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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Publisher of the Daily Times Nigeria, Fidelis Anosike, has charged journalists to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) and subject themselves to both local and international training to remain relevant in the profession.
He gave the charge at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja, to mark the paper’s 100 anniversary, noting that journalists should not rely squarely on government’s patronage, as they would be forced to compromise the standards of the profession.
He described the Daily Times newspapers as a nation-building institution, whose contributions extend beyond journalism into Nigeria’s political and economic development.
He reminded professionals that the media played a pivotal role in the creation of modern Nigeria and argued that Daily Times was instrumental in fostering national unity and economic growth.
“Media is the reason we have Nigeria. The Daily Times and other media institutions helped shape the political consciousness that led to independence,” he said.
He further stressed the importance of preserving the newspaper’s legacy, noting that Folio Communications’ acquisition of the Daily Times in 2004 was driven by a commitment to safeguard an institution that has played a historic role in Nigeria’s development.
He said: “Our first milestone was to ensure that the Daily Times reaches 100 years, not dead but alive. We wanted to ensure that the labour of our heroes’ past would not be in vain.”
According to him, the media giant was never intended to be merely a newspaper company but a broader media institution dedicated to nation-building, public engagement and storytelling.
“If you don’t tell your story, nobody will tell your story for you,” he said. “Storytelling is key to transforming a country.”
He disclosed that the centenary celebration would run for one year and would focus on reviving the consciousness of the media’s role in national development while positioning Daily Times for a new era.
“We want to acknowledge the past, celebrate the present and begin shaping the future,” he said. “Daily Times remains a catalyst for the development of Nigeria.”
Also, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Media Group, Azu Ishiekwene, called on the Nigerian journalists to be inspired by the legacy of Daily Times Nigeria (DTN) to uphold the values of quality, accuracy, context and impact-driven journalism.
Ishiekwene described the centenary as a moment of reflection on the enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential media institutions and the responsibility that legacy places on contemporary journalists.
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He noted that Daily Times, founded in 1926, transformed the Nigerian media landscape by pioneering mass-circulation journalism and creating a platform for public discourse, national consciousness and professional development.
“Daily Times signalled the era of mass-circulating newspapers in Nigeria. It became the marketplace for ideas and public conversation about the future of the country,” he said.
According to him, the newspaper also served as a training ground for some of Nigeria’s most distinguished journalists and played a critical role in advancing nationalist movements that eventually led to the country’s independence.
Reflecting on the challenges confronting journalism today, he said the profession remains more relevant than ever despite the rise of social media and digital content creation.
“People complain a lot about what social media has done or undone to our profession, but I think journalism today is in far greater demand than ever before,” he stated.
He emphasised that journalists must distinguish themselves through professionalism and value-added reporting.
“It is the quality of journalism that you produce, in terms of accuracy, context, meaning and value that defines you as a journalist. Today’s darkness demands greater journalism light,” he said..
He urged media practitioners to draw inspiration from the legacy of Daily Times and continue building institutions that promote public enlightenment and democratic development.
On her part, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, Grace Ike, lauded the Daily Times on attaining the historic milestone, describing the newspaper’s centenary as a testament to resilience, relevance and service.
“One hundred years is not just a number; it is a testimony to resilience, relevance and service to the Nigerian nation and to the media profession,” she said.
She noted that Daily Times had played a significant role in shaping public opinion, promoting democratic values and strengthening journalism practice in Nigeria.
She called on media professionals to remain committed to truth, fairness, accuracy and ethical conduct amid the rapidly evolving media environment.
“As we celebrate this centenary, we are reminded of the responsibility we bear as journalists to uphold truth, fairness, accuracy and ethical conduct in our work,” she said.
