By Nkechi Eze
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has paid glowing tribute to The Daily Times, describing the iconic newspaper as a flagship of Nigerian journalism and a monumental legacy that has profoundly shaped media practice and democratic discourse in the country for nearly a century.
Akume gave the commendation in Abuja while receiving the Publisher of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, and his delegation during a courtesy visit ahead of the organisation’s centenary anniversary scheduled for June 2026.
Speaking during the meeting, the SGF acknowledged the historic role of the newspaper since its establishment in 1926, noting that it has served as a fertile training ground for generations of distinguished journalists and media professionals who have contributed immensely to national development.
He particularly recalled the era of legendary media administrator, Alhaji Ismail Babatunde Jose, under whose leadership the newspaper flourished and became synonymous with investigative reporting, editorial excellence, and unwavering professional integrity. According to him, the enduring reputation of The Daily Times remains a testament to its institutional strength and its foundational role in Nigeria’s media evolution.
Akume further noted that the newspaper’s legacy is being reinforced through the unveiling of a monumental national compendium titled “Nigerian Souvenir,” which he described as a bold and visionary initiative designed to preserve Nigeria’s history and journalistic heritage.
He said the publication represents an enduring symbol of resilience, excellence, and foresight, adding that its production underscores the newspaper’s unwavering commitment to advancing the frontiers of journalism and national storytelling.
Earlier, the Publisher of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, reaffirmed the organisation’s historic role as a catalytic force in Nigeria’s political and economic transformation, stating that the centenary project is aimed at reshaping global perceptions of the country and strengthening Nigeria’s international image.
He explained that the “Nigerian Souvenir” is more than a publication, describing it as a landmark national image and content platform that will serve as a structured repository of Nigeria’s sovereignty, heritage, economic progress, cultural richness, and global contributions.
Anosike emphasized that historically, The Daily Times played a significant role in the establishment of Nigeria’s capital market, including contributing to the creation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, thereby laying the foundation for indigenous economic growth and financial independence.
He further disclosed that the compendium, which features a foreword by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is designed as a 10-year strategic national image-building initiative to address longstanding global perception challenges facing Nigeria.
According to him, the publication will comprehensively document Nigeria’s journey, achievements, aspirations, and transformation efforts in an authoritative format, while projecting the country’s strengths and opportunities to the international community.
He added that the centenary initiative reflects The Daily Times’ enduring commitment to national development and its determination to remain a custodian of Nigeria’s collective memory and journalistic excellence.
The visit underscored the continued relevance of The Daily Times as one of Nigeria’s most influential media institutions and highlighted its centenary anniversary as a historic milestone in the evolution of journalism and nation-building in Nigeria.
