TODAY, against all odds and in firm expression of the amazing Grace of Almighty God, the Nigerian Tribune, Nigeria’s oldest surviving newspaper, is 75.
As we celebrate, we must, first of all, honour the vision, courage, and resilience of our Founders, the sage, Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ, SAN, GCFR, and his beloved ‘jewel’, Yeye Oodua HID Awolọwọ, CON. Their unwavering commitment to the noble cause of advocating for good governance, transparency, and the rights of citizens, laid a solid foundation for the future of the Nigerian Tribune. Through their persistence and dedication, they established a legacy that continues to inspire us every day.
The story of the Nigerian Tribune, a paper unapologetic in its advocacy for a federal, equitable and prosperous Nigeria, is quite simple: the Founders, appalled by the short shrift being given to Nigerians at the time, needed a vehicle that could champion the cause of the masses and dismantle the structures of retrogression. That was how, and why, the paper surfaced 75 years ago.
On page 4 of its maiden edition on November 16, 1949, the Nigerian Tribune urged its readers to look out for “constructive criticism, brilliant and militant articles, and up-to-date news from all parts of the country.” In that same edition, the sage, Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ, explained what the Tribune offered: “A tongue and a pen that will care less of what the opponents might say, they might feel, and will have enough courage to call hypocrisy, humbug, and tyranny by their true names. Such a tongue, such a pen, will mortify the proud and provoke despotism to repent its ways.”
Since our founding in 1949, our mission has been clear: to serve as a voice for the voiceless, fostering accountability and driving positive change through fearless journalism. The road, strewn with landmines, has been decidedly tortuous, but the challenges have always met their match in the divine enablement that has been our lot and the iron-clad commitment of a succession of stellar casts of men and women at the Board, Management and Staff levels.
Today, we proudly celebrate the Nigerian Tribune’s 75th anniversary—a remarkable milestone in our journey of growth and commitment to excellence. Over the past seven and a half decades, we have transformed challenges into opportunities, embraced change, and remained steadfast in our mission. Indeed, today, we are proud to lay claim to being the paper with one of the richest libraries in Nigeria.
Over the decades, we have witnessed profound changes in our society, but through it all, the Nigerian Tribune has remained steadfast in its commitment to truth, integrity, and justice. Our journey has been one of courage, resilience, and innovation, made possible by the relentless efforts of our team and the enduring trust of our readers, who remain our chiefest patrons.
In 1977, the Nigerian Tribune articulated the dimensions of its editorial policy which are just as true today as they were then. We are unwavering in our commitment to independent journalism. Guided by truth and driven by a sense of duty to our nation, we prioritise the public good above all else. We strive to inform, challenge, and empower our readers, holding power to account while upholding the highest ethical standards. In every story we publish, our ultimate allegiance is to the truth and the collective well-being of society. Doing otherwise would amount to a disservice to the country.
The Nigerian Tribune believes in democracy, supremacy of the will of the people, an economy grounded in sound economic principles, the highest possible standard of public probity, a truly federal system of government, enthronement of the rule of law and social justice. More than ever, the Nigerian Tribune is resolved to remain constructive, balanced and courageous in its analysis of events and comments, in order to justify the confidence of the Nigerian public and the valued respect of those in authority.
Our success is deeply rooted in the dedication and talent of our staff. We have been blessed with extraordinary individuals whose contributions have not only shaped our organisation but have also made giant strides on national, continental, and global stages. Their work has amplified the impact of our mission, inspiring change and setting benchmarks in the world of journalism and beyond.
It remains our pledge today as I adhere, resolutely, to the vision of our beloved and illustrious forebears, and hold aloft their legacy, in my position as Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, publishers of the Tribune titles.
This legacy has been our guiding light as we navigate the monumental challenges currently facing the newspaper industry on a global scale. Despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our mission to the Nigerian people, conscious of the Nigerian Tribune’s place in history, as a paper whose abiding reputation has been forged in the crucible of perseverance, and one that is a vital part of the history of the Nigerian nation.
In the last 75 years, the Nigerian Tribune has been about the people. As we honour our past, we also renew our pledge to the future. In an ever-evolving world, our role as a beacon for accountability and a defender of citizens’ rights is more crucial than ever. As Chairman, I assure all stakeholders that the Nigerian Tribune will remain unwaveringly committed to the cause of social justice, good governance and an egalitarian society.
We celebrate this significant milestone with a renewal of our commitment to upholding the values and principles that have defined us for 75 years. With the support of our team, readers and partners, we look forward to continuing our journey of impactful journalism and advocacy for a more just and equitable society.
The Nigerian Tribune has been through turbulent times, but there was always a silver lining: the people did not relent in their support for the paper. That is why it has remained on the stands for 75 years, and we believe that, God willing, it will remain on the stands in perpetuity.
We thank our readers and advertisers without whose support we would not be here today. Thank you all for being part of our journey.
Together, and inspired by the visionary ideals of our Founders, we are convinced that we will continue to contribute, significantly, to efforts aimed at charting the most logical course towards achieving for Nigeria, her manifest destiny – a nation that earns the respect and admiration of the world.
Ambassador Dr Ọlatokunbọ Awolọwọ Dosumu Chairman, ANN PLC.
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