Prominent indigenous newspaper outfit in Ondo State, the Trace Magazine celebrates half a decade of amazing service delivery in Ondo State and environ having over the years cemented itself as one of the most formidable news platform in the State. The Trace Magazine over the last 10 years in Ondo State has made itself a household name through its well-timed, objective news reportage.
The success of the fast growing media house has been made possible through the amazing and strategic efforts of its Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Trace Magazine, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan; a seasoned and versatile media guru with a vast understanding of the media world. In an interview with newsmen in Akure, he reveals more about the success story of Trace Magazine since inception, the various challenges encountered along the way and the goals and plans for the years ahead.
According to him, it has been a wonderful experience so far with the media outfit has it has been able to successfully create a sustainable and people oriented niche which has continue to add value to the socio-economical cum political sphere of the state at large through the strong structure which the team has been able to create in running and managing the brand. He stated, “We started in the year 2011 and the first edition was published on the 4th of April 2011 and it took us few editions before the people started embracing us, however so far we have been able to cement our place as a media of repute which people can trust and we are indeed grateful for this.”
Also he explained that despite the various challenges which has made it difficult floating and managing print media in the contemporary realities especially with the introduction of digital media, the Trace Magazine has been able to overcome this challenge because they have been able to establish a formidable level of trust between them and the people hence the sustained patronage.
“Our platform has remained dedicated to consistently churning out quality and trustworthy contents to our audience and this has really aided our growth and development” he added
Furthermore, he highlighted the financial challenge which the industry is currently been plagued with especially with the onslaught of the recent Covid-19 outbreak, he stated that the cost of production has risen dramatically high over the past few years but the brand has ensured that it does not burden the people with the per-copy price of their magazine which has made them think outside the box for ways to generate more income through other means.
Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan also stated that the print media will continue to be relevant because no matter how people read online, they will always have the desire to keep a print copy for the sole purpose of documentation, he also revealed that people trust the print media more than the online platforms, he also explained that the brand will be working towards harnessing the immense benefits of the digital system to add flair and flexibility to their activities.
Also he stated the need for the federal government to bring down the high tariff placed on news print media in the country, he said this tariff has made it hard for the full effectiveness of media outfit in the nation. He also enjoined the government to make laws that will recognize the place of print media as important part of Nigeria’s economy. Mr. Ebenezer Adeniyan while applauding the Ondo State Governor for his tremendous contribution for the growth and sustenance of small and medium scale enterprises in the state also enjoined him to also recognize the print media industry as an entity that needs urgent assistance and intervention from the state government.
Addressing the plans of the brand in celebrating their 10th year anniversary which will be coming up on the 30th of May 2021, he stated that there will be a lecture which will be delivered by Professor Lanre Olu-Adeyemi of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba Akoko, while the event will be chaired by Chief Tayo Alasoadura, the honorable minister of state for the Niger Delta Affairs while the Ondo State Governor is the Special Guest of honor of the occasion which will be held in Akure, the Ondo State Capital.
He further added Trace Magazine will be awarding 10 individuals for their activities over the last 10 years out of which the Ondo State Governor is among, also Rev. Funke Felix Adejumo amongst others.
In his closing remarks, he stated that the media will always be there to protect the interest of the larger populace as the media is the watchdog of the society, he assured the members of the public that Trace Magazine is ready and committed to ensuring that it comes out better and stronger after its 10years anniversary