How time flies. Barely three years ago, amidst the saturated market of local newspaper industry in Imo state came Trumpeta newspapers. Before the arrival of Trumpeta on the newsstands, several tabloids have occupied enviable positions making the survival of the newspaper on the murky waters of local print journalism an ordious task.
Owerri, unlike other state capitals undoubtedly has the greatest number of what can be described as community newspapers servicing the interest of the reading public in Imo and beyond the neighboring states of Rivers, Abia, Anambra and Enugu, including Abuja, where few have outlets.
Undaunted by the overflowing number of Owerri based medium which can be put at 25 by the last quarter of 2011, three seasoned journalists; Messrs Gerry Ogu, Henry Ekpe and my humble self who have made indelible imprints in the pen pushing business joined forces to float Trumpeta. And on Monday, the 26 of September 2011, the first edition of the newspaper hit the newsstands in a grand style and has continued to be the most sought after local tabloid on the streets of Owerri, Orlu, Okigwe, other major towns and neighbouring states. In making appearance, the newspaper added an uncommon style that is rare in the history of print journalism in Imo by hitting daily on the newsstands from the first day it was born.
Different from the mistaken belief in some quarters which continues to pre-occupy the minds of ill-conceived persons about the origin, ownership, and existence of the medium that prefers “The voice of the people” as its watchword, Trumpeta is a child of circumstance whose formation is nothing but an accidental package conceived by God but actualized by men of goodwill as a survival instinct.
The co-publishers have been active professional players in the field of print journalism before they were conscripted by top office holders to serve in various capacities of image handling job and press relations some years ago. While I performed as Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly 2007 to 2011, my partners Ogu, and Ekpe were coordinator of defunct Ikeduru East Development Centre, and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor 2009-2011 respectively.
As bubbling media professionals who do not want to go into extinct in the news hunting industry after a brief stint in political position the need to re-launch into the writing business prompted the creation of Trumpeta. It started like a joke until it metamorphosised to reality that has become a testimony we cherish to tell anybody who cares to listen.
When I left the House of Assembly at the wake of inauguration of a new lawmaking member, I slightly became confused on the next line of action concerning my future. One of the fellows I first had contact with in a bid to return to my most cherished job I fondly called “ he said, he said” was a friend and figure in the local newspaper production business, Austin “Takwas” Madu. He talked me into reviving one malnourished tabloid identified with an elder colleague (name withheld). I pleaded to have a break after a four-year intensive media aide job to the number three citizen of Imo, prompting me to travel abroad for holidays. On return, my desire to go back to the beat was blossomed when I ran into my bosom pal, Ekpe. Before appointment as CPS to governor, Ekpe edited Announcer Express where he rose to rank of Managing Editor Apparently worried about returning to Announcer, Ekpe, I guess was also confused on next thing to do for survival, when he ran into me on one of the streets in Owerri, the state capital of Imo. We parked our cars for a brief discussion where he also informed me that there was a similar unscheduled interaction he shared with Ogu another authority in Imo journalism when issues concerning state correspondents of national newspapers are discussed having become first Bureau Chief of Thisday, defunct National Interest and COMPASS Newspaper in Owerri. An arrangement was concluded that the three of us should meet for further discussion at Mbari Kitchen at Ikenegbu area of Owerr, and the triumvirate was formed to midwife Trumpeta.
Therefore, the men behind the mask concerning ownership, formation and operation of the high riding medium are no other than the aforementioned journalists. Coming from a different media background but armed with a common ideological frame work and orientation, it was expected that one of the finest newspaper brand expected to fill the yawning gap and noticeable shortfalls in the local print industry especially in Imo the state was born. Judging from editorial content and style so far, there is no doubt that Trumpeta has taking its rightful place in the comity of community newspapers in the state.
Believing in one of the with sayings of a 5th century philosopher and scientist, Albert Einstein who said. “The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil but because of those who look and do nothing”, Trumpeta emerged as a strategic player in the business of information dissemination by applying best practices in newspaper journalism. For us in Trumpeta, a mustard seed was sown in September 2011 to abide with the ethos of journalism which is about serving our societies with vital information and values required to save and improve them. We pledged at the on set to establish and maintain that principle while upholding the right to legitimate criticism at all times.
In trying to achieve these noble objectives, Trumpeta has no doubt encountered several tribulation, attacks and pot pouri of sarcastic remarks from perhaps disgruntled elements and misguided folks who appear to be ignorant of media workings and roles of journalists in the society.
Reminiscent of the dark ages of the military era when the pres were severally wounded, gagged and faced with draconian rules, Trumpeta within the past three years has also witnessed pockets of occupational hazards associated with the profession. In one instance during the Nov 6, 2011 Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Imo, my partner, Ekpe was attacked and almost killed by hired political thugs at the High Court premises. He was at the court with a photographer before the hoodlums loyal to one of the parties spotted him for the attack.
It was by the special grace of God he escaped alive after they snatched essential items found in his possession when he was killed into a gutter. Few days later, the cooperate office of the newspaper was visited in odd hours where valuable items like computers and cash left at the office at the close of work were carted away by unknown hoodlums suspected to have been on a special assignment to eliminate Trumpeta. Apart from threatening text messages and calls to Trumpeta editorial staffers, few of us are not only under surveillance but have been facing severe attacks from perhaps. Only recently, one of the notable regular columnists, Pof Uzoma Nathan escaped assassination attempt in his house at World Bank area of New Owerri. The second in two years.
