SGF George Akume Hails Daily Times As Flagship Of Nigerian Journalism, Commends “Nigerian Souvenir” Project

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has paid glowing tribute to The Daily Times Newspaper, describing it as a flagship of Nigerian journalism whose enduring legacy has shaped the trajectory of media practice and democratic discourse in the nation.

The SGF made the commendation when the Publisher of The Daily Times newspaper, Fidelis Anosike, accompanied by his delegation, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

A Century of Excellence

Since its establishment in 1926, Senator Akume stressed that the foremost media organisation has been a training ground for some of the finest journalists and media professionals in the country. He noted that under the stewardship of distinguished figures such as Ismail Babatunde Jose, the newspaper not only flourished but set standards in investigative reporting, editorial excellence, and professional integrity.

“Under the stewardship of distinguished figures such as Ismail Babatunde Jose, the newspaper not only flourished, but set standards in investigative reporting, editorial excellence and professional integrity,” the SGF stated.

The Nigerian Souvenir: A Monument to Excellence

Senator Akume noted that the legacy of The Daily Times is further reinforced with the unveiling of a monument tagged “Nigerian Souvenir”—a gigantic compendium, which he described as an enduring symbol of excellence and resilience.

He added that the production of the Nigerian Souvenir by the media organisation is a testament to its visionary leadership and its unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing the proud heritage of Nigerian journalism.

“The production of the Nigerian Souvenir by the media organisation is a testament to its visionary leadership and its unwavering commitment to preserving and advancing the proud heritage of Nigerian journalism,” Akume emphasized.

Publisher’s Vision: Reshaping Global Perceptions

Speaking earlier, the Publisher of The Daily Times Newspaper, Fidelis Anosike, noted that The Daily Times of Nigeria has reaffirmed its historic role as a catalytic force in Nigeria’s political and economic evolution, unveiling a landmark national image and content platform project aimed at reshaping global perceptions of the country ahead of its centenary anniversary in June 2026.

Anosike further stressed that historically, the institution was instrumental in establishing the Nigerian capital market, including the creation of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, thereby laying the foundation for structured economic growth and the deployment of indigenous capital.

National Compendium with Presidential Foreword

While unveiling the project to the admiration of the SGF, Anosike stated that the national compendium, which has the foreword of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is a 10-year strategic initiative to address what it identified as one of Nigeria’s most pressing contemporary challenges: global perception and national image.

He added that the publication will not only present Nigeria’s journey, progress, aspirations, and transformation efforts in a structured and authoritative format, but also create a structured repository of Nigeria’s sovereignty, heritage, achievements, culture, economic strengths, and global contributions.

A Legacy of Nation-Building

The Nigerian Souvenir project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s media and cultural landscape, offering a comprehensive documentation of the nation’s journey since independence and its aspirations for the future. As The Daily Times approaches its centenary anniversary in June 2026, the publication serves as both a celebration of the newspaper’s storied history and a contribution to Nigeria’s ongoing nation-building efforts.

The project’s focus on reshaping global perceptions addresses a critical need for Nigeria to tell its own story on its own terms, countering negative narratives with authoritative documentation of the country’s achievements, potential, and contributions to global civilization.