On October 1st, 2026, during the unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria, the Publisher, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, delivered a speech outlining the vision of the new media organization. In this exclusive full-page interview, he speaks on why Eagle Times was established, its philosophy, and what Nigerians should expect, and Abbanobi -Eku Onyeka, Our Senate Correspondent was there. Excerpts.
Sir, why launch a newspaper at this time when many are saying print is dying?Today is a very important day for us. We are not simply unveiling another newspaper. We are presenting to Nigerians a new media organisation with a clear responsibility, a clear vision and a clear commitment to journalism that serves the public interest.
The Eagle Times is being established at a time when the media landscape is changing rapidly. People no longer consume news only through newspapers. They consume it through websites, television, podcasts, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X and WhatsApp. That is why The Eagle Times is not being established as a newspaper alone. We are building a multimedia media organisation. Our newspaper will work alongside our digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV, allowing us to reach Nigerians wherever they are.
What is the guiding philosophy of Eagle Times?
Our guiding philosophy is captured in our slogan: “The Voice for the People, the Watchdog for the Nation.”
Those words carry a responsibility. To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives.
To be a watchdog for the nation means that we must ask questions, demand accountability and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibility, regardless of their political affiliation, social status or influence.
How do you intend to stand out in a crowded media industry?
The Eagle Times will be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism. We will not publish simply because a story is sensational. We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them. And where allegations are made against individuals or organisations, we will endeavour to give them the opportunity to respond.
Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public.
We want to distinguish ourselves by how we cover issues. We want to tell stories that matter, investigate issues that require investigation, highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard, ask difficult questions when necessary, but also recognise progress and celebrate excellence.
Our coverage will span politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.
What about young journalists and digital creators?
We want to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and media professionals. The Eagle Times should become a place where talent is discovered, developed and given the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to journalism and national development.
We intend to combine traditional journalism with modern technology while preserving the fundamental values that make journalism credible.
Are you coming to compete with existing media houses?
Launching a newspaper is not an easy undertaking. It requires investment, commitment, professional discipline and, above all, the courage to believe in an idea before everybody else believes in it.
We are not entering this industry to compete through hostility. We are entering to contribute our own strength, our own voice and our own ideas to the growth of Nigerian journalism.
I want to appreciate our management team, editors, reporters, production team, digital team and every member of staff, our families, friends, partners and supporters, most especially my wife, and our colleagues in the Nigerian media industry.
Finally, what is your promise to Nigerians?
To our readers, viewers and digital audience, I make this promise: We will listen to you. We will tell your stories. We will question those who need to answer questions. We will celebrate those who deserve recognition. And above all, we will strive to earn your trust.
Our success will not ultimately be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers. It will be measured by the confidence Nigerians place in our journalism.
Today we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight.
I invite you to join us on this journey. Read us, Watch us, Follow us, Question us, Criticise us when necessary, and hold us accountable to the standards we have set for ourselves, because a newspaper belongs not only to its owners and journalists. At its best, it belongs to the society it serves.
God bless The Eagle Times Nigeria. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
