My first ambition in life was to be the president of this country until they killed Murtala Muhammed. I felt the job was too risky since l really didn’t find being pumped with hot bullets an exciting proposition.
Then l fell in love with words. From the age of three, my father would drop Sunday Times on my laps and walk away. I would devour it end to end.
I love words. They give life, they are therapeutic and they are the building blocks of civilization. They can also be evil and destructive, depending on who is using them.
Then l started watching the cartoon series, ‘Spiderman’ and the antics of his editor in chief who insisted on meeting deadlines; the race for breaking news, l fell in love with journalism.
That love has stayed. I have written for so many journals, millions of words, and simply admire the finest and the best.
Today, l will be fulfilling another milestone. I will be the the-editor-in chief of a very powerful journal- The Alvin Report.
The Alvin Report:
This sits very well with my personal ethos: If they won’t give you, take it. Who will make me editor-in-chief in this Lagos, so l set up my own publication and make myself. Simple!
This will be my third attempt at publishing. Loudwhispers with over 100 subscribers was a monumental failure. With humble pie on my face, I tried again and this time did not go past the second edition, it died.
This time I have gone digital. With a powerful concept idea that has brought together over 30 of the brightest minds from all walks of life- finance, technology, media, entertainment and policy – this publication is already positioned for greatness.
I have also built a powerful back end led by 14year veteran and a former COO of Leadership Newspapers, Jonathan Eze, who until recently was spokesperson for Senator Ita Giwa. You will begin to share my enthusiasm. He will be our pioneer executive editor.
Tobi Alamutu is the Coordinating Editor. A graduate of English from The Georges Washington University. She brings to bare varied experiences spanning Investment banking, Media and Impact. A writer and advocate, her inclusion would significantly deepen our editorial capacity
Charles Ezerim is the most gifted graphic designer I have ever met. He designed the mast head and will handle the optics of the daily publication.
Andrew Omeiza is an erratic nerd. I have sacked him three times. Even last night I still sacked him. But his value is his talent, perfect understanding of the markets and the role of digitization in it.
To limit his influence and reduce my irritation, I have brought in Tolu who is a social media genius. Working on a platform that has over 2million followers through his leadership, you begin to see why I am not joking with him.
Our advisory team is growing- my brother Simon Kolawole, the great columnist has agreed to give us a road map.
The greatest coup is my egbon who says I should not mention his name but a SAN, former legal adviser to an Africa-wide, Africa-focused multilateral finance corporation and an Owu prince has accepted to provide advice and guidance.
Funding? That is what is on your mind abi?
We will guard our independence fiercely, so we will be very circumspect in funding. We will push for independent funding, hold down our cost and commit non-aligned class of funders.
We will also go retail and push for a class of donors who will contribute a max of N5,000. The idea is that even if you are a billionaire, all we want from you is N5,000.
This will break the influence of big advertisers on the editorial direction and give us the financial independence we require to make things happen and also ramp up readership phenomenally.
Intelligent talk about Nigeria
The Alvin Report is a bold take on my strong belief that we are not talking intelligently as a nation and that the intelligent ones are being drowned out by the cacophony of the lousy.
Our publication will reach millions, giving issue and merit-based discussions on the economy and business the very strong platform to attempt a change in narrative and influence public policy.
Welcome to The Alvin Report and get ready for a smooth ride.
Edgar Joseph
Editor In Chief/ Publisher
7 comments
The direction and focus are right. The array of contributors is encouraging. Maintaining the focus will be as important as contributing ideas that will not be politically divisive.
Giant strive I will call it. The nation at the moment requires the robust economic road map and I believe strongly this publication will definitely give a heads up to navigate the turbulent season that we are right now. Thumbs up Edgar!!!
I am encouraged by the initial direction and focus of Alvin Report. It should be a good expression of the ideal clamour for respect for the rule of law that policy makers and all stakeholders of a unified and economically strong Nigeria can rely and be resuscitated on. Congratulations.
Great concept Edgar, I salute your courage and enthusiasm. Your willpower and desire to bring your ideas to life, is very genuine. You are really a path to tow.. I will do my own part by broadcasting your publication to my friends and enemies ,,,Alike.. well done and keep it up
Your fearlessness to enter a terrain with dominance in mind must be admired. Stay focused and this could well be an instrument of reform for our country Nigeria.
thabk you so much ma۔ You have akways been there for me
[…] Joseph Edgar is the Editor in Chief and Publisher of The Alvin report. […]