BY ADEKE CHUKWUKA
A notable milestone in Nigeria’s history is the establishment of its first newspaper. This pivotal moment not only marked the introduction of the press to the nation but also signaled the beginning of a new era in communication and information dissemination. The birth of Nigeria’s first newspaper, “Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba Ati Yoruba”, which translates to “A Newspaper for the Egba and Yoruba People”, paved the way for the transformation of the sociopolitical landscape. The newspaper, which is regarded as the first indigenous newspaper in the whole of West Africa, had a lifespan of 8 years, running from 1859 to 1867.
Established in the year 1859, a time when Nigeria was still a conglomeration of diverse kingdoms and cultures, “Iwe Irohin” was aimed at educating and with a desire to bridge the gap between various communities. The visionary behind this groundbreaking venture, Reverend Henry Townsend, was an English missionary. He established the newspaper in Abeokuta, a prominent town in the now Ogun State.
“Iwe Irohin” was initially published in Yoruba, the language spoken by a significant portion of the southwestern Nigerian population. This linguistic choice was not just a convenience, but a conscious effort to engage and educate the local people in a language they understood best. The newspaper quickly became a platform for discussions on various topics, including religion, education, culture, and social issues. As in 1866, the newspaper was produced in two versions; the English language and the Yoruba language, of which the English was sold for a penny.
The newspaper was published biweekly with 8 pages for 129 cowries; about 3000 copies were being circulated every two weeks. Initially focused on church news, it expanded to cover topics like Abeokuta, cotton, and cocoa statistics. By 1860, local ads and government notices were included. Popular among the literate population in Abeokuta and Yoruba land, it served as a source for church activities, religious figures’ updates, and local information.
Rev. Townsend’s newspaper played a pivotal role in fostering literacy and enlightenment among the Yoruba people. It provided them with a window to the wider world, covering both local events and international news. The newspaper’s content ranged from religious teachings and moral lessons to news about the British Empire and the abolition of slavery. The diverse range of topics in this collection appeals to a wide audience and mirrors the cultural diversity of Nigerian society.
“Iwe Irohin” faced its share of challenges, including financial constraints and occasional clashes with colonial authorities, who were wary of its potential influence. However, the newspaper persisted, guided by its commitment to empowering the local population with knowledge. It also set a precedent for other newspapers that would follow in its footsteps, shaping the future of journalism in Nigeria.
In 1867, a revolt occurred in Abeokuta due to political and cultural differences between colonists and the Egba indigenes. This led to the expulsion of Europeans and the destruction of the printing equipment of Nigeria’s first newspaper, Iwe Irohin. The rioters razed the newspaper’s premises, ending its production just eight years after its establishment. Despite its unfortunate demise, Iwe Irohin had successfully cultivated a reading habit among the Abeokuta people, leaving them longing for news even after its closure.
The legacy of Nigeria’s first newspaper lives on in the country’s vibrant media landscape. Its establishment laid the foundation for the important role that newspapers would play in advocating for societal change, championing human rights, and fostering a sense of national identity. The vision of Rev. Henry Townsend, encapsulated in the pages of “Iwe Irohin,” continues to inspire generations of journalists and communicators in Nigeria.
As Nigeria continues to evolve on the global stage, it’s critical to remember and honor the pioneers who paved the way. The story of the first newspaper, “Iwe Irohin Fun Awon Ara Egba Ati Yoruba,” serves as a testament to the power of information, communication, and the indomitable spirit of those who seek to ignite positive change.
Related posts
Atiku Demands Justice For Sylvester Oromoni
BBNaija’s Nini Buys A Mercedes Benz SUV
Reviews
Follow Our Activities On Facebook
4 hours ago
7 hours ago
9 hours ago
10 hours ago
11 hours ago
SUBSCRIBE
[mc4wp_form id=”2012″]
Top Reads!
#BigBrotherNaija “Level Up” Week 6
Though last Sunday Sunday was meant to be a “no-eviction” day, it came as a shocker when fake housemate, Modella…
Dating in 2022; Situationships Are Not For The Fainthearted
Situationships are defined as that space between a defined relationship and something other than a friendship. It is a romantic…
20 Questions With Dinta Media’s Visual Storyteller, Chimeremogo Nwoke
Dinta Media is not really just a media production brand but we like to see ourselves as a hub for…
How Are Nigeria’s Small Businesses Coping?
The current rising rate of inflation and other burdens against the Nigerian economy speaks to the realities of the times.
Thrifting Is All The Rave Now, Here’s Why
By Amy Adindu The affordable clothing movement has gained global attention and acceptance as we’re all trying to look like…
#BigBrotherNaija “Level Up” Week 2
Week 2 of the highly watched Nigerian TV show kicked off with an early plot twist. On Sunday, Big Brother…
#BlueTunes: Burna Boy, Omah Lay Top Album Picks For July
July was a promising month for music lovers; from Lizzo’s album titled Special and Imagine Dragons’ Mercury, (Acts 1 &…
#BlueTunes Album Picks For June
Gbagada Express – Boj Bolaji Odojukan, popularly known as BOJ, was raised both in England and Nigeria. He shot to…
“A Creative’s Dream” with Jeff Chinonso
On the 26th of June 2022, Jeff Chinonso hosted his first solo art exhibition. The Augmented Reality exhibition themed “A…
Nigerian API-based company Thepeer raises $2.1 million
Tech infrastructure startup Thepeer has raised a $2.1 million seed round according to a report from TechCabal. Thepeer, a Nigerian…
Dika Ofoma, Ugochukwu Onuoha take on grief in Debut Film “The Way Things Happen”
The twenty-minute film focuses on the loss of a loved one, and how grief changes a person.
Nigerian Startups might just be Crippled by a Recently Leaked bill
Over the years there has been talks of amendment on the 2007 Act of the National Information & Technology Agency (NITDA).
Why We Love Kelechi Amadi Obi
The definition of talent is Kelechi Amadi’s iconic story. Imagine a person who studies law in school, gets called to Bar, and leaves it all for something different and unrelated…Painting!