Mr Igwebuike Mbanefo commented. “This should give anyone a pause.
“First, I congratulate Mrs. M. Ibru on her courage and honesty. These are rare and worthy of celebration. At least they don’t lack the hollowness of Mr. Tinubu’s “this great country of ours!”
Secondly, we need to understand what she clearly communicated: She had reached her limits. You can’t get there from here!
The Guardian needs a new vision and leadership.
Because our darling newspaper has been surviving on its reputation rather than its character.
Aaron and Oseun, the founders of this platform, ring-fenced membership to “When The Guardian Led.” Sometimes, the truth jumps out of the closet!
When Macebuh, Jemie, and Ladbone left, they took irreplaceable blocks and the foundation of that glorious newspaper. One has departed, but the other “culprits” are alive and kicking.
The Guardian should take them to court for irreparable damage. Force them to return what is lost or …
I speak only as a layman…
I have no right of audience, as lawyers would say.”
Current and former The Guardian newspaper staff members have verbally revolted. Their anger stems from bewilderment over the tossing of their title as “the flagship of the Nigerian press” in one statement by publisher Mrs Maiden Ibru. Since 1983, The Guardian has prided itself in its designation as “the flagship of the Nigerian press.”
On receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award from ThisDay publisher Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Mrs Ibru asserted that Thisday is the best newspaper in Nigeria. She told Obaigbena: “Continue to do what you are doing with Thisday. It’s the number one paper in the country—no question about that. It is a fact. I am the publisher and chairman of Guardian newspapers, but Thisday newspaper is the number one paper in Nigeria.”
All platforms feel the anger, from Facebook through X to WhatsApp. It was strident on the WhatsApp platform “When The Flagship Led”. Jefferson proclaimed: “The maiden burial ceremony of the Guardian is slated for this day.” A former editor stated, “Mrs Ibru sold her birthright for a mere plaque.” One person rose to her defence, citing freedom to speak her mind. He stated:
“This is uncharitable! When did it become wrong to speak one’s mind? She saw it, she said it, sentiments aside. If anyone feels different, that is their kettle of fish. If her comment threatens her enterprise, she—not anyone who disagrees or disapproves—will bear the consequences. She spoke precisely the way her mind beseeched her.”
Yet another former Sunday editor observed: “It should encourage the staff to humbly request from Madam Publisher what constitutes “the best newspaper.” If she can answer, adjusting their editorial lenses to refocus on what will make Madam happy would be a good start.”
The forum discussed the absence of metrics such as those provided by the Audit Bureau of Circulation.
For perspective, Social Listening column asked the latest AI tool, DeepSeek, about Thisday versus The Guardian.
When comparing ThisDay and The Guardian (Lagos), it’s important to consider their histories; editorial focuses, target audiences and reputations. Both are prominent Nigerian newspapers, but they have distinct characteristics:
1. ThisDay
• Founded: 1995 by Nduka Obaigbena.
• Focus: ThisDay is known for its politics, business, and lifestyle coverage. It often features in-depth analysis and investigative journalism.
• Style: The newspaper is considered more cosmopolitan and targets a middle- to upper-class readership. It is also known for its glossy, high-quality print and design.
• Reputation: ThisDay is known for being bold and sometimes controversial in its reporting. It has faced legal challenges and criticism over the years but remains influential.
• Circulation: It has a strong presence in major Nigerian cities and is widely read by elites and professionals.
2. The Guardian (Lagos)
• Founded: 1983 by Alex Ibru.
• Focus: The Guardian is often considered a more traditional and intellectual newspaper. It emphasises in-depth reporting, analysis, and editorials on politics, economy, and social issues.
• Style: It is known for its serious tone and is often called “Nigeria’s most respected newspaper.” It appeals to a more educated and intellectual audience.
• Reputation: The Guardian is seen as a credible and authoritative news source. It has a history of advocating for press freedom and democratic values.
• Circulation: While it has a smaller circulation than other newspapers, it is highly regarded among policymakers, academics, and professionals.
Key Differences:
• Tone and Audience: ThisDay is more lifestyle-oriented and targets a broader, more affluent audience, while The Guardian is more intellectual and appeals to a niche, educated readership.
• Editorial Focus: ThisDay often blends news with entertainment and lifestyle content, whereas The Guardian focuses on serious journalism and analysis.
• Reputation: The Guardian is generally seen as more credible and less sensationalist, while ThisDay is known for its boldness and occasional controversies.
Both newspapers play significant roles in Nigeria’s media landscape, but they cater to slightly different audiences and have distinct editorial approaches.
1. Jim Acosta is the first media victim of the Trump versus media war
CNN anchor Jim Acosta dramatically resigned on air in protest against the organisation’s executive decisions. CNN shuffled Acosta to the midnight hour. He stated it was only a ploy for the organisation to cave in to pressures from President Donald Trump.
Acosta stated: “Today’s show was my last at CNN. My closing message: It’s never a good time to bow down to a tyrant… don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to fear. Hold on to the truth… and hope.”
– Jim Acosta @Acosta
January 28, 2025
President Trump responded with jibes. USA Today reported that after the ex-CNN chief domestic correspondent announced his exit on air Tuesday, Trump responded on conservative social media platform Truth Social , slamming his frequent critic.
“Wow, really good news! Jim Acosta, one of the worst and most dishonest reporters in journalistic history, a major sleazebag, has been relegated by CNN Fake News to the Midnight hour, ‘Death Valley,’ because of extraordinarily LOW RATINGS (and no talent!),” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump continued: “Word is that he wants to QUIT, and that would be even better. Jim is a major loser who will fail no matter where he ends up. Good luck Jim!”
Independent media verification showed that Trump lied about Acosta’s ratings.
2. Is Nigeria the sixth poorest country in the world?
Yes, according to a YouTube video that is currently trending. The video ranks the poverty rates of 100 countries worldwide.
Nigeria is sixth from the bottom, with a poverty rate of 70.7%
Other countries in the Top Ten for 2025 are
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