Nigeria’s publishing market, best in Africa – Hello! Nigeria editor

Nigeria’s reputation as the biggest and most robust publishing market in Africa has been identified as critical factor that would ensure the success of a new upscale magazine franchise that has debuted in the country.

Speaking at a press conference organised to herald the launch of Hello! magazine in the Nigerian and English-speaking West African markets, Zandile Blay, editor of the new publication, praised the depth and quality of the Nigerian publishing market.

Blay, who lamented the poor presentation of the African story before the global community, was of the view that Hello! will go a long way in riveting global attention to the volumes of good stories coming out of Nigeria and Africa, but which were not being told.

“I am excited to be a part of those who are going to tell the African stories well. We are at the threshold of history where there would be genuine love for our celebrities and icons flowing from our hearts and minds because we are going to tell the stories in the unique Hello! style, with compelling depth and detail,” Blay said.

Blay, a professor of Fashion and Beauty Journalism from the Syracuse University, United States, expressed her belief that advertisers and owners of luxury brands would find in Hello! not just a medium of reaching their targets, but a vehicle that will transport their brands to hearts and minds in an environment of respect.

Also speaking at the press conference, Anne Omezi, group managing director, True Tales Publications, publisher of Hello! Nigeria, said Hello! Nigeria will be distributed in four English speaking West African countries to give advertisers maximum value and further help in fostering the cultural integration of the sub region.

“We are here to tell good stories about Nigeria. We want to add a global look to the whole story about Nigeria and Nigerians. True Tales Publications has over the past three decades of being in the publishing business developed the expertise in premium publishing and distribution. The structure we have built is very solid and that is why we are convinced Hello! Nigeria will be a success story,” according to Omezi.

Hello! Nigeria is working hand-in-hand with the owners of the franchise in Spain and will ensure the premium standards that go into the publication of Hello! franchises in more than 22 countries is brought to bear on Hello! Nigeria, she said.

In his own speech, Charles Aigbe, group head, marketing and corporate communications, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, expressed the delight of UBA in partnering True Tales Publication to bring to Africa a one of a kind magazine.

Aigbe said UBA, which has organically transformed from a small institution a few years ago to an African bank of repute, was always prepared to support and partner businesses and ventures that celebrate achievement among Africans.

“We are an African institution, supporting African and African-related businesses. Hello! is a strong global brand and as Africa’s global bank, we feel proud to support a venture that seeks to celebrate achievement among Africans,” Aigbe said.

By: Hope Akorowhe