Abuja: Mr. Fidelis Anosike, Group Chief Executive Officer of Folio Communications Limited, asserted that knowledge and innovation are pivotal to Nigeria’s development, as the Daily Times embarked on celebrations for its 100th anniversary. The Daily Times is a publication of Folio Communications Plc, which acquired the newspaper in 2004 after the privatisation of the former Daily Times group.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Anosike emphasized that the progress of any nation is largely dependent on the knowledge and enlightenment of its citizens. He stated, “The only way a country can change is when its citizens are knowledgeable because from knowledge comes wisdom.”
Anosike reflected on his decision to acquire Daily Times in 2004, citing the newspaper’s historical significance and the essential role of the media in societal development. “I bought Daily Times because it is the oldest newspaper in Nigeria and because I understood what Nigeria was lacking. I have had the opportunity to understand what media can do in the development of a society,” he explained.
He highlighted the contributions of journalism to the growth of institutions and businesses in Nigeria, while acknowledging that journalists often do not receive adequate rewards for their work. Anosike noted that Daily Times has played a crucial role in the development of Nigeria’s capital market and remains an integral part of the country’s media history.
Anosike encouraged journalists to embrace technological advancements and continuous learning, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence. “The digital media helps you, the same content that was printed on paper can now be distributed digitally. Technology and artificial intelligence make work easier and create new opportunities for journalists. You have to move with the times, if it’s AI, go and study AI, knowledge is critical, without knowledge, you cannot excel,” he advised.
He further urged media practitioners to focus on self-development, cautioning against excessive reliance on government support, which could compromise media independence. “I don’t think you need support from government, when you depend on government, you risk becoming an agent of government. Everything in life is about self-motivation and seeking knowledge,” he said.
Anosike described the current period as an opportune time for journalism, noting the increasing demand for credible information, research, and context. “The next 10 years will be defined by real journalists who can do research, provide context and structure information properly. It is actually the best time to be a journalist,” he stated.
Ms. Grace Ike, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, congratulated the management and staff of Daily Times on the newspaper’s centenary celebration. She regarded the milestone as a testament to resilience, service, and commitment to the Nigerian nation and the journalism profession. “One hundred years is not just a number; it is a testimony to resilience and service to the Nigerian nation and to the media profession,” she remarked.
Ike acknowledged the historic role of Daily Times in shaping public opinion, promoting democratic values, and strengthening journalism practice in Nigeria. She emphasized that the newspaper’s legacy remains a reference point in the history of the Nigerian press and encouraged media practitioners to use the centenary celebration as a moment of reflection, especially as the media landscape rapidly transforms. “The role of credible journalism has become even more important, the media remains at the heart of public enlightenment and national development,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria also reports that the Daily Times centenary celebration is set to include a series of activities such as public engagements, exhibitions, heritage projects, and discussions on the future of journalism. It will bring together media professionals, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and scholars to reflect on the newspaper’s contributions to Nigeria’s development over the past century.
The highlight of the celebration will be the ‘Times Heroes Award’, where the public will nominate journalists to be honored as icons of Daily Times. Originally started by Richard Barrow and Ernest Ikoli as a four-page daily in colonial Lagos, the Daily Times has grown into the nation’s newspaper of record. Despite challenges such as ownership changes, economic downturns, and digital disruption over the last 25 years, the brand has persevered, continuing to publish in print and online while adhering to its founding mission of journalism “for the people.”