In the late 70s, Nigeria witnessed the birth of a new newspaper called The Concord Press of Nigeria which attracted a lot of brilliant minds.
Because Bashorun MKO Abiola the Publisher of the new media outfit funded the venuture well, it attracted a galaxy of star writers and reporters, many of whom have today become big players in the media, business, politics and government. The Idea of establishing the newspaper was conceived by Bashorun Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola in 1979. He later brought in foremost journalist, Prince Henry Odukomaya to help actualise this dream in September 1979.
Thus Concord Press of Nigeria Limited, (CPN) was incorporated in Lagos on 17th December 1979 by MKO, who is the Publisher and Chief Executive of the company, Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, was the winner of the June 12 1993 elections which was annulled. He was one of Nigeria’s greatest industrialists and Philanthropist. The N6 million publishing house was commissioned on March 1, 1980 and the maiden edition of National Concord, a daily publication rolled off the press the same day.
The establishment of Concord changed the face of newspaper journalism in Nigeria. Instantly, CPN became a Mecca of sorts and worthy reference points for Nigerian journalists and communication students. With hefty pay packages, Abiola poached and attracted the best media practitioners to his establishments and thereby, fashioned for himself, a favourable image among his kin and across the country. Apart from National Concord, there were 24 other titles like Sunday Concord, Business Concord, African Concord Magazine, Weekend Concord and over 12 community newspapers each serving the interest of some identified readership.
Sprawled on a large expanse of land at 42 Concord Way en-route the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, the publishing outfit also had newspaper titles like Isokan, Amana among the community newspapers.
SUNDAY CONCORD
There was also a paper in the Concord stable called SUNDAY CONCORD. This was a weekly newspaper which was launched on March 2, 1980, a day after the launch of National Concord. It circulated all over Nigeria and in some selected African countries. It maintained an average weekly circulation of 650,000 copies with an estimated readership of 8 million people. The pioneer Editor of Sunday Concord was Mr Dele Giwa who was popular with the reading public because of his descriptive style of writing. In 1984, Mr Giwa left the Concord group to establish the Newswatch Magazine. Other Editors of Sunday Concord were Mr Sina Adedipe who like his predecessor introduced englightening and entertaining columns which turned the Sunday Concord around. He was succeeded by MrTunji Bello and later Mr Kayode Komolafe.
BUSINESS CONCORD
There was Business Concord. The was a bi- weekly Financial/Economic newspaper established in 1982 specifically to serve the interest of the specialized readership in Banking, Insurance, Industries, Universities as well as the monetary authorities in the public sector. Business Concord later became the most authentic financial news journal in the country under the Editorship of Mr Stanley Egbochuku, an experienced financial Journalist and analyst.
His intellectual skills enabled the newspaper to reach prominence in the league of financial journals in Nigeria. He was later succeeded by Ms Rose Umoren, another erudite financial Journalist of repute.
AFRICAN CONCORD
A premier Pan African Magazine known as “African Concord” was launched in July 1984. There were two Editions of this Magazine, the London edition and the Nigerian Edition – each analyzing news as they reflect individual political culture of their circulating market. African Concord was the most refreshing, spiced, vibrant and interesting magazine that analyzed news as the events unfolded. The magazine organized the first ever “International Conference on food crisis in Africa” and The first” International Conference on Reparations for Africa”. The greatest source of strength for the magazine was it numerous correspondents all over the world. The Editors of African Concord were Mr Lewis Obi and Mr Fidel Odum in charge of Nigeria and Europe Editions. Mr Obi was later succeeded by Mr Bayo Onanuga, a prolific writer and Editor who later left the Concord Group to start “The News Magazine.”
WEEKEND CONCORD
From the Concord stable came the popular Weekend Concord, the first Saturday Newspaper in Nigeria which introduced the family concept into Nigerian Journalism in 1989. The arrival of Weekend Concord newspaper, edited by Mr Mike Awoyinfa revolutionized Journalism in Nigeria and turned the weekends to the most competitive in the media industry. The editorial focus of weekend concord spanned the gamut of human experience – from business to politics, from arts leisure, entertainment, to sports .. The strategy adopted by Weekend Concord was to treat all issues from the human angle no matter how complicated and technical they were. With generous support and goodwill from readers, Weekend Concord became the highest selling newspaper in Nigeria.
A pull-out from the Weekend Concord named Mini-Concord, was dedicated to the development and improvement of writing in children. It featured entertaining and educative articles aimed at stimulating children’s interest in reading and writing their own stories.
