Publisher of the Oriwu Sun Newspaper, who is known as the doyen of community press in Nigeria, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, unleashed anger on grassroots politicians, who siphon public funds and do nothing in return for the society. Alhaji Monzor made his thought-provoking speech at the fifth anniversary of the Impact Newspaper in Ikorodu. The quintessential community newspaper Publisher, Monzor Olowosago, could not hide his dissatisfaction at the way politicians are taking advantage of the naïve masses and local press to enrich themselves with public fund.
Being a foremost and established community press Publisher in Nigeria, the London trained Journalist-entrepreneur was invited to give a speech at the fifth anniversary of the Impact Newspaper, founded by one of his former reporters, Kunle Adelabu. Alhaji Monzor was not happy with the way politicians and top community dignitaries take advantage of the press for free publicity. He cautioned his former reporter to be mindful of politicians, who prey on local press for free publicity and avoid payment by all means.
Among the special guests at the event were former politicians of various capacities, savoring the moment until the Publisher blast them for their selfish acts and greed. “Those politicians, who seek public offices only to acquire personal wealth at the expense of the masses will not find peace!” Monzor furiously lashed at them. Hearing this, some of the guests began to feel uncomfortable as they started dragging their feet under the chairs. He encouraged the young Publisher to be aggressive and to step on toes if possible. “Step on toes but don’t break them. Your first duty is to the society, not to the selfish politicians. Write good editorial on them if they do well to the masses; be critical of them when they commit evil in public office.” This objective discourse attracted a round of applause form the hall as people cheered the Oriwu Sun Publisher for his frank speech.
During his brief speech at the event, Chief Monzor Olowosago advised his younger colleague and mentee to be business savvy and aggressive. He explained that the only way for Kunle Adelabu to stay in business is to be astute in the cost of production, “Always ensure that your total cost is equal to your marginal cost/productivity. This can be achieved by ensuring that you get more adverts to cover the cost of production every time.” He added that the young Journalist/entrepreneur should beware of politicians, who seek free publicity from the press. He narrated from experience that such publicity kills the press.
The Publisher recounted that during the inception of Oriwu Sun Newspaper thirty five years ago, the community people patronized his press for free adverts and also enjoyed free publicity during traditional functions like marriage, chieftaincy title, and funeral ceremonies. “Initially, I was giving them free coverage during traditional events, hoping they will place advert with us, but they never did. Then I realised the people are willing to pay and get media exposure for their social events but would never place adverts. So I changed my strategy and started billing them for coverage during their traditional functions and they started paying.”
The Oriwu Sun Publisher, in an act of solidarity, prayed for the younger Publisher. Unlike some bosses, Chief Monzor earnestly blessed Kunle Adelabu and his new press, adding that he wished the Impact Newspaper rose to a greater height. “May you attain the heights I haven’t in this business. God will take you to the peak of this profession,” he blessed him.