One of Nigeria’s oldest newspapers finds its owner in Anambra State
Newspapers have been at the forefront of the media sector long before the advent of social media in Nigeria. One of these newspapers which have remained through winds, storms, and ages is the Daily Times. This is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. It has been here since June 6, 1925.
The sales of the firm was brought to the public in 2003. Mr Fidelis Anosike alongside his brothers procured the papers at the rate of 1.25 billion nairas in 2005. He brought it in as a subsidiary of his own company, Folio Media Group. He holds 75% shares in the company.
Mr Fidelis Anosike hails from Umueri in Anambra State. He graduated from the University of Benin, where he studied Creative and Applied Fine Arts. He is a creative and graphic artist who started drawing portraits even before university called. He has a keen interest in arts and creativity. He later went to Harvard Business School for the Owner President Management program (OPM 39).
Being an Igbo man who has mastered the art of taking hold of opportunities when they knock, Fidelis got creative bids from the Central Bank of Nigeria. His uncle gave him a shoulder up the ladder and he took hold of it and climbed into fame. The relative introduced him to some top personnel in the bank as a graphic artist. It was around the time creative bids for Christmas and Sallah were thrown open to the public. Fidelis competed and won the bids three times at the rate of ₦14,500 each. He used the money to secure an office. He also introduced his friends in the field to go for the bids. It was mutually beneficial as a win for one person in the circle goes for everyone. They got deals with NNPC, CBN and First Bank of Nigeria. This shows how much of an outstanding team player and manager Fidelis is.
He set up Folio Communications in 1991 when he was just 24. The money he made from the creative deals was his capital. Before then, he had already garnered loads of knowledge while doing some graphic works for ThisDay newspaper. His works had brought him close to media guru Dele Momodu, Nduka Obaigbena and Okagbue Aduba. He learnt a lot from these men who were already established in the field.
Every dream needs a voice that will bring it before the world. That was why his company Folio Media bought Daily Times to be their voice.
In this day, Folio Media Group is a parent company to Folio Communications, Folio Investment, and Trading Company (FITC), Folio Media and Creative Academy (FMCA), The Creative African eXchange, 1st October and Times Multimedia.
Mr Fidelis Anosike, being a patriot established 1st October Limited and ‘Nigeria, Our Heritage’ to promote and brand the image of the country.
Through Daily Times, he organizes the Miss Nigeria pageant and The Times Heroes Award.
He recently got married to A-list actress, Rita Dominic in a star-studded wedding.
