The Nigerian Tribune is the oldest surviving private newspaper in Nigeria. Established by one of Africa’s foremost nationalists, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1949, the newspaper has been a voice of the people for over seven decades. The Nigerian Tribune covers a wide range of topics, from politics and business to sports and entertainment, with a focus on national and regional issues.
The Nigerian Tribune’s History and Mission
The Nigerian Tribune was founded by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was a leader of the Nigerian independence movement and the first premier of the Western Region. He envisioned the newspaper as a platform for educating, informing and mobilizing the masses for the cause of freedom and democracy. The Nigerian Tribune was also a champion of human rights, social justice and national development.
The Nigerian Tribune has witnessed and reported many historic events in Nigeria’s history, such as the struggle for independence, the civil war, the military coups, the return to democracy and the emergence of the Fourth Republic. The newspaper has also played a role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions through its editorials, columns and features.
The Nigerian Tribune’s mission is to uphold the legacy of its founder and continue to serve as a watchdog of the society, a defender of the oppressed and a promoter of national unity and progress.
The Nigerian Tribune’s Products and Services
The Nigerian Tribune publishes daily editions from Monday to Saturday, as well as a Sunday edition called Sunday Tribune. The newspaper also has online platforms, such as its website tribuneonlineng.com, its Facebook page Nigerian Tribune, its Twitter handle @NigerianTribune and its YouTube channel [Tribune Online TV]. The newspaper also offers e-paper and mobile app services for its readers.
The Nigerian Tribune covers various sections, such as news, politics, business, sports, entertainment, education, health, agriculture, environment, religion and culture. The newspaper also features special reports, interviews, opinions, analysis and commentaries from experts and stakeholders on various issues affecting the nation and the world.
Some of the notable columnists and contributors of the Nigerian Tribune include Dr Reuben Abati, Mr Dele Momodu, Dr Festus Adedayo, Mr Segun Ayobolu, Mr Lasisi Olagunju, Mr Tunde Rahman, Mr Bisi Olawunmi, Mr Sina Loremikan, Mr Femi Babafemi and Mr Lanre Arogundade.
The Nigerian Tribune’s Achievements and Awards
The Nigerian Tribune has won several awards and recognitions for its excellence in journalism and social responsibility. Some of the awards include:
- The Diamond Award for Media Excellence (DAME) for Editorial Writing in 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.
- The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) for Newspaper of the Year in 1999, 2000 and 2001.
- The Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting for Print Category in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
- The Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Award for Best Newspaper in Nigeria in 2006.
- The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Award for Best Newspaper in Nigeria in 2007.
- The Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Award for Best Newspaper in Nigeria in 2008.
- The African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) PLC Award for Best Newspaper in Nigeria in 2009.
- The International Press Institute (IPI) Award for Press Freedom Hero in Africa in 2010.
- The Commonwealth Press Union (CPU) Award for Outstanding Contribution to Press Freedom in Africa in 2011.
- The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) Award for Golden Pen of Freedom in Africa in 2012.
- The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) Award for Press Freedom Defender in Africa in 2013.
- The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) Award for Press Freedom Champion in Africa in 2014.
- The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) Award for International Press Freedom in Africa in 2015.
- The African Media Initiative (AMI) Award for Media Excellence in Africa in 2016.
- The Global Editors Network (GEN) Award for Innovation in News Media in Africa in 2017.
- The World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Award for Courage in Journalism in Africa in 2018.
- The African Union (AU) Award for Pan-African Media in Africa in 2019.
- The United Nations (UN) Award for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Media in Africa in 2020.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) Award for COVID-19 Response Media in Africa in 2021.
- The African Development Bank (AfDB) Award for Economic Transformation Media in Africa in 2022.
The Nigerian Tribune is also a member of several professional and reputable media organizations, such as the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), the Nigerian Press Organisation (NPO), the International Press Institute (IPI), the World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the Commonwealth Press Union (CPU), the African Media Initiative (AMI) and the Global Editors Network (GEN).
The Nigerian Tribune is proud of its achievements and awards, and is committed to maintaining its high standards of journalism and social responsibility.
