of Nigeria’s press history. Though the circulation was very much limited to Imo state and occasionally some of other parts of South East Nigeria, Òzísà is among the Igbo language newspapers that spent time on the newsstands before going off circulation. It had an advantage as a publication of a church which ensured that Catholic faithful in Imo state patronized the publication. This ensured that the publication did not suffer the heat in the fiercely competitive journalism environment in Nigeria. Òzísà disseminated diverse information about the Catholic Church and other topical issues in the society.

5. Ikoro Igbo

This newspaper was launched in 2016 by Imo state government under the administration of Rochas Okorocha. The publication was funded and sponsored by the Imo State Government, and was targeted at covering the five South-East states and other Igbo-speaking parts of the country. However, the newspaper was more of a political tool to score points than a serious local language publication aimed at standing the test of time. The paper disappeared almost immediately after it was launched. The state government launched the newspaper as part of its efforts to ensure that Igbo language will go extinct. The newspaper was more of a ceremonial package than a serious publication.

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played crucial roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, a few Igbo language newspapers existed in Nigeria’s media landscape. One of such classic newspapers in Ogene, the first and biggest Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria.

Ogene was the first Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria. It was published in the early 1970s by East Central State government. This was one of the introductions at that time to reintegrate the Igbos into mainstream society and give them a sense of belonging after emerging from a brutal war that cost them a lot. Just like Rangers International football club and Daily Star newspaper which were also created at that time, Ogene newspaper was regarded as the pride of the Igbo speaking people of Nigeria and it was hugely popular and successful among readers in the South eastern part of the country and beyond. The newspaper was then inherited by the old Anambra state government after it was created in 1976. It was popular among the audience for some years but gradually began to decline as the competition in the industry became stiffer even for English language newspapers. Ask any Igbo-speaking person who had attained adulthood in the 1970s and 1980s about Ogene newspaper, the person will tell you good stories about the publication with nostalgia. Ogene was the most successful Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria’s press history.

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played crucial roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, a few Igbo language newspapers existed in Nigeria’s media landscape. Among them is Udoka, a popular Igbo language newspaper that stormed Nigeria’s media landscape with professional content.

Udoka is the second most successful Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria’s press history. One major reason was that the newspaper was already associated with success even before it came into existence, by virtue of the fact that it was published by Concord Group of newspapers, one of the leading media organizations in Nigeria at a point in the nation’s history. Concord group, publishers of Concord newspapers, was owned by renowned billionaire business man and politician, Chief M.K.O. Abiola. Udoka was one of Chief Abiola’s campaign tools to penetrate the South Eastern part of the country, just as he also had Amana, a Hausa language newspaper, published by his media organization and also thriving in the Northern part of the country and among Hausa speaking readers across the nation. Udoka thrived in the 1980s and was next to Ogene in terms of popularity and huge audience base.

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played crucial roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, a few Igbo language newspapers flashed past the history of the Nigerian press. One of them is Ka Ọ Di Taa, the most regular Igbo language newspaper in modern times.

Published by Anambra Newspapers and Publishing Corporation, Awka publishers of ‘National Light’ newspaper, Ka Ọ Di Taa made its debut on the newsstands in August 2017. The newspaper had the defined mission of disseminating news and current affairs to Igbo readers while also projecting the usage and sustenance of the language. The newspaper started as a pull-out section of National Light Newspaper, the company’s main all, became a stand-alone publication in 2019. Ka Ọ Di Taa became the most regular and professionally produced Igbo language newspaper in circulation 30 years after the first Igbo language newspaper in Nigeria, Ogene, went out of circulation. Though the newspaper is facing readership challenges, it could be described as the most serious Igbo language newspaper on the newsstands.

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played crucial roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, a few Igbo language newspapers flashed past the history of the Nigerian press. One of them is Òzísà, the most regular Igbo language newspaper published by a Church in Nigeria.

