The Founder and Publisher of Oriwusun Community Newspaper, Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, has recounted how he built the community-based publication from scratch, urging media practitioners to embrace self-reliance rather than relying on government support to sustain their organisations.
Olowosago gave the advice while speaking at the Caleb University Journalism Outlook Conference 2026 themed “Reinventing Local Newspapers in the Digital Age: Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Community Impact,” held at the university’s Multipurpose Hall in Imota, Ikorodu, Lagos, on Monday.
Sharing his decades-long journey in community journalism, Olowosago recalled that his inspiration to establish a community newspaper came during a visit to the United Kingdom, where he observed the important role local newspapers played in serving their communities.
“When I was in the United Kingdom, I saw how community newspapers were serving their communities. I told myself that if I returned home, I would establish something similar for my own people,” he said.
According to him, he returned to Nigeria determined to replicate the model by establishing a publication dedicated to reporting issues affecting his immediate community.
He explained that launching Oriwusun Community Newspaper was a daunting task, as he had limited financial resources and had to rely on personal sacrifices and determination to keep the publication afloat in its formative years.
“I started from scratch. It was not easy, but I was determined to build a newspaper that would serve my community,” he recalled.
Despite the challenges, he said consistency, commitment, and the trust of the community enabled the newspaper to survive and remain relevant over the years.
“The success of a community newspaper lies in the trust of the people. Once the community believes in you, they will continue to support your publication,” he stated.
Reflecting on his journey, he advised media practitioners to build sustainable publications through credibility, professionalism, and viable business strategies instead of relying on financial support from politicians, government officials, or other benefactors.
He stressed that newspapers founded on public trust and strong community engagement are better positioned to maintain their editorial independence and long-term sustainability.
The veteran publisher also encouraged media entrepreneurs to diversify their revenue streams by attracting advertisements, strengthening relationships with their communities, and exploring legitimate commercial opportunities capable of sustaining their operations.
Addressing journalism students, Olowosago emphasised that success in newspaper publishing requires more than classroom knowledge, urging them to complement their academic training with practical experience, innovation, and entrepreneurial thinking.
He maintained that while theoretical knowledge provides a foundation, the realities of newspaper publishing are best understood through hands-on practice, resilience, and continuous learning.
Olowosago also urged aspiring publishers to remain patient and focused, noting that building a successful newspaper demands perseverance, discipline, and a long-term vision rather than expectations of quick financial returns.
He further encouraged young journalists to embrace innovation without compromising the core values of accuracy, integrity, and service to their communities, reiterating that local newspapers remain indispensable to grassroots development and democratic participation in Nigeria.
