By Joy Salami
The Managing Director of The Graphic Newspaper, Mr. Yusuf Itopa, recently led members of The Editorial team on a visit to the office of the Director Protocol, Government House Lokoja, where he was received by Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss collaboration and seek assistance from relevant stakeholders in government to address vital issues facing the newspaper corporation
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss the evolving role of the state’s newspaper and its importance in promoting government programs and policies especially at the grassroots.
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During the visit, Mr. Itopa expressed appreciation to Alhaji Ibrahim for his continued support, which he credited as essential in strengthening the paper’s influence and effective represention of the interest of the media in the state.
He used the opportunity to share his vision for a revitalised media organization, emphasizing its role in showcasing the governor’s policies and achievements across the state.
Reflecting on the financial challenges faced by The Graphic, Mr. Itopa spoke candidly about the difficulties in maintaining wide circulation and quality publications with the available limited resources.
According to him, when he assumed office, the newspaper was printing fewer copies per edition. “Today, circulation has increased, with page counts rising from 20 to 28—a steady improvement, yet far cry from the paper’s former peak of 5,000 copies”.
“Our goal is to bring The Graphic back to its former glory,” Mr. Itopa stated, “but consistent support from the state government is crucial for us to reach those numbers again.”
Responding, Alhaji Ibrahim lauded Mr. Itopa’s dedication towards revitalizing the newspaper and appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing media development in the state.
He affirmed the governor’s commitment to addressing challenges of resources, expressing the present administration’s vision for The Graphic as Kogi’s leading publication; one that reflects the state’s growth and achievements.
Alhaji Ibrahim also highlighted the essential role of an informed public, underscoring the impact of The Graphic Newspaper in conveying the governor’s vision and fostering a sense of unity and progress.
He used the forum to encourage the editorial team to maintain it’s strong sense of teamwork within the organization, as it was vital for a successful and positive representation of Kogi State.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to a strengthened partnership between the state government and The Graphic Newspaper, promising a more robust media presence to drive development and support Kogi’s progress on a larger scale.