Since touching the newsstands in 2011, Trumpeta has faced serious challenges ranging from blackmail, rejection and condemnation from those who may be suffering from the unbiased reportage and undiluted editorial style of the newspaper. Ironically, from the outset, there was a misconception about ownership of Trumpeta, oblivious of the fact that the three musketeers are the true owners, publishers and administrators of Trumpeta, purveyours of falsehood embarked on infantile fairly tale about the newspapers identity. At one time, our former principals, Ohakim, and Opiah were touted as the publishers which we felt were also an infradig to our status because we have the financial capacity and necessary logistics on individual capacity to float the newspaper. It convenience that gave the partnership.
At a time, Humphrey Anumudu came into the picture as the owner, even as the likes of Emeka Ihedioha, Bethel Amadi and Martin Agbaso have at one time been touted as defacto proprietors of Trumpeta by those wallowing in skewed imagination.
To many, Trumpeta could be doing the bid of the aforementioned persons. No wander a select group of office holders in the state in line with the desires of their principals placed an embargo on Trumpeta in all their dealings by requesting that their office holders should not patronize the newspaper.
However, the management of the newspaper is undeterred about the shenanigans about Trumpeta as the coast is still clear for the medium to continue to soar.
While other local media operating in the state have Govt House correspondents, authorities working for the administration of Okorocha denied the newspaper the chance it allowed other newspapers get. Trumpeta is not deterred by that apartheid policy of Okorocha’s media unit even as the newspaper has not been lacking in stories about activities of the governor and sundry events in Douglas House Owerri.
I once informed top government officials working with Okorocha that the approach the exclude a particular newspaper from covering its activities is unorthodox and an anathema to normal press relations and image handing duties by stating that when a door is locked against somebody who is expected to enter, the person may turn to a “peeping Tom” and what a “peeping Tom” sees may be hidden things not meant for public eyes and ears which may however be made open to the public”.
Remarkably, Trumpeta within three year of existence has also set a pace in standard journalism practice. Only recently, doubts were cast on a report carried by the newspaper concerning the Roche Proto type of schools Okorocha government claimed it was building in the 365 INEC wards in Imo arising from the proceeds of the sale of Adapalm Oil Mills to the investor, Roche. In one of the recent weekend editions, Trumpeta came up with a lead story “Imolites to Okorocha: where is N36m Roche paid for Adapalm? With one of the school blocks picture where UBE sign was inscribed.
The editorial crew of the newspaper received calls from people claiming the picture was allegedly photoshoped and arranged perhaps by our computer unit to add the UBE inscription, an allegation that hinges on professional misconduct. However, Tumpeta directed the accusers to affected school blocks in some parts of the state where the UBE inscriptions were boldly written. One of the doubting Thomases who verified from three blocks ended up congratulating the newspaper for undertaking its jobs as a watch dog of the society and exposing the hidden truth about the Roche schools. While extending kudos to Trumpeta for a job well done, the caller later invited the editorial Chiefs to appreciate the newspaper for proper information on activities of public officers though investigative journalism.
I recall a similar scenario where Trumpeta has been forbearer of several later developments in the state. The newspaper exclusively revealed the plan to remove the impeached Deputy Governor of the state Jude Agbaso. Become if came to past It started when the tabloid in banner headline said “Imo lawmakers grill Agbaso”, and later hit the newsstands with “Plot To Impeach Agbaso Thickens”. All arms of government denied the plot but when Trumpeta landed again with Agbaso Going! Going!! ….., the former Deputy was a Goner.
Same goes for the Abortion law that was repealed by the governor after it was passed into law by the state legislature and the sale of Gen Hospitals that were unveiled by the newspaper. The appearance of LANTECH involved in the deal gives credence to the authenticity of Trumpeta report.
As we continue to march to greatness, thanks will not elude our greatest patronizers, who are the readers that spend their hard earned money in this crunchy time to buy the newspaper regularly. Same goes to the agents, distributors and vendors who ensure that come rain and sun, the newspaper reaches the end users, who are the readers.
I must be unfair to conclude without showering praises on the Trumpeta unique family, from the production unit led by newly-wed Chioma, to others like Sopuruchi, Chinemerem, my adorable PA and Blessing (Ble Ble) the beautiful fingers on the set not forgetting our pioneer graphics man who set the tone for our designs, Nonso, and others like sister Chidimma, Emma “my guy” Graphic cartoonist Eze, and “my former PA on the run” Anastasia who has gone back to school. They are wonderful creatures to work with.
To the newsroom team, starting from pioneer Editor, Innocent Onyeukwu enjoying his sabbatical, Acting Editor, Victor Madumere, Sport guru Samson Orji, reporters like Kelechi Ugo, Kingsley Amaechi the online master, Okey Alozie and Onyekachi Eze, the duo I fondly shout at and call Agarachaa and Mungo Park respectively, I say kudos. I can’t forget the experience of “My Oga’, Rev Innocent Osuoha who is the Editorial Adviser, our USA export and returnee news Editor Casca Ohanele To all, I say continue to keep the flag flying.