A publication of the Catholic Arch Diocese of Owerri, Òzísà is another Igbo language newspaper that was part of Nigeria’s press history. Though the circulation was very much limited to Imo state and occasionally some of other parts of South East Nigeria, Òzísà is among the Igbo language newspapers that spent time on the newsstands before going off circulation. It had an advantage as a publication of a church which ensured that Catholic faithful in Imo state patronized the publication. This ensured that the publication did not suffer the heat in the fiercely competitive journalism environment in Nigeria. Òzísà disseminated diverse information about the Catholic Church and other topical issues in the society.

Nigeria’s press history reflects a robust and competitive environment where indigenous or local language newspapers had little chance of survival. Though the first Nigerian newspaper was a local language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, the media landscape at the beginning was dominated by English language newspapers published by nationalists for championing self rule and independence. Yet a number of indigenous language newspapers share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played crucial roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

While Yoruba and Hausa language newspapers existence in large numbers in Nigeria’s media landscape, only a few Igbo language newspapers showed up in the news stands. Most of them could be described as pretenders because either they were short-lived or they existed as pullout inserts in English language newspapers. The lack of interest in publishing Igbo language newspapers could be attributed to the following factors: lack of interest by Igbo speaking Nigerians in reading Igbo language literature; difficulty in reading and writing Igbo language by many Igbo speaking Nigerians; difficulty in finding journalists who can report in Igbo language; and other general factors that affect newspapers such as lack of adverts, publication cost, among others. However, a few Igbo language newspapers flashed past the history of the Nigerian press. Among thm is Ikoro Igbo, published and funded by Imo State government.

Ikoro Igbo was launched in 2016 by Imo state government under the administration of Rochas Okorocha. The publication was funded and sponsored by the Imo State Government, and was targeted at covering the five South-East states and other Igbo-speaking parts of the country. However, the newspaper was more of a political tool to score points than a serious local language publication aimed at standing the test of time. The paper disappeared almost immediately after it was launched. The state government launched the newspaper as part of its efforts to ensure that Igbo language will go extinct. The newspaper was more of a ceremonial package than a serious publication.

The history of the Nigerian mass media started with a robust and fierce competition among Newspapers, the early arrivals in the landscape. The industry was dominated by vibrant journalists most of whom doubled as editors/publishers. After Rev. Henry Townsend established the first newspaper in Nigeria in 1859, a plethora of other publications began to spring up by the day. The scene was dominated by activists like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry was very eventful during the pre-independence era especially because most of the publishers were also nationalists using their newspapers to propagate self-rule and independence struggles. Here’s a list of newspapers that were published before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, a picture that shows you how eventful the print media industry was in the pre-independence era.

1. Iwe Irohin started publication in December, 1859 by C.M.S. Press under the direction of Rev. Henry Townsend

2. The Anglo-African started publication in 1863, it was published by Robert Campbell.

3. Lagos Times November 10, 1880. Editor, Andrew Thomas, Publisher Richard Beale Blaize.

4. Lagos Observer, February 15, 1882. Edited and published by J. Bagan Benjamin, assisted by Robert Campbell.

5. The Eagle and Lagos Critic March 31, 1883. Edited and published by Owen Macauley.

6. Unwana Efik, 1885. Published by the Church of Scotland Mission.

7. Obukpong Efik, 1885, Published by the Church of Scotland Mission

8. The Mirror December 17, 1887. Edited and published by Adolphus Marke.

9. Iwe Irohin Eko, 1888, Edited and published by Andrew Thomas.

10. Lagos Weekly Times, 1890. Edited by John Payne Jackson, publisher, Leigh.

11. Lagos Weekly Record, January 1, 1891. Edited by John Payne Jackson, published by Candido

12. Lagos Standard, 1893. Edited by George Alfred Williams, with Samuel Herbert Pearse.

13. The Lagos Echo (revamped Observer), 1891. Published by Bagan Benjamin.

Da Rocha, and David Augustus.

