Shobanjo Tasks Daily Times to Leverage 660,000 Archives, Become Global Media Conglomerate

Daily Times of Nigeria chairman, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, has called upon the newspaper to leverage its vast historical archives and broaden its business scope to become a global media conglomerate. The proposal came during the Times Heroes Award in Lagos, which marked the newspaper’s 100th anniversary. Shobanjo, an advertising guru, urged the Daily Times to explore new revenue streams beyond traditional print journalism, as declining readership and the rise of digital platforms demand innovation.

Focusing on the archives, he emphasized that the newspaper possesses approximately 660,000 photographs, videos, and other materials that hold significant cultural and commercial value. These archives, Shobanjo argued, could be monetized through various channels such as digital content, documentaries, licensing, publishing, and entertainment ventures.

He proposed restructuring the organization into two major divisions: media and publishing, with the aim of diversifying operations and establishing a more resilient business model. Additionally, Shobanjo suggested a public offering on the Nigerian Exchange and a broader public ownership of the historic institution to ensure citizens can invest and benefit from its future growth.

Acknowledging the past milestones, Shobanjo paid tribute to former chief executives Chief Tola Adeniyi and Alhaji Yemi Ogunbiyi, recognizing their significant roles in shaping the Daily Times. He also acknowledged the dedication of Folio Communications, the majority stakeholder, and called for continued commitment to preserving the newspaper’s legacy.