By Daniel Peters.
Professor Williams Ijoma, Chairman of the Magazine in Nigeria.
The Southern African Times, an esteemed international magazine, has made its debut in Nigeria with a mission to enhance Africa’s unity and celebrate its rich heritage.
The launch event, held in Abuja, was addressed by Professor Williams Azuma Ijoma, Chairman of the magazine, who highlighted the strategic importance of this expansion into West Africa.
Yeye Oodua Agbaye of Ife Kingdom, Queen Hajarat Adeyeye.
She is the President, Global Mechanized Farmers Initiative of Nigeria.
“This move marks a significant milestone in our publication’s seven-year history,” Professor Ijoma emphasized. He quoted Mercy Gilbert, the Editor at Large spearheading the expansion, who underscored the initiative’s goal to bolster the Southern African Times’ presence in the West African media landscape.
L-R: Veteran journalist, Chief Barth Ikiebe and Nollywood actor,Zack Orji at the occasion.
The endeavor, conducted in collaboration with Naijoinfo News and the Global Migration Research Institute (GMRI), aims to leverage Nigeria’s vast market potential, which boasts a population of 218.5 million people. Professor Ijoma stressed that this expansion aligns with opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), promising substantial growth and development across the continent.
“We believe in telling our own stories and highlighting Africa’s diverse cultural tapestry.
“Nigeria serves as a pivotal gateway for our operations in West Africa, tapping into a burgeoning market,”Professor Ijoma affirmed.
“The digital realm holds particular promise, with projections indicating significant growth in the Digital Newspapers & Magazines sector.
” Nigeria’s shift towards digital platforms due to increased internet penetration, presenting an opportune moment for the Southern African Times to expand its digital footprint.
“Our presence in Nigeria signifies more than just business; it underscores our commitment to fostering African unity and showcasing the continent’s heritage through quality journalism.”
“We are here to bring the best of West Africa to a global audience, presenting stories from a distinctly West African perspective and innovating solutions to regional challenges.
“This launch marks the Southern African Times’ dedication to advancing cultural understanding and economic development across Africa, starting with Nigeria as its gateway to the West African region,” he said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.