14. The Nigerian Chronicle, November, 1908. Edited and published by Chris Kumolu Johnson.

15. The Nigerian Times, September 5, 1910. Edited and Published by James Bright Davies.

16. The Nigerian Pioneer, Published by Kitoyi Ajasa.

17. African Messenger, March 5, 1921. Edited and published by Ernest Ikoli.

18. Eko Akete, July 18, 1922. Edited by Adeoye Deniga, printed by Tika-Tore Press.

19. Nigerian Spectator, May 15, 1923. Edited and published by Richard Savage.

20. The Yoruba News, May 23, 1923. Published by D. A. and Salami Agbaje.

21. Eleti Ofe, December 2, 1923. Edited and published by E. A. Akintan, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

22. Advanced Opinion, December 1923. Published by Ellis Nicol St. John.

23. Lagos Daily News, October 9, 1925. Publishers were Victor Bababunmi, Herbert Macauley, and J.A. Caulcrick.

24. Eko Igbehin, December 9, 1925. published by Olagunju Oni.

25. The Dawn, December 21, 1925. Edited and published by William Labor.

26. Osumare Egba, November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

27. Daily Times, Printed the first copy on 1 June 1926. Published by The Nigerian Printing and Publishing Company, a private firm.

28. Egba National Harper, March 30, 1926. Published by A. Folarin, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

29. Nigerian Advocate, August 21, 1926. Published by S.H. Braithwaite, Printed by Samuel Pearse.

30. Osumare Egba, November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

31. The Coaster, September 9, 1927. Published by Lawrence Benson.

32. Nigerian Daily Telegraph, December 22, 1927. Published by Antus Williams.

33. Akede Eko, December 23, 1927. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas.

34. Nigerian Evening News, May 28, 1929. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas

35. Nigerian Observer, September 25, 1929. Edited and published by Potts-Johnson.

36. Nigerian Daily Mail, January 20, 1930. edited and published by Ernest Ikoli.

37. Nigerian Weekly Dispatch, September 13, 1930. Edited and published by Samuel Cole-Edwards.

38. African Sunday Digest, March 17, 1931. Edited by J.C. Zizier

39. Nigerian Daily Herald, April 11, 1931. edited by Ronke, E. Ajayi.

40. Nigerian Daily Echo, March 3, 1932. Published by Adeoye Deniga

41. Jaridar Nijeriya Ta Arewa, Launched in 1932 by the Northern Regional Government

42. West African Nationhood, January 31, 1932. Edited by G.E. Spencer and published by J.C. Zixier

43. The Nigerian Echo, December 29, 1932. Edited by Adebowale Howells and published by Daniel Joseph-Emmanuel.

44. The Comet, July 14, 1933. Edited and published by Ali Mohammed Duse.

45. Nigerian Evening Standard, June 27, 1934. Edited and published by Akaje-Macaulay.

46. Olumo Weekly Record, February 5, 1935. Edited and published by S.O. Sotoya.

47. Service, March 12, 1933. Edited and published by Ernest Ikoli

48. Daily Service, April 9, 1938. Edited by Ernest Ikoli and published by P.W.O. Cardoso.

49. Nigerian Eastern Mail, May 15, 1935. Published by James Clinton

50. West African Star, June 16, 1935. J.W. Egbe

51. West African Advertiser, May 7, 1935. Published by J.T. John

52. Youth Monthly Diary, October 1, 1935. Published by E. A. Atilade

53. Nigerian Provincial, January 30, 1936. Published by Babs Layemi

54. West African Pilot, November 22, 1937. Published by ZIk’s Press Ltd

55. African Public Opinion, December 22, 1937. Published by J.A. Odufunade

56. The African Star, January 20, 1938. Published and edited by Fagbenro-Beyioku

57. Western Echo, August 17, 1939. Published by Ebun Ogunmefun and D.T. Akinbiyi

58. Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, January 1, 1939. Northern Literature Agency and the Gaskiya Corporation.