BATTLE WITH PROSCRIPTION
Some of the factual and accurate stories published by the Concord group of Newspapers prompted the Ibrahim Babangida’s regime to close down the company in 1992.The administration on 9thApril, 1992 promulgated a decree targeting Concord Newspapers called Concord Group of Newspapers Publication {Proscription and Prohibition from Circulation}Decree No 14 1992 and as well restricted the intervention of Court in respect of any act done in compliance with the Decree which was later repealed on 11th May, 1992 through promulgation of another Decree titled the Concord Group of Newspapers Publication (Proscription and Prohibition from circulation) (Repeal) No 17 of 1992.
The administration proscribed the publication as well as prohibit from circulation the following Newspapers around 1993, Africa Concord Magazine, Weekend Concord, Sunday Concord, National Concord. It is interesting to note that despite all these, the worst and turbulent experience was under General Sanni Abacha’s regime of 1994 to 1998 which did not botherto woo or befriend Nigerian Press.
But the good thing is that today many of the big players in public office are products of Concord. In The Media, Politics, Business & Public Service, not many know that late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s Concord Press, has produced many prominent persons in Nigeria, who have gone on to set up their own businesses. Some went into Politics, while others have gone ahead to occupy key positions in government and public service.
For instance, Bayo Onanuga is the Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). He had worked at National Concord as Senior Features Writer in January 1985 and later Senior Correspondent for African Concord, the weekly Magazine. Onanuga became editor of the magazine in 1989 and in April 1992 resigned his appointment to found The News group in 1993 along with some of his colleagues at the Concord.
Babayemi Ojudu has been a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is currently Special Adviser on Political Matters to the President. He is a product of OAU where he bagged Bachelor Degree in English language in 1984. in 1987 he completed a Masters degree in Political Science at UNILAG In 1985 he joined the Guardian as a Reporter –Researcher. In 1987, he left The Guardian to join The African Concord magazine as a Staff Writer, rising to become an Assistant Editor before leaving in 1992 to co-found The News magazine.
Tunji Bello, the current Lagos Secretary to the state government (SSG) too is a product of Concord Press. He rose to become the Political Editor and Editor of The Concord before he left, to work elsewhere.
Not many people know that Bashorun Dele Momodu and Larry Izamoje are products of Concord Press Ltd. Dele Momodu is the CEO and Publisher of Ovation International.
A graduate of Yoruba from University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University, Momodu in May 1988 got his first job in the media as a Staff Writer with the African Concord magazine. A year later Bob Dee, as he is called, was transferred to Weekend Concord as a Pioneer member of Staff. He wrote the first cover story for the newspaper in March 1989.
Momodu’s experience was akin to Lazzy Izamoje’s, the Edo-born football buff.
Unknown to many, Larry started his journalism career as a Reporter with Concord Press of Nigeria. He rose through the ranks to become the Deputy Group Sport Editor between 1986- 1990.
Also, not many people know that Jonas Agwu, the Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, is an ex-Concord Press Staffer. He studied history at UNILAG, in 1985 bagged an MA in History from the same University in 1987 and in 1990 went to Daily Times Journalism Institute for a PGD in Journalism.
It was at that time he took up a job with Concord Press Limited where he worked under the tutelage of Tunji Bello before joining the services of FRSC in 1996.
