In Nigeria’s fast-moving media space, simply writing a press release is no longer enough. If your story is not structured properly, lacks local relevance, or fails to grab attention within seconds, it will likely be deleted or ignored. Journalists across platforms like Vanguard, Techpoint, The Guardian Nigeria, and Punch receive hundreds of press releases each week. The ones they use are clear, newsworthy, and tailored for Nigerian audiences.
This guide will walk you through how to write a press release that editors actually open, read, and publish. You will learn how to structure each section, inject Nigerian relevance, avoid common mistakes, and prepare content that is ready for distribution through Pressdia. You will also discover how networks like Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa, and Crest Africa can amplify your announcement through strategic partnerships.
Why Structure and Relevance Matter More Than Ever
Editors have limited time. When they open an email or download a press release, they look for one thing first: does this make my job easier? A well-written release answers the 5Ws (Who, What, When, Where, Why) within the first paragraph, provides quotes that can be copied directly into a story, and includes media-ready formatting.
A release that follows this structure and addresses local relevance has a much higher chance of being published. It saves the editor time, aligns with their audience’s interests, and fits seamlessly into their editorial cycle.
ALSO READ: Industry-Specific Release: Education Sector Press Release Distribution Nigeria
Start With a Powerful Headline
Your headline is the first test. If it fails, nothing else matters.
Structure: [City] + [Industry/Keyword] + [News Hook]
Example: “Abuja Startup Launches EdTech Platform to Bridge Learning Gaps in Northern Nigeria”
Tips:
- Include a geographic marker to ground the story in Nigeria
- Avoid sensationalism or vague language
- Place your keyword early in the sentence
- Keep it under 15 words if possible
An effective headline lets the editor know exactly what the story is, why it matters, and where it’s happening. That is how you earn a click or an open.
Use a Subheadline for Extra Context
Not every press release needs a subheadline, but when used well, it adds detail and hooks more interest.
Example: “The new solution supports online and offline learning for underserved schools in Bauchi and Kano.”
A good subheadline can:
- Clarify the announcement
- Add urgency or a benefit
- Connect the story to a broader Nigerian issue
Open Strong With the 5Ws
The first paragraph should never be fluff or praise. Jump straight into:
- Who is making the announcement
- What is being launched, announced, or achieved
- When it is happening
- Where in Nigeria or Africa the story is based
- Why it matters to the Nigerian audience
Example: “Abuja-based startup LearnLoop today unveiled a hybrid learning platform designed to improve access to quality education in underserved northern states, with pilot programs already live in Bauchi and Kano.”
This format gives the editor everything they need in one glance.
Add Depth With Nigerian Context
After your opening, expand the story with real local relevance.
Include:
- Market data or stats about Nigeria
- Regulatory or policy references (CBN, NITDA, NCC)
- Local customer impact
- Geographic targeting (e.g., Lagos Island, Epe, Gwagwalada)
Example: “According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 13 million children are out of school in Nigeria. LearnLoop aims to reduce this number by making hybrid education accessible to rural schools without reliable internet.”
This step transforms your announcement from generic to useful.
Include Quotes That Add Value
Every press release should include at least one insightful quote. Preferably from:
- CEO or founder
- Project lead or program manager
- Partner organization
Make sure the quote is not just filler. It should add perspective, emotion, or a bold statement.
Good Quote:
“Our mission is not just to build software. It is to give every child in Nigeria a chance to succeed, no matter where they live,” said Halima Sule, CEO of LearnLoop.
Avoid:
- Buzzwords like “synergy,” “paradigm,” or “cutting-edge”
- Empty praise like “We are thrilled to announce…”
The quote should read naturally and reinforce your key message.
Use Bullet Points to Make Key Features Stand Out
Editors love skimmable content. If your announcement includes multiple features, partnerships, or data points, use bullets.
Example:
Key features of the LearnLoop platform include:
- Dual-mode operation (online and offline)
- Free access for schools in 10 northern states
- Collaboration with 100+ local teachers and mentors
This format helps journalists quickly identify story angles and makes the release easier to scan.
ALSO READ: Press Release Examples Nigeria: Learning from Successful Campaigns
Include a Clear Call to Action and Contact Information
Don’t leave editors wondering what to do next. Always include:
- A CTA: Visit the website, book a demo, attend the launch, download a report
- Media contact person
- Email and phone number
- Website or landing page link
Example:
For media inquiries or interview requests, contact:
Amina Yusuf
press@learnloop.ng | +234 801 234 5678
www.learnloop.ng
Write a Strong Boilerplate
A boilerplate is your standard company description, placed at the end of every press release.
Keep it under 100 words, include a website link, and reinforce your brand’s mission.
Example:
LearnLoop is a Nigerian EdTech company dedicated to bridging educational gaps through accessible technology. Headquartered in Abuja, LearnLoop partners with local governments and NGOs to deliver hybrid learning solutions nationwide.
Format for Easy Publication
To increase the chance of pickup in Nigerian media:
- Keep paragraphs under three sentences
- Use UK English spelling (e.g., organise, programme, centre)
- Submit in plain text format or via Pressdia’s online portal
- Attach media assets separately (e.g., images, logos, PDFs)
- Label all files clearly (e.g., LearnLoop_Launch_Lagos.jpg)
Collaborate for Strategic Amplification
Your writing is only half the story. Smart partnerships help elevate your release and give it longer life.
- Share women-led success stories with Talented Women Network
- Highlight impact-driven or innovation-based narratives through Crest Africa
- Partner with Empire Magazine Africa for lifestyle, leadership, or cultural features
These collaborations signal credibility and broaden your media presence far beyond the initial drop.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even great stories get buried when the basics are missed. Here’s what to steer clear of:
- Starting with promotional fluff or jargon
- Skipping the “Where” — Nigerian editors want to know location
- Sending without a quote or contact info
- Forgetting to include a CTA
- Failing to mention local relevance or policy ties
Optional Enhancements to Make Editors Take Notice
Want to go the extra mile?
- Include a short explainer video link
- Offer an exclusive interview opportunity
- Add links to recent features or awards (especially via Crest Africa or Empire Magazine Africa)
- Provide a timeline or future roadmap
These extras help editors build richer stories and see you as a professional source.
Pressdia Makes It Easy to Deliver
Writing a strong press release is only part of the process. You also need reliable delivery. Pressdia helps Nigerian businesses, startups, NGOs, and agencies get their optimized content into the right hands.
With Pressdia, you get:
- Targeted distribution to Nigeria’s top outlets
- Package options by sector and region
- Fast delivery with confirmed reports
- Add-ons like image support, expedited delivery, and influencer collaboration
When combined with a properly structured release, Pressdia’s distribution ensures your story does more than sit in an inbox, it gets picked up.
Final Checklist Before You Hit Send
- Does your headline include a Nigerian city or sector term?
- Does the first paragraph cover the 5Ws?
- Are your quotes meaningful and original?
- Is your call to action clear?
- Have you included your contact information?
- Is the content free of buzzwords and formatting issues?
- Are multimedia assets prepared with clear labels?
- Are you ready to distribute via Pressdia?
If all the answers are yes, your release is ready to go.
Get Your Press Release Published: Not Ignored
In Nigeria’s media ecosystem, a well-written press release can generate media mentions, attract partnerships, and grow your credibility. But only if it is structured for speed, relevance, and clarity.
Write for editors. Write for readers. Write for Nigeria.
Use Pressdia to deliver your story to top-tier outlets. Then collaborate with platforms like Talented Women Network, Empire Magazine Africa, and Crest Africa to build credibility and momentum. Your story deserves visibility. Let’s make it happen.