59. Eastern Nigeria Guardian, December 22, 1940. Published by Zik’s Press

60. African Mirror, June 13, 1940

61. Abeokuta Weekly Herald, October 29, 1940. Published by S.G.

62. Nigerian Review, 1942. Public Relations Department

63. Nigerian Spokesman, January 27, 1943. Published by Zik’s Press

64. Southern Nigeria Defender, 1943. Zik’s Press Ltd

65. The Nigerian News, October 22, 1945. Published by T.A. Dokobiri

66. Irohin Yoruba, November 3, 1945. Published by Service Press Ltd

67. Occult World Review, August 23, 1945. Published by Ajani Olujare

68. Everybody’s Daily, December 2, 1946. Published by R.B. Ottun and Magnus Williams

69. Nigerian Sports Herald, August 26, 1946. Published by Lawrence Faneye

70. Children’s Own Paper, 1946. Public Relation Department

71. Egbaland Echo, August 28, 1947. Edited and published by Ayo Ajala.

72. Nigerian Daily Echo, June 27, 1947. Published by Warrior Osika

73. New Times of Nigeria, September 25, 1947. Edited by Emmanuel Obahiagbon and published by Adesoji Aderemi

74. Ijebu Weekly Echo, 1947. J.J. Odufuwa

75. West African Express, July 2, 1948. Published by E.C. Thompson

76. French African Bulletin, November 25, 1947. Published by Samuel Cadmus

77. The Benin Voice, September 18, 1948. Published by Lawal Osula

78. Daily Success, 1951. Published by Isuman

79. Nigerian Citizen, September 4, 1948. Published by Gaskiya Corporation

80. The Nigerian Standard, February 15, 1949. Published by G.O. Oweh

81. The Nigerian Voice, May 13, 1949. Published by M. R. Ojikutu

82. New Africa, June 8, 1949. Published by P.E. Chukwurah

83. The Northern Advocate, August 5, 1949. Published by Bob Ogbuagu

84. Sporting Review, November 16, 1949. Edited and published by Bonar-Ekanem

85. Morning Star, December 2, 1949. Published by J.O.Adigun, proprietor was Akin Sowumi.

86. Nigerian Tribune, October 1, 1949. African Press Ltd

87. Eastern States Express, December 8, 1949. Published by E.U. Udoma

88. The Nigerian Star, February 2, 1950. Published by MId-Western Press, under direction of Anthony Enahoro.

89. The State of Oduduwaland, January 28, 1950. Published by Ajani Olujare

90. West African Examiner, January 14, 1950. Published by Orizu.

91. Weekly Digest, March 21, 1950. Published by Johnson Aiyealo.

92. Nigerian Freedom, July 3, 1950. Published by Eyo Ita.

93. Nigerian Woman, March 1, 1950. published by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

94. The Western Leader, 1951. Published by Des Dokubo.

95. Nigerian People’s Voice, 1952. Published by H.O. Davies.

96. The Eastern Nigeria Defender, 1952. Zik’s Press Ltd

97. Radio-TV Times, 1955. Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation

98. Irohin Owuro, published by E. Adisa.

99. Laberin Ekklesia, December 7, 1959. Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

100. Yoruba Challenge, published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

101. Kahaki, Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

The history of the Nigerian mass media started with a robust and fierce competition among Newspapers, the early arrivals in the landscape. The industry was dominated by vibrant journalists most of whom doubled as editors/publishers. After Rev. Henry Townsend established the first newspaper in Nigeria in 1859, a plethora of other publications began to spring up by the day. The scene was dominated by activists like Sir Akitoye Ajasa (who published the Nigerian Pioneer in 1914), Ernest Sese Ikoli (African Messenger, 1921), Herbert Macaulay (Lagos Daily News, 1925), Malam Abubakar Imam (Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, 1939), and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (West African Pilot) among others. The industry was very eventful during the pre-independence era especially because most of the publishers were also nationalists using their newspapers to propagate self-rule and independence struggles. Here’s a list of newspapers that were published before Nigeria’s independence in 1960, a picture that shows you how eventful the print media industry was in the pre-independence era.

