It is indeed a great honour and a rare privilege to assume the pioneer editorship of the First News newspaper. At the risk of being immodest, this is a testament to the success my team and I have made of the online version in the past one year and a half years. Kudos to that small group of pioneer staff of the First News Media Network.
First News Online website began live streaming on June 1, 2020 under my watch as the pioneer Managing Editor and guided by the tutelage of our indefatigable Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, Mr Daniel Iworiso-Markson, and from the scratch, we began the arduous task of generating content to create and attract the required readership. Sixteen months after and through dint of sheer hard work and consistency, today, we can beat our chest to say we have created that global readership and traffic.
It’s true the media is changing globally, but we must keep in touch with the changing world.
However, as the business of news assumes a new dimension almost on a daily basis, the scope of our coverage keeps changing and expanding as well, especially with the incessant demands from our readers for a hard copy of First News. It is the aggregate of these yearnings and demands by our readers that have today crystalised into this “hard copy” or print edition of First News.
Our foray into the world of print journalism is, therefore, not only an attempt to come to grips with the demands of our readers. It is also to make further contributions to journalism practice in Nigeria, especially given the array of highly qualified and experienced hands we are blessed with. Although a small force we may seem for now, we remain very potent – our remarkable achievements with First News Online within a space of one and a half years is a practical testimony to our competence. But it’s no walk in the park!
Therefore, this maiden editon is a special one to celebrate the two years anniversary of the Miracle Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri. The vortex of emotions that surrounded his swearing-in as the governor of Bayelsa State makes this august celebration of his second year in office most appropriate and auspicious. Congratulations, Your Excellency! Now, esteemed readers, turn to the inside pages to read what makes the administration of Governor Diri in Bayelsa State tick.
Our new editorial team will, therefore, be opening a new vista and charting an innovative course in newspaper journalism with exclusive, incisive and analytical reporting on politics, business, technology, entertainment, fashion, health, relationships, sports and so on.
This maiden edition, of course, is not our magnum opus, so to say. Our best has yet to come!
But pick a copy of the First News newspaper today and your perceptions of journalism will never remain the same again. This is a newspaper published to meet every of your information needs and demands. In fact, it offers a wide range of options tailored to meet your individual information needs. But don’t take our word for it, pick your own copy today and you’ll discover First News newspaper is worth having as a keepsake. Of course, for us at First News newspaper, reading is believing. Therefore, find out about how by having your own personal copy of this and subsequent editions.
We promise you, at all times, scintillating exclusive stories that will make you look forward to having your sizzling hard copy of First News newspaper every month.
If you’re ready, then let’s begin this new but worthwhile journey together.
SEGUN OLATUNJI
General Editor
