IWUANYANWU`S INVOLVEMENT IN THE NIGERIAN MEDIABy David Chukwu
In a recent interview, we delved into the remarkable legacy of Engr. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, particularly highlighting his influential role in the media sector. By the time he took the plunge into the Nigerian media landscape, Iwuanyanwu had already made a name for himself in various fields including politics, sports, aviation, and construction.
As the nation gears up to pay tribute to this national icon, it’s important to revisit the significant impact he made on the evolution of Nigerian media. Iwuanyanwu made headlines with the launch of Champion Newspapers in the late 1980s, a venture aimed at fostering inter-ethnic understanding, social integration, and national unity. His entry into the media realm was especially significant, marking the first major initiative by an entrepreneur from Eastern Nigeria during a period when media influence was largely held by the South West, notably in cities like Lagos and Ibadan.
Before Champion Newspapers came onto the scene, the Eastern region was without a national newspaper capable of advocating for its interests, resulting in a considerable lack of coverage for its stories. Iwuanyanwu’s establishment of Champion was a pivotal move to bridge that gap, enabling the Ndigbo and other communities from the former Eastern Region to convey their narratives from their own viewpoints.
Champion Newspapers became instrumental in balancing the national media landscape, which was often dominated by a select group in one region that shaped the agenda. Iwuanyanwu’s introduction of Champion Newspapers marked a significant and much-needed development in this regard.
As Professor Ivara Esu, a former Vice Chancellor at the University of Calabar, noted, Champion Newspapers evolved into “the major paper we have East of the Niger; a paper that is indigenous to our people, that is the voice of the people in this part of the country.”
The corporate headquarters of Champion was situated in Ilasamaja, near Isolo in Lagos. Iwuanyanwu transformed this expansive complex into a thriving media powerhouse, launching various newspaper titles including Daily Champion, Saturday Champion, Sunday Champion, and Sporting Champion.
His media ventures created substantial employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians, encompassing roles such as Editors, Reporters, Correspondents, Bureau Chiefs, Accountants, Administrators, Marketing Executives, and Drivers among others. The breadth of news covered by the paper was extensive, ranging from the oil and gas sector to government activities, sports, business, and community events. This wide-ranging scope highlighted Iwuanyanwu’s vision as a genuine nationalist, as he prioritized inclusivity in his hiring practices.
Individuals from all over Nigeria occupied key positions within the organization. Initially, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, a prominent newspaper administrator from the Yoruba tribe, served as the founding Managing Director. Notable journalists from the North, including Jonathan Ishaku, Labaran Maku, and Nick Dazang, held crucial editorial roles, with Maku eventually serving as Nigeria’s Minister of Information.
Significant editorial figures, such as Paul Bassey and Parchi Umoh from Akwa Ibom State, played vital roles within the organization, with Bassey achieving recognition as the Sports Editor while Umoh later became a Commissioner of Information in his state.
At its height, Champion Newspapers established itself as an authoritative voice in Nigerian media, with accomplished journalists like Emma Agu and Ibe Njoku stepping in as Editors of the Daily Champion. Many prominent names in Nigerian journalism began their careers at Champion Newspapers, which also included the inception of the National Post Newspapers based in Owerri. This regional publication focused on developmental activities in the South South and South East zones, working in tandem with Champion Newspapers.
Iwuanyanwu’s legacy as a pioneering media entrepreneur who provided jobs for thousands through Champion Newspapers and the National Post will undoubtedly endure. The narrative of Nigerian media would be incomplete without recognizing the lasting contributions of the late Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo, a visionary leader and trailblazer.
As we prepare to bid him a heartfelt farewell, we hope that the Almighty grants his soul eternal peace, and that his family finds the strength to endure their loss.