1. Iwe Irohin started publication in December, 1859 by C.M.S. Press under the direction of Rev. Henry Townsend

2. The Anglo-African started publication in 1863, it was published by Robert Campbell.

3. Lagos Times November 10, 1880. Editor, Andrew Thomas, Publisher Richard Beale Blaize.

4. Lagos Observer, February 15, 1882. Edited and published by J. Bagan Benjamin, assisted by Robert Campbell.

5. The Eagle and Lagos Critic March 31, 1883. Edited and published by Owen Macauley.

6. Unwana Efik, 1885. Published by the Church of Scotland Mission.

7. Obukpong Efik, 1885, Published by the Church of Scotland Mission

8. The Mirror December 17, 1887. Edited and published by Adolphus Marke.

9. Iwe Irohin Eko, 1888, Edited and published by Andrew Thomas.

10. Lagos Weekly Times, 1890. Edited by John Payne Jackson, publisher, Leigh.

11. Lagos Weekly Record, January 1, 1891. Edited by John Payne Jackson, published by Candido

12. Lagos Standard, 1893. Edited by George Alfred Williams, with Samuel Herbert Pearse.

13. The Lagos Echo (revamped Observer), 1891. Published by Bagan Benjamin.

Da Rocha, and David Augustus.

14. The Nigerian Chronicle, November, 1908. Edited and published by Chris Kumolu Johnson.

15. The Nigerian Times, September 5, 1910. Edited and Published by James Bright Davies.

16. The Nigerian Pioneer, Published by Kitoyi Ajasa.

17. African Messenger, March 5, 1921. Edited and published by Ernest Ikoli.

18. Eko Akete, July 18, 1922. Edited by Adeoye Deniga, printed by Tika-Tore Press.

19. Nigerian Spectator, May 15, 1923. Edited and published by Richard Savage.

20. The Yoruba News, May 23, 1923. Published by D. A. and Salami Agbaje.

21. Eleti Ofe, December 2, 1923. Edited and published by E. A. Akintan, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

22. Advanced Opinion, December 1923. Published by Ellis Nicol St. John.

23. Lagos Daily News, October 9, 1925. Publishers were Victor Bababunmi, Herbert Macauley, and J.A. Caulcrick.

24. Eko Igbehin, December 9, 1925. published by Olagunju Oni.

25. The Dawn, December 21, 1925. Edited and published by William Labor.

26. Osumare Egba, November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

27. Daily Times, Printed the first copy on 1 June 1926. Published by The Nigerian Printing and Publishing Company, a private firm.

