COMRADE Felida Essi the publisher of Isoko Mirror newspaper has contributed her quota to the development of the media industry.
She is a goal getter, and very resilient to achieve her dreams and aspirations. When she established Isoko Mirror twenty years ago, she was full of hope and very optimistic that the newspaper will be a key source of information dissemination about Isoko people.
Despite terrible challenges, Essi has been forging ahead and she is not resting on her oars. Now, Isoko Mirror is the only newspaper in Isokoland and Essi has finalised plans for the twenty-year anniversary of Isoko Mirror.
In this interview with Journalists, Essi speaks on the journey of Isoko Mirror newspaper till today.
*How did you become the publisher of Isoko Mirror newspaper?*
It started as a joke after the sudden death of the publisher of Isoko Times, Patricia Akpaviewho hails from Ivrogbo Irri. I was asked by the sponsor of Isoko Times, her newspaper to continue from where she stopped. Chief Ighoheme the sponsor of Isoko Times newspaper encouraged me to continue. However, I told him I was an advert manager and a columnist with late Ms. Akpavie and I worked with my late boss for five months. I was paid only two months’ salary and the work require money. Who will take care of my bills? So, I left after five months and went back to Nollywood.
Late Chief Dele Iboma came with the same idea but this time, he thought of the future and gave me N100,000 and he said I should source for more money, and I asked him from where do I source for the fund?
Iboma said he had given me an order but I complained to him again, he didn’t listen to me. Two days later, Chief Mrs. Janet Ofo came for the same purpose. I explained what had earlier transpired between I and Iboma. She said God has chosen me for the assignment and Ofo said she will add to the money at my disposal.
Ofo said we must have a newspaper in Isokoland. Iboma said I should choose any name I want to use for the newspaper.
I called my father and he encouraged me and said it is an assignment and if i don’t execute the assignment, God will be angry with me. My late father encouraged me on the assignment.
*Why did you settle for Isoko Mirror as the name of your newspaper?*
I did a lot of consultation; I met a movie producer/director, who I have worked with before now. His name is Alex Eyengho and he is also a publisher. Eyengho said the name of his newspaper is called Warri Mirror, an Itsekiri newspaper. He said my own newspaper could be called Isoko Mirror.
I loved the Isoko Mirror that Eyengho suggested to me and I settled for it. I informed Chief Iboma that the name of my newspaper is Isoko Mirror and he said it is okay.
When you produced the first edition of Isoko Mirror, what were your
expectations?
It was a testing ground with a lot of expectations, consultations and hardwork by collaborating with some professionals. It worked out because I knew what I wanted. The newspaper was generally accepted by the people because I mixed non Isoko news items with it because we don’t have enough news item.
*What is the scope of circulation and patronage of Isoko Mirror newspaper till date?*
The circulation and patronage have been tremendous and it boils down to professionalism. My people complained that we publish the stories of other tribes but I told them that we don’t have enough stories and we must add the stories of other tribes because they are educative and interesting.
*It’s quite challenging to sustain Isoko Mirror for twenty years, what did you do remain in the media industry till now?*
The kind-hearted people have been supportive. Those who believe we must have a newspaper to showcase our activities have been supporting us. I have written some books and the proceeds go into the publication. We also give awards to individuals who have been rendering helping hand to the less privileged in the society and those who genuinely need help. The proceeds also go into Isoko Mirror to keep the newspaper afloat.
*So far, what has the newspaper done for you?*
Well, I thank God that we have been able to bring development to Isoko nation. We have been constantly here for 20 years and being at the forefront of reporting issues that concern the Isoko people.
Though, I have received so many bullets, but I thank God for choosing me.
Though, I miss the movie world, I still love being a newspaper publisher thereby contributing my quota to the advancement of Isoko Nation.
*What type of picture do you see when Isoko Mirror clocks 20 years*
We have tried to have sustained Isoko Mirror for twenty years. Unfortunately, some Isoko people said they can’t buy the newspaper. At 20 years of Isoko Mirror, I want to see the defeat of enmity amongst us. We should shun envy and jealousy amongst us.
*At a stage, do you decide to quit the publication of Isoko Mirror, if it is yes, what are your reasons?*
I almost quit because of envy. Some of our people were not supportive and they discouraged me. If some Isoko people want to set up a newspaper firm, instead of them to look for workers elsewhere, they will entice the reporters of Isoko Mirror and convince them to leave and work for them. But one of them (Isoko Mirror staff) was enticed and he left Isoko Mirror newspaper, but, today he has left the media industry with disgrace. I have encountered poisoning but God showed me mercy, otherwise, it would have been a different story. I thank God for his mercy.
They will place adverts in Isoko Mirror but they won’t pay. One of them that advertised in Isoko Mirror even went away with our N500, 000 (half a million naira) and he even threatened to kill me. My editor had to run for his dear life. For instance, I met with the publisher of The Urhobo Voice, Chief Ogbemure Imene in Lagos, he encouraged me. He told me that he encountered the same thing, But the Urhobo people are more liberal compared to other ethnic groups in Delta State. I also discussed with other publishers and the same pictures were painted and that was about 15 years ago.
Today, The Urhobo Voice is the oldest grassroots newspaper in Delta State and it is 28 years on the newsstand. Warri Voice is the most liberal because their people support the publisher. That was why I wanted to quit. You will work for our people but they don’t like to pay for the services or they would prefer to take their jobs to other ethnic nationalities that have newspapers firm. We see them as uncivilized people. We also realized that they want Isoko to be backward and nothing good should come from there.
*Does that include the Isoko political class?*
Yes. Very few of them respond to us. We have an online medium and it is called Mirror online (Isoko Mirror). Very few Isoko people respond to us. But I must commend High Chief Enahoro, Engineer Okarethe, Planet Graphics, ESCO Stores, Prince Sam Ogri and many others for their support but a few to be mentioned.
*There is this talk in town that Isoko Mirror has been very vibrant and consistent in the reportage and information dissemination of Isoko affairs, what are your comments?*
Truly, I think they are right. Without them we will not be here. All the appreciation goes to the personnel and directors of Isoko Mirror newspaper, our supporters, subscribers, advertisers and those who are patronizing us. God bless them all. Amen.
I am eternally grateful to Comrade Joseph Evah and he has been very supportive from the beginning even as an Ijaw man. Evah sees my
talent and he keys into it.
*As the newspaper hits 20 years, what is your special message to your clients, supporters and Isoko people?*
We appeal to our people to continue their good work of being their brother /sister keeper.
With oneness, we shall attain development. Please support our course of keeping Isoko together to enable us attain greater heights.
I want to immensely thank General Okpobrisi and his club members known as, Isoko Club 2000. I refer to them as Team of Isoko Mirror, Engr Okathe, Peter. My colleagues, especially Dr. Dike who is always praying for me.
