…Under pressure to print more 10,000 after distributing 20,000
Founder and publisher of leading formal sector online news channel, Business Hilights, Prince Stan Okenwa, has given insights on why he floated a newspaper known as Lagos markets Business Hilights.
First edition of the paper will be on newsstands across all leading markets in Lagos from today as 20,000 copies were printed based on bookings by different market presidents who are partnering with Media Hilights Integrated Co Ltd, publishers of Business Hilights online and the new bride, Lagos Markets.
Addressing a press conference on Sunday to announce the new product of the company, founder and veteran journalist, Prince Stan Okenwa said “Globally, trade and investment policy initiatives and national growth trajectories stem from field facts and figures garnered to guide government policy directions.
“We thought out this rare newspaper in order to give voice and change the narratives of leading commercial hubs and SMEs beginning from Lagos State due to its status as the nation’s commercial centre.
He further revealed that less than three hours after distributing all the booked 20,000 copies to market leaders on Sunday, many of the market union presidents started calling for more copies, saying that the number they booked which was supplied will not be enough as there may be trouble if additional copies are not immediately printed and sent to the markets.
The publisher argued that “Whereas existing national dailies clearly concentrated on reporting and giving voice to leading formal sector players and issues concerning them in Nigeria, there seems to be very limited number of newspaper pages that report in details and regularly, activities, problems and prospects of the informal sector upon the sector drives over 75 per cent economic activities and add more to the Gross Domestic product (GDP).
Okenwa averred that “Apart from contributions to the GDP, the informal sector is adjudged the scale of any nation’s economic heartbeat because it remains the key for calculating even unemployment statistics and other national growth variables.”
“However, this sector had been largely under-reported, analysed, discussed and under-heard.
They have not been are given the deserved attention for too long and the scenarios, no doubt is linked to lack of discussions on issues worrying them and proffering solutions to their challenges through reportage.
“Otherwise, the prevailing poor reportorial coverage to their affairs which fuels the weak attention they get from governments further created a wide disconnect between them and the policy makers.
“Gentlemen and ladies, Lagos Markets is here to bridge the gap and effect a strategic linkup to both operators in the formal sector and the government.
According to the publisher, “The coverage and target readership of the newspaper will stand us out from the crowd.
Okenwa however assured that ahead of second edition on September 9, there are chances of expanding the coverage coast nationwide even as he called on companies and service providers to avail themselves of the opportunity provided by the newspaper to advertise their products.
The publisher averred that Lagos Markets newspaper is structured and packaged to solely report the trading and socio-political activities of leading organised markets beginning with those in Lagos State on a biweekly Publication.
Target Markets for Coverage
1, Lagos Trade Fair Complex, Badagry Expressway, with over 10 trading groups including ASMPDA, BBA and others have average of 100,000 traders/service providers;
2, Alaba Int’l Market, Ojo, with about 15 trading groups, have average of 65,000 traders/service providers;
3, Lagos Island Markets, Eko/Idumota, with about 13 trading groups, have average of 200,000 traders/service providers;
4, Computer Village, Ikeja, with about three trading associations, have average of 18,000 traders/service providers;
5, Ladipo/Oshodi Market, with about six trading unions, have average of 20,000 traders/service providers;
6, Oduade/Agric/Coker Plumbing Market, with about three associations, have average of 10,000 traders/service providers;
7, Berger/Surulere/Ikeja/Lekki and other Auto markets, with about 11 car dealing groups, have average of 10,000 traders/service providers;
8, Ketu/Mile 12/Iddo/Iyanoba Foodstuff Markets, with about seven associations, have about 20,000 traders/service providers; and
9, Yaba/Tejuosho/Lawanson Markets, with about five trading groups, have about 12,000 traders/service providers.
However, due to near absence of the paper at newsstands, the publisher approved the inclusion of the advert rates in this news story as follows:
Advert Rate
Black/White
Change of Name………………………………………………N3,000
Classified (Products/Announcements) 3×3…………………………N10,000
Quarter Page……………………………………………………………………N50,000
Half Page………………………………………………………………………..N80,000
Full Page……………………………………………………………………….N150,000
Coloured
Classified (Products/Announcements) 3×3………………………….N50,000
Front Pg Strip 2 x 6…………………………………………………………N150,000
Back Pg Strip 2 x 6………………………………………………………….N130,000
Front Page Ear Piece (Beside Mast Head) 2 x 2………………….N100,000
Back Page Ear Piece (Beside Mast Head) 2 x 2…………………….N70,000
Quarter Page…………………………………………………………………..N100,000
Half Page……………………………………………………………………….N150,000
Full Page………………………………………………………………………..N200,000
*Note; Special request on size and placement is welcomed.
*ADVERT/NEWS/INVITE HOTLINES: 0811-181-3019, 0802-586-8561 and 0810-277-4209
*Send adverts to siokenwa@yahoo.com