28. Egba National Harper, March 30, 1926. Published by A. Folarin, printed by Akin Adeshigbin.

29. Nigerian Advocate, August 21, 1926. Published by S.H. Braithwaite, Printed by Samuel Pearse.

30. Osumare Egba, November 21, 1925. Nigerian Blessed Press.

31. The Coaster, September 9, 1927. Published by Lawrence Benson.

32. Nigerian Daily Telegraph, December 22, 1927. Published by Antus Williams.

33. Akede Eko, December 23, 1927. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas.

34. Nigerian Evening News, May 28, 1929. Edited and published by I.B. Thomas

35. Nigerian Observer, September 25, 1929. Edited and published by Potts-Johnson.

36. Nigerian Daily Mail, January 20, 1930. edited and published by Ernest Ikoli.

37. Nigerian Weekly Dispatch, September 13, 1930. Edited and published by Samuel Cole-Edwards.

38. African Sunday Digest, March 17, 1931. Edited by J.C. Zizier

39. Nigerian Daily Herald, April 11, 1931. edited by Ronke, E. Ajayi.

40. Nigerian Daily Echo, March 3, 1932. Published by Adeoye Deniga

41. Jaridar Nijeriya Ta Arewa, Launched in 1932 by the Northern Regional Government

42. West African Nationhood, January 31, 1932. Edited by G.E. Spencer and published by J.C. Zixier

43. The Nigerian Echo, December 29, 1932. Edited by Adebowale Howells and published by Daniel Joseph-Emmanuel.

44. The Comet, July 14, 1933. Edited and published by Ali Mohammed Duse.

45. Nigerian Evening Standard, June 27, 1934. Edited and published by Akaje-Macaulay.

46. Olumo Weekly Record, February 5, 1935. Edited and published by S.O. Sotoya.

47. Service, March 12, 1933. Edited and published by Ernest Ikoli

48. Daily Service, April 9, 1938. Edited by Ernest Ikoli and published by P.W.O. Cardoso.

49. Nigerian Eastern Mail, May 15, 1935. Published by James Clinton

50. West African Star, June 16, 1935. J.W. Egbe

51. West African Advertiser, May 7, 1935. Published by J.T. John

52. Youth Monthly Diary, October 1, 1935. Published by E. A. Atilade

53. Nigerian Provincial, January 30, 1936. Published by Babs Layemi

54. West African Pilot, November 22, 1937. Published by ZIk’s Press Ltd

55. African Public Opinion, December 22, 1937. Published by J.A. Odufunade

56. The African Star, January 20, 1938. Published and edited by Fagbenro-Beyioku

57. Western Echo, August 17, 1939. Published by Ebun Ogunmefun and D.T. Akinbiyi

58. Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, January 1, 1939. Northern Literature Agency and the Gaskiya Corporation.