LIST OF CONCORD PRESS PRODUCTS
- Prince Henry Odukomaya. 2. Dr (Mrs) Doyin Abiola. She rose to become Editor of National Concord, then Editor-in-Chief and MD of Concord Press (3) Mr Stanley Egbochuku 4. Mr Nsikak Essien 5. Mr Bayo Onanuga – Aonanuga1956@gmail.com. 6. Hon Tunji Bello 7. Mr Ayo Aluko-Olokun 8. Aliu Mohammed Olurotimi – 9. Senator Babafemi Ojudu – (10) Lagos politician Kehinde Bamigbetan 11. Mr Biodun Durojaiye – 12. Mr. Damola Lajumoke – 13. Ogbeni Goke Odeyinka 14. Mr. Dayo Ayetan 15. Deacon Ben Okezie 16. Mr. Yomi Idowu – 17. Chief Dele Alake – 18. Chief Demola Abimboye 9. Mr Richard Akinnola – 20. Mr Femi Akintobi – 21. Mr Femi Siyanbola – 22. Mr Femi Adesina 23. Mr Gbenga Fayemiwo – 24. Mr Gboyega Adeoye -25. Mr Kola Ojelabi – 26. Mr. Lanre Ajeboriogbon – 27. Mr Lanre Arogundade – 28. Chief Mike Awoyinfa – 29. Ms Mobola Lanre Badmus – 30. Mr Moshood Raji – 31. Ms Nike Bakare – 32. Mr Festus Odofin – 33. Mr. Asu Beks – 34. Mr Bola Olajuwon – 35. Mr Bola Pearce – 36. Bashorun Dele Momodu – 37. Mr Erapi Gabriel – 38. Mr Eric Osagie, now Editor-inChief of The SUN newspapers 39. Mr Femi Adepoju – 40. Mr Femi Babafemi – 41. Mr Femi Onayemi – 42. Mr George Udoh – 43. Ms Kemi Ashefon – 44. Mr Kola Olabisi – 45. Mr Louis Odion – 46. Mr Mojeed Jamiu – 47. Mrs Lanre Kalejaiye – 48. Mr Nivi Adesina – 49. Mr Ohi Alegbe 50. Mr Ola Agbaje -08021373459, 51. Dcn Oliver Omajuwa – 52. Mr Oluwole Elisha – 53. Mr Sola Oshunkeye – + 23326772014, 54. Mr Rasaq Bamidele – 55. Mr David .S. Frank – 56. Seye Kehinde, Publisher City People, – 57. Mr Seyi Adekeye – 58. Mr. Tino Buoro – 59. Mr Tope Adeboboye – 60. Dr.Tunde Akanni – 61. Mr. Tunde Akinabade – 62. Mr. Victor Ifijeh – The MD of NATION newspaper 63. Mr. Waheed Odusile 64. Hon. Wale Adedavo . 65. Mr. Wale Oyebamiji – 66. Mr. Waliu Jubril – 67. Mr. Dan Agbofode – 68. Mr. Emeka Okoroavanwu – 69. Mr Sam Omatseye – Editorial Board chairman of The Nation, 70. Mr Adebimpe Afunku – 71. Mr Nosa Igiebor of TELL – 72. Mr Jake Orife – 73. Alhaji Liad Tella – . 74. Mr Nat Osewele – 75. Mr Alex Akao – 76. Mr Akin Dania – 77. Mr Gboyega Amoboye – 78. Mr Kunmi Olayiwola – 79. Mr Moyo Adewuyi – 80. Ms Labake Adebiyi – 81. Pastor Mrs Tinu Odugbemi – 82. Mr Sina Ayekoti – 83. MrTunde Oso – 84. Mr Emman Otaru – 85. Mr Nick Nwafor – 86. Mr Akin Akinlade – 87. Mr John Osadolor – 88. Mr JonasAgu – . 89. Mr Soni Asuelimen – 90.
Ms Busayo Aduloju – 91. Mr Thomas Adejoh – 92. Mrs Titilayo Balogun – 93. Mr Kolade Ogedengbe – 94. Pastor Ayodeji Mayokun – 95. Lisa Olu Akerele – 08023071822, 96. Mr Akinpelu Dada – 97. Mr Pade Olapoju – 98. Ms Bukki Adejokun – 99. Mr Ashamu Adegbola – 100. Mr Chris Mamah – 101. Mr. Wale Olufade – 102. Olorogun (Dr) Eserinune Mcarty Mojaye – 103. Alhaji Femi Abass – 104. Mr Muyiwa Badejo – 105. Mr Gbolahan Dada – 106. Mr Leye Fakorede – 107. Mrs Bimbola Oyesola – 108. Mr Jide Orintunsin 109. Mr Kayode Komolafe, Editorial Board Chairman for Thisday – 110. Mrs Wale Sokunbi – 111. Mr Amechi Ogbonna – 112.
Mr Dele – 113. Mr Yinka Oyetunde – 114. Mr Kunle Solaja – 115. Mr Dipo Kehinde – 116. Mr Moshood Adebayo – 117. Mr Henry Chukwura – 118. Mr Wale Sobande – 119. Mrs Yetunde Oladeinde – 120. Mr Fatah Oladeinde – 121. Mr Tunde Raheem – . 122. Mr Akeeb Alarape – 123. Ms Gabriella Osamor – 124. Mr Chika Abanobi – 125. Mr Ben Memulatiwon – 126. Mr Fola Ayedun – 127. Mr Najeem Soaga – 128. Mr Gbenga Opebi – 129. Mr Ayo Oyewole – 130. Mr Adekoya 131. Mr Olaolu Olusina – 132. Mr Tosin Ajirire – 133. Mr Obi Adiele 134. Mr Lawyer Merciful 135.
