IWUANYANWU`S INVOLVEMENT IN THE NIGERIAN MEDIABy David Chukwu

Engr. Chief Dr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the late President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, left a remarkable legacy in the media landscape during his lifetime. Prior to his venture into the media scene in Nigeria, he had already achieved notable success in various sectors including politics, sports, aviation, and construction.

As preparations intensify for a fitting tribute to this national icon, it’s essential to reflect on his significant contributions to the evolution of Nigeria’s dynamic media environment. Iwuanyanwu made waves in the industry with the establishment of Champion Newspapers in the late 1980s, aiming to foster inter-ethnic unity, social integration, and national cohesion. His launch of Champion marked a pivotal moment as it was the first substantial intervention from an entrepreneur hailing from Eastern Nigeria during a time when the media landscape was primarily dominated by outlets in the South West, particularly in cities like Lagos and Ibadan.

The media narrative at that time was predominantly shaped by what was known as the “Lagos-Ibadan press,” which had a significant influence on public opinion through its coverage and commentary. In contrast, the Eastern part of Nigeria lacked a major national newspaper with the capacity to advocate for its interests, leaving the region underrepresented in media discourse. The arrival of Champion Newspapers was widely seen as an essential initiative by Iwuanyanwu to bridge this gap, allowing the Ndigbo and other communities from the former Eastern Region to tell their stories from their own perspectives.

Champion Newspapers provided a necessary counterbalance to a media landscape that often served regional agendas primarily from the West. The launch of this media outlet was met with enthusiasm and was deemed a much-needed addition to the national dialogue. Professor Ivara Esu, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, described Champion as “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.”

Headquartered in Ilasamaja, near Isolo in Lagos, Iwuanyanwu transformed a significant complex into a flourishing media empire, from which multiple titles like Daily Champion, Saturday Champion, Sunday Champion, and Sporting Champion were produced. His investment in the media not only established a prominent platform but also generated substantial employment opportunities for thousands of Nigerians across various roles such as Editors, Reporters, and Marketing executives.

Throughout its peak, Champion Newspapers covered a diverse range of topics, including oil and gas, government initiatives, sports, and community events. Iwuanyanwu’s commitment to inclusivity was evident in the diverse workforce he built, engaging highly skilled individuals from across the country regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds. This approach significantly contributed to the newspaper’s rapid rise and recognition.

The management structure reflected national representation, with influential figures from different regions. Notably, Chief Henry Odukomaiya, of Yoruba descent, served as the founding Managing Director, while prominent Northern journalists such as Jonathan Ishaku and Labaran Maku held key editorial roles. Maku later became a Minister of Information in Nigeria. Editorial talent from the southern regions, including Paul Bassey and Parchi Umoh, also played vital roles in shaping the publication, with Bassey serving as the Sports Editor for many years.

During its height, Champion Newspapers was both authoritative and influential, with figures like Emma Agu and Ibe Njoku serving as Editors of the Daily Champion at various times. Many leading journalists in Nigeria today attribute the start of their careers to their time at Champion Newspapers. In addition to Champion, Iwuanyanwu founded the National Post Newspapers, based in Owerri, which focused on development stories from the Eastern region, complementing the influence of Champion Newspapers.

Iwuanyanwu will long be remembered as a pioneering media entrepreneur who not only provided employment for thousands through Champion Newspapers and the National Post but also enriched the history of Nigerian media. As the nation prepares to honor his memory, we hope for solace for those he left behind and eternal peace for his soul.
Chukwu, a Public Affairs Analyst, writes from Lagos.