59. Eastern Nigeria Guardian, December 22, 1940. Published by Zik’s Press

60. African Mirror, June 13, 1940

61. Abeokuta Weekly Herald, October 29, 1940. Published by S.G.

62. Nigerian Review, 1942. Public Relations Department

63. Nigerian Spokesman, January 27, 1943. Published by Zik’s Press

64. Southern Nigeria Defender, 1943. Zik’s Press Ltd

65. The Nigerian News, October 22, 1945. Published by T.A. Dokobiri

66. Irohin Yoruba, November 3, 1945. Published by Service Press Ltd

67. Occult World Review, August 23, 1945. Published by Ajani Olujare

68. Everybody’s Daily, December 2, 1946. Published by R.B. Ottun and Magnus Williams

69. Nigerian Sports Herald, August 26, 1946. Published by Lawrence Faneye

70. Children’s Own Paper, 1946. Public Relation Department

71. Egbaland Echo, August 28, 1947. Edited and published by Ayo Ajala.

72. Nigerian Daily Echo, June 27, 1947. Published by Warrior Osika

73. New Times of Nigeria, September 25, 1947. Edited by Emmanuel Obahiagbon and published by Adesoji Aderemi

74. Ijebu Weekly Echo, 1947. J.J. Odufuwa

75. West African Express, July 2, 1948. Published by E.C. Thompson

76. French African Bulletin, November 25, 1947. Published by Samuel Cadmus

77. The Benin Voice, September 18, 1948. Published by Lawal Osula

78. Daily Success, 1951. Published by Isuman

79. Nigerian Citizen, September 4, 1948. Published by Gaskiya Corporation

80. The Nigerian Standard, February 15, 1949. Published by G.O. Oweh

81. The Nigerian Voice, May 13, 1949. Published by M. R. Ojikutu

82. New Africa, June 8, 1949. Published by P.E. Chukwurah

83. The Northern Advocate, August 5, 1949. Published by Bob Ogbuagu

84. Sporting Review, November 16, 1949. Edited and published by Bonar-Ekanem

85. Morning Star, December 2, 1949. Published by J.O.Adigun, proprietor was Akin Sowumi.

86. Nigerian Tribune, October 1, 1949. African Press Ltd

87. Eastern States Express, December 8, 1949. Published by E.U. Udoma

88. The Nigerian Star, February 2, 1950. Published by MId-Western Press, under direction of Anthony Enahoro.

89. The State of Oduduwaland, January 28, 1950. Published by Ajani Olujare

90. West African Examiner, January 14, 1950. Published by Orizu.

91. Weekly Digest, March 21, 1950. Published by Johnson Aiyealo.

92. Nigerian Freedom, July 3, 1950. Published by Eyo Ita.

93. Nigerian Woman, March 1, 1950. published by Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.

94. The Western Leader, 1951. Published by Des Dokubo.

95. Nigerian People’s Voice, 1952. Published by H.O. Davies.

96. The Eastern Nigeria Defender, 1952. Zik’s Press Ltd

97. Radio-TV Times, 1955. Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation

98. Irohin Owuro, published by E. Adisa.

99. Laberin Ekklesia, December 7, 1959. Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

100. Yoruba Challenge, published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

101. Kahaki, Published by the Sudan Interior Mission.

Local language newspapers constitute a strong pillar in the history of the Nigerian press. Though the environment was very robust and competitive environment for indigenous or local language newspapers to survive, a number of them still did well and share in the credit of developing a vibrant newspaper industry in the country. The first Nigerian newspaper was a Yoruba language newspaper, Iwe Irohin, which was also the first indigenous language newspaper in Africa. It was established in 1859. Fiercely competitive business environment of the newspaper industry in Nigeria and the growing interest of publishers to establish English language newspapers contributed in stifling numerous local language publications that came up after Iwe Irohin. Despite the toughness of survival for indigenous language newspapers, a number of them played and are still playing various roles in making the print media industry in Nigeria colourful and vibrant.

Hausa language newspapers were major vehicles for information dissemination among audience in Northern Nigeria and Hausa speaking people across the nation. Hausa newspapers are still very popular in Northern part of Nigeria today; some of them are even more sought-after than English language newspapers. Many Hausa language newspapers existed in Nigeria’s press history. Here’s a list of Hausa language newspapers in Nigeria’s press history. They are more than this but these are the ones records showed they existed.

1. Jaridar Nijeriya Ta Arewa – First published in 1932 by the Northern regional government.

2. Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo – First published in 1939 by the Northern regional government.

3. Suda – a forth-nightly newspaper first published in 1941.

4. Zaruma – First published in 1954 for Sokoto province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

5. Himma – First published in 1954 for Katsina province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

6. Gamzaki – First published in 1954 for Plateau province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

7. Zumunta – First published in 1954 for Bauchi province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

READ ALSO: List of Igbo Language Newspapers in Nigeria

READ ALSO: Top 30 Indigenous Language Newspapers in Nigeria’s Press History

8. Bazazzaga – First published in 1954 for Zaria province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

9. Haske – First published in 1954 for Niger province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

10. Ardo – First published in 1954 for Adamawa province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA). It also had Kanuri contents.

12. Albishir – First published in 1954 for Borno province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA). It also had Fulfulde contents.

13. Sodangi – First published in 1954 for Kano province by Northern Regional Literature Agency (NORLA).

14. Alfijir – Published by NORLA.

15. Jakadiya – Published by NORLA.

16. Aboki – Published by NORLA.

17. Maganar Kano – an independent weekly newspaper first published in October 1980 by Sarki Media Kano; printed by Gaskiya Corporation.

READ ALSO: Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo! The First Government-Owned Newspaper in Nigeria

18. Yancin Dan Adam – First published on 5^th of November 1980 by Plateau Printing Publishing Corporation, publishers of Nigerian Standard.

19. Amana – First published on 12^th August 1981 by Concord Press Nigeria Limited, publishers of Weekly Concord, Saturday Concord and Weekend Concord.

20. Maishela – a monthly newspaper first published in 1981 by the Federal Ministry of Information.

21. Albishir – First published in 1981. This weekly newspaper was published printed by Triumph publishing company owned by Kano State Government.

22. Alfijir – This is different from the one earlier published by NORLA. This one was first published on January 1982 by Triumph publishing company. It was written in ajami script.

READ ALSO: List Of Oldest Yoruba Language Newspapers In Nigerian Press History

23. A Yau – First published in February 1996 by Today Communications Limited, publishers of Today Newspaper and Abuja Mirror.

24. Gamzaki – Published by the Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW).

Fitilar Katsina – Published by the Katsina State Government.

25. Aminiya – First published in 2006 by Media Trust Nigeria Limited, publishers of Daily Trust, Weekly Trust and Sunday Trust.

25. Leadership Hausa – The Hausa version of Leadership newspaper first published in 2007 by leadership newspaper group.

27. Zuma

28. Al-alami

29. Bagaruwa

30. Nasiha

31. Dandalin Hikima

32. Jakadiyar Musulunci

33. Abokiyar Hira