Iwe Irohin is recognized as the first newspaper published in Nigeria and was initiated by Henry Townsend, a missionary dedicated to the education and enlightenment of the Yoruba people. The newspaper was printed in the Yoruba language and aimed to provide the local community with news about politics, culture, and social issues, as well as promote literacy among the population. By doing this, Townsend and his associates sought to bridge communication between the colonial authorities and the Yoruba-speaking community, fostering a sense of unity and shared information among the people.

The launch of Iwe Irohin in a time when many regions in Africa were still primarily oral cultures represented a significant shift towards written communication. The paper's contents were diverse, ranging from local news to broader discussions on societal issues, and its publishing marked the advent of organized journalism in Nigeria. Within its pages, Townsend addressed issues of governance and societal norms while also promoting the benefits of Christianity and Western education.

Iwe Irohin heralded the beginning of a new era in Nigerian media and communication, inspiring subsequent publications and paving the way for future journalists. Its existence not only contributed to increasing literacy rates among the Yoruba but also gave a voice to social concerns, thereby laying the groundwork for future political advocacy and the exploration of civil rights movements in the region.