Mr Olasunkanmi Akonii – 136. Mrs Dupe Onabanjo – 137. Hon Albert Asipa – 138. Mr Ayo Oresegun – 139. Mr Segun Olakitan – 140. Chief Monzor Olowosago – 141. Mr Kester Olaifa – 142. Mr Benjamin – 143. Mr Kola Adesina – 144. Mr Boye Ola – 145. Mr Demola Ogunlowo -146. Mr Muyiwa Daniel- 147. Mr Deji Eniseyin – 148. Mr Biodun Olagesin- 149. Mr Biodun Oni – 150. Mr Remi Adefulu – 151. Mr Mkpe Abang – 152. Mr Adedayo Ojo – 153. Mallam Sani Zorro – 154. Mr Kayode Awobadejo – 155. Mr Jimoh Mohammed – 156. Mr Idowu Bakare – 157. Mr Tajudeen Balogun – 158. Mr K. K Dada – 159. Chief Biodun Ogunbiyi – 160. Chief Duro Onabule – 161. Mr Niyi Obaremi – 162. Mr Isaac Okorafor – 163. Mr Remi Quadri – 164. Mr Biodun Durojaiye – 165. Mr Ifeoma Azikiwe – – 166. Mr Frank Igwebueze – 167. Mr Saka Gbeminiyi – 168. Mr Simon Tumba – 169. Mr Chuks Isiwu – 170. Dr Patience Akpan- 171. Mr I.O. Bello-Ozugha – 172. Mr Duro Olaojo – 173. Ms Ewaen Osarenren – 174. Mr Bayo Adeyinka – + – 175. Mr Olatunde Kassim – 176. Mr Segun Omisakin – 177.
Mr Gbenga Amusan- 178. Chief Femi Sodunke – 179. Pastor Timothy Oyeola – 180. Mr Segun Adeniyi – 181 . Mrs Sekinat Habib – 182 . Mr Dayo Onibile – 183. Mr Japhet Ogundojutimi – 184. Mr Ajibade Olubunmi – 185. Mrs Tola Fasan – 186. Mr Audu Ojogbane – 187. Mr Cyril Mbah – 188. Mr Sodimu – 189. Mr Adamu Gombe – 190. Mr Ibrahim Bunzon – 191. Mr Idowu Olafimihan -192. Mr Sunday Olaniyan 193. Mr Felix Gbenoba – 194. Mr John Ebhota – 195. Mr Simon Ekpe – 196. Mr Patrick Omorodion – 197. Mr Osita Ofodum – 198. Mr Modupe Osewole – 199. Engr Bola Odetokun – 200. Mr Sanya Oni – 201. Appolonia Adeyemi – 202. Maliam Yakubu Mohammed – 203. Mr Bisi Afolabi – 204. Ms Labake Adebiyi – 205. Alhaji Adamu Mohammed – 206. Mr Ola Odunlade – 207. Mr. Folusho Adebayo – 08023441139. 208. Mr Tunde Fabunmi – 209. Mr.Celestine Amoke – 210. Mr. Adelusi Samuel – 211. Mr Adeyemi Ojo – 212. Mr Chika Abanobi – 213. Mr Toyin Alaran 214. Mr. Tajudeen Owolabi – 215. Mr. Bunmi Craig – 216. Mr Segun Babatope – 217. Dr. Larry Izamoye – 218. Mr. Francis Awowole Browne 219. Otunba S.A. Ogunsanwo 220. Mr. Wale Alabi – 221. Mr. Maduka Ugwu 222. Mr. Sina Adedipe – 223. Mr. Pat Omorodion 224. Mr. Robert Ndabai 225. Mr. Lewis Obi – 226. Mr. Monsuru Okegbenro 227. Mr. Badejo Olumuyiwa – 228. Mr. Odunlade Oladimeji 229. Mr. Andy Essien – 230. Mr. Bamidele Adebayo – 231. Mr Alifa Daniel – 232. Mr Gboyega Kolawole – + 233. Mrs Titi Okorie – 234. Mrs Joanita Akuta – 235. Mr. Olatoye Rapheal – 236. Mr.Ibirogba Ibidapo – – 237. Chief Isiaka Adekunle – 07036478446. 238. Mr. Francis Awowole Browne – 239. Mr. Anthony Chiejina – 240. Mr. Tajudeen Owolabi – 241. Kayode Ogunmoriyele – 301- 242. Mrs Nqozi Okonowu – 243. Mr Akinpelu Browne – 244. Mr. Dare Babarinsa – 245. Mr Soji Akinrinade – 246. Mrs Jill Okeke.
The above list contains only the names of our members that we are able to reach presently. The list will be updated in future.
