Abuja: President Bola Tinubu has called on Daily Times to preserve Nigeria’s history and leverage its century-long legacy to aid the nation’s future development. Speaking at the centenary celebration of Daily Times in Abuja, Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, highlighted the newspaper’s 100th anniversary as a testament to its enduring relevance and institutional resilience.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Tinubu remarked that the milestone serves as an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey and achievements. He emphasized the importance of understanding history to avoid repeating past mistakes and to draw lessons for the future. The Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, he noted, focuses on transforming the nation through stronger institutions, economic reforms, and expanded opportunities for citizens.
Tinubu stressed that the government’s reforms aim to change the country’s trajectory, build a robust fiscal foundation, and enhance infrastructure, enabling Nigeria to compete globally. He underscored that history should be a tool for shaping the future rather than just a record of the past. The Nigerian Grand Book, as he noted, would celebrate contributions to national development and preserve institutional memories for upcoming generations.
In a keynote address, Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), praised Daily Times for its role in nation-building over the last century. He emphasized the significance of continuity in developing enduring institutions and called on the newspaper’s management to maintain its ideals while adapting to technological advancements in the media landscape.
Dr. Ijeoma Arodiogbu, National Vice-Chairman, South-East, All Progressives Congress (APC), also addressed the gathering, highlighting the opportunity for Daily Times to expand beyond traditional media and occupy a global space. He encouraged the publication to innovate and remain relevant to future generations, suggesting that the centenary marks the beginning of a new era for the newspaper in the global media landscape.