In an era shaped by military rule, fierce newsroom rivalry and constant threats to press freedom, THISWEEK was more than a news magazine; it became a defining force in the evolution of Nigerian journalism. The publication distinguished itself through fearless reporting, editorial innovation and an uncompromising commitment to excellence. As it marks its 40th anniversary, media veterans have examined how the magazine, founded by Prince Nduka Obaigbena, reshaped journalism and built a legacy that continues to influence Nigeria’s media landscape. Sunday Ehigiator reports Forty years ago, when a new weekly magazine – THISWEEK – was unveiled before an audience at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), its founders made what many considered an audacious declaration. They said their benchmark was not another Nigerian publication but the globally respected Time Magazine. To many within the media establishment of the day, it sounded overly ambitious, perhaps even unrealistic. Nigeria already had established newspapers and magazines with loyal readerships and formidable editorial teams. Yet, the young journalists behind THISWEEK were convinced that Nigerian journalism could compete with the very best in the world. Four decades later, that declaration appears less like youthful bravado and more like a mission statement fulfilled. The magazine itself would eventually evolve into THISDAY Newspapers. At the same time, its founder, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, would go on to establish ARISE News, creating one of Africa’s most influential media brands, and consistently redefining how journalism is produced, packaged and consumed. As THISWEEK marked its 40th anniversary alongside Obaigbena’s 67th birthday, some of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists, editors, publishers and other public figures gathered in Lagos to celebrate not merely the anniversary of a publication, but the evolution of an institution that altered the trajectory of Nigerian journalism. Their reflections offered more than nostalgic recollections. They provided a historical account of an era when journalism demanded courage; innovation, often came at great personal risk, and media organisations survived only through unwavering conviction. A Vision Beyond the Ordinary Every successful media organisation begins with an editorial vision. For THISWEEK, that vision was never simply about publishing another magazine. It sought to redefine standards. From design to storytelling, from investigative reporting to editorial presentation, the publication challenged conventions at a time when Nigerian journalism was already vibrant but largely traditional in outlook. That willingness to be different became one of the recurring themes at the anniversary celebration. Former Ogun State Governor and former Daily Times Editor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, summed up the journey most emotionally. “We have come a long way together,” Osoba recalled. He remembered encouraging the young Obaigbena during his early years and expressed satisfaction that the younger journalist had surpassed expectations. “I am happy I gave him all the encouragement because I was in Daily Times then. I supported him, and I am happy that he is bigger than me today. The prayer we always pray is that our younger ones should be bigger than us. I am happy to see you grow. You have done what so many media houses have not done, and I pray you keep growing bigger.” For Osoba, the celebration represented something larger than individual achievement. It symbolised continuity among different generations of journalists committed to strengthening Nigerian media. Betting on an Impossible Dream Among the many stories shared during the celebration, perhaps none captured the uncertainty surrounding THISWEEK’s birth better than the recollections of Chief Lawson Omokhodion, former Chief Executive of Liberty Bank and former Business Editor of THISWEEK. His decision to resign from the influential NEWSWATCH magazine to join a publication that had not yet established itself surprised many of his colleagues. NEWSWATCH was then one of Nigeria’s most respected magazines. Leaving such an institution for an untested venture required enormous confidence. Omokhodion said his confidence came from one person: His friendship with Obaigbena dated back to their school days in the early 1970s. He further stated that over the years he had come to trust both his judgment and his ambition. Despite colleagues’ concerns, he resigned because he believed in the vision behind THISWEEK. The decision immediately became one of the biggest talking points within Nigeria’s media community. His name appeared simultaneously in NEWSWATCH as Business Editor and in the debut edition of THISWEEK as Business and Economy Edi
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