The Nepu Struggle

Speaking at the occasion, Barrister Ibrahim said when the newspaper was acquired in 2008 his first task was to refocus it in order to give it proper direction. He added that  “when we acquired six state-of-the art printing machines our intention was to site them in each of the six geo-political zones in the country. […]

Speaking at the occasion, Barrister Ibrahim said when the newspaper was acquired in 2008 his first task was to refocus it in order to give it proper direction. He added that  “when we acquired six state-of-the art printing machines our intention was to site them in each of the six geo-political zones in the country. National Mirror became the first to commence simultaneous printing from inception with a press in Abuja and a second one in Lagos. In September, when the  one in Ondo state became operational, we became the first in Nigeria to operate three printing presses simultaneously in first year of operation’’  He further stated that three more machines are slated for installation in Owerri, Kano and Maiduguri next year to boost the spread of the newspaper.”

The repackaged National Mirror hit the newsstands on Friday, December 17, 2010 after the old brand was acquired by Jimoh Ibrahim from Prince Emeka Obasi.

While commending the paper for remaining in the mainstream journalism and ranking among the first 10 newspapers in the country within one year of its take-off, the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku, who represented President GoodLuck Jonathan at the occasion, stated that many other newspapers were still struggling to keep up with the competition in the industry. “Within one year, National Mirror has lived up to its objectives and expectations of its readers,’’ he said.

The minister said “no nation can achieve its objectives if it fails to listen to the media. He noted that the Jonathan administration believes the media has a big role in propelling the nation to a greater height and that was why he signed the Freedom of Information Bill [FOI] Act. He urged the media to join hands with the Federal Government in its effort to reposition the country’s economy.

Meanwhile, the Managing Director and Editor in-chief of the newspaper, Mr Steve Ayorinde, has said  that the paper will continue to blaze the trail in journalism because of its exceptional quality, national, unbiased outlook and a consistent demonstration of the newspaper’s approach to newsgathering.

On the vision and mission of the newspaper, he said “our vision is to work for, stand for and seek to ensure that justice is served in Nigeria and anywhere in the world. Our mission therefore, is to protect the interest of our readers and that of our staff and shareholders, through the timeless and enduring principles of loyalty’’ he said.