Exactly six years ago today – and after 14 years at Encomium Weekly (eight of which I spent as the Editor) and 3 years at Fame Weekly, I decided to fly my flag – which many of us now celebrate as YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine.
The journey, I must confess, hasn’t been all smooth and sweet. But if I were to do it again, I will still opt for the same route. In fact, even much earlier.
I thank profusely the Almighty God for depositing the YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine idea in me and also for sustaining it thus far. Thereby confirming once again that ‘With God all things are possible’.
I thank most graciously my darling wife, Edith and the children, Nmesomachukwu and Nekenechukwu, for their constant prayers, support and understanding, especially in those early days when daddy could spare them only little time. Likewise my siblings – Anderline, Fr. Chijioke, Amatus, Augustus and Amaka.
I salute and appreciate our darling readers and advertisers for their steadfastness in the past 6 years. Without them, we won’t still be here today.
I thank Mr. Femi Akintunde-Johnson for sucking me into journalism and also for providing me a canvas to paint my first ever stories, back then at Fame Weekly.
I equally thank Mr. Kunle Bakare for bringing out the best in me.
Now, in a very, very special way, I want to acknowledge the immeasurable support extended to me at that initial stage by about 20 men – and for which I will eternally be grateful: Apostle Anselm Madubuko – for YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine’s logo, which he designed; in addition to his incessant prayers and presence at all our events; Mr. Tunde Shofowora, then with FCMB – for giving us our first advert ever and even without knowing the name of the magazine then; Mr. Udeme Ufot – you’ve continued to keep that promise you made when you told me you’ll always be there for me, as well as the unforgettable advise about not failing; Mr. Kunle Onime – how can I forget that sad and scary Sunday when you drove all the way, just to comfort me and wipe away my tears, assuring me that all would be well; Evang. Myke Ikoku – you gave me a blank cheque, saying we could publish All Seasons Hotel’s advert as many times as we wanted and only send you the bill; Mr. Ken Calebs Olumese – only God will compensate and reward you for that singular action; Dr. Larry Izamoje – I will forever treasure those brilliant business lessons and free radio adverts; Mr. Femi Sowoolu – thanks for that masterpiece of a jingle for YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and also the fantastic column; Messrs Chidi Mokeme, Basorge Tariah, Jnr., Saint Obi, Praise Fowowe, Uju Onyechere and Chris Nwaokobia, Jnr. – you guys proved to me that indeed you are my brothers from another mother with your scintillating columns and encouragement; Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah – you are simply an angel and God sent you to me when it mattered most; Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu – I can never, never forget you; Dr. Muiz Banire, SAN – where would I have been without you; Mr. Folly Coker – your goodness and kindness to me have been unimaginable; Mr. Tunde Obe – I love you; Hon. Tunde Braimoh – I also love you; Prince Bisi Olatilo – thanks for being a second father to me; Mr. Abiodun Oshinibosi – I owe you and my then Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Bassey, MSP – you are truly God’s servant.
To my pioneer staffers, especially those who are still with me – Tokunbo Ibikunle (we met on the road, and on being told my next move, you said you would go with me); Yetunde Sijuade and Uwem Umoh – may the Lord always send you supporters whenever the need arises
The story of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine hasn’t even started. All I have tried to do with this, sincerely, is just to scratch the surface. More chapters and volumes are coming.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank all those who joined our bus afterwards. Your contributions too will be documented and publicly acknowledged as we progress.
Lastly, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, like we promised on that June 19, 2011 when we set sail, is still desirous of becoming ‘the first choice of readers and advertisers’.
We equally assure you that we are going to keep ‘making the day of our readers with quality stories, interviews, gist, pictures, tips, quotes, ideas and coverage of events’.
Thank you and thank you and thank you!
Azuh Arinze
Publisher/Editor in Chief