Obasanjo Hails Daily Times as Pillar of Nigeria’s History at DTN@100 Celebration

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described The Daily Times as a steadfast institutional pillar that has documented Nigeria’s history for a century, commending its management for preserving the country’s archival legacy and contributing to nation-building.

Obasanjo made the commendation on Tuesday at the DTN@100 Shaping the Future Town Hall and National Conversation held in Victoria Island, Lagos, where he was physically present alongside other eminent personalities to celebrate the newspaper’s centenary.

The former President praised Folio Africa, publishers of The Daily Times, and its management for sustaining the legacy of the historic newspaper, which has remained a significant part of Nigeria’s media landscape since its establishment in 1925.

He said the newspaper’s century-long contribution to documenting Nigeria’s political, social and economic evolution represented an invaluable national asset.

“For a century, The Daily Times has remained a steadfast institutional pillar, documenting our history and providing an invaluable archival legacy of Nigeria’s journey,” Obasanjo said.

He also commended the Chairman of Folio Africa and Publisher of The Daily Times, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, for his commitment to repositioning the newspaper and preserving its historic relevance.

Obasanjo specifically praised the newspaper’s initiatives aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s global perception and compiling The Nigerian Grand Book, describing them as laudable projects deserving national appreciation.

“Your ongoing efforts to rewrite our global perception and compile The Nigerian Grand Book are highly laudable initiatives that deserve national appreciation,” he said.

The former President’s remarks added to the growing tributes from prominent Nigerians, media executives and industry stakeholders celebrating The Daily Times’ 100 years of journalism, institutional resilience and contribution to national development.

The centenary event brought together distinguished personalities from the media, business, technology and public sectors to reflect on the newspaper’s historical significance and examine the future of Nigeria.

Among the prominent media figures associated with the Daily Times tradition were Chief Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Olorogun Sam Amuka-Pemu and Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, whose contributions to Nigerian journalism have helped shape the industry.

Obasanjo expressed confidence that the town hall and national conversation would generate meaningful perspectives on Nigeria’s future, commending the leadership and organisers for putting together the historic gathering.

He wished Anosike, the awardees and other organisers a successful, impactful and memorable centenary celebration.

The Daily Times, founded in 1925, has played a prominent role in Nigeria’s media history, reporting major political transitions, economic developments and social transformations across successive generations.

Its centenary celebration comes amid renewed efforts by Folio Communications to reposition the publication and strengthen its relevance in an evolving media environment increasingly shaped by digital technology, changing audience habits and global information networks.

The DTN@100 celebration, themed “Shaping the Future,” provided an opportunity to reflect on the newspaper’s historic contributions while exploring the responsibilities of the media in shaping Nigeria’s future.

The milestone also underscores the enduring importance of preserving credible journalism and historical records as Nigeria continues to navigate contemporary political, economic and soacial challenges.