President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, have congratulated the LEADERSHIP Group on its 20th anniversary and commended the media organisation for its enduring contribution to informed journalism and good governance.
President Tinubu said he fondly remembers Sam Nda-Isaiah, pharmacist, businessman, columnist, and politician, who was the visionary founding chairman of the newspaper group.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president recalled Nda-Isaiah’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s vibrant media landscape, from his time as a weekly columnist at Daily Trust newspaper to founding LEADERSHIP Confidential and later establishing the LEADERSHIP Group Limited.
The group began as a weekly newspaper on October 1, 2004, before transitioning to a daily newspaper on February 1, 2006. The group also publishes LEADERSHIP Hausa and National Economy.
President Tinubu commended the newspaper’s board, management, and staff for upholding the founder’s vision of producing a flagship national newspaper that promotes good governance, defends the interests of the Nigerian state and its people, and adheres to the highest ethical standards of journalism.
The president also acknowledged the role of Nda-Isaiah’s wife, Zainab, who epitomises the ideal African woman, as he noted that following her husband’s death in 2020, she took over as chairman and has successfully taken the company to greater heights.
President Tinubu further recognised the critical contributions of a dedicated team, including the editor-in-chief and media icon, Azubuike Ishiekwene.
As friends, readers, and well-wishers celebrate LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ two-decade milestone, President Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration will continue to support journalists in performing their duties unhindered, free from threats, intimidation, or any form of inhibition under the constitution.
President Tinubu further expressed the hope that the LEADERSHIP Newspapers will continue to churn out balanced stories that future generations will treasure as a newspaper of untainted record.
On his part, former President Muhammadu Buhari has lauded LEADERSHIP Group for its 20 years of operation and remarked that the publication is a phenomenal platform for contributing to national progress, well-being, positivity, and collective goodness.
In a message addressed to the chairman, management, and staff of the newspapers to mark the occasion, the former president equally congratulated them on their success, which he said was in keeping with the hope and aspirations of the founding chairman, the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, who he described as a friend that made immeasurable contributions to his political journey.
“The LEADERSHIP continues as a personification of the late Sam’s ideals for a platform celebrating positivity. I have always cherished the LEADERSHIP newspapers over the years as a platform celebrating positivity and collective goodness.
“Let me use this opportunity to openly acknowledge the tremendous support I enjoyed from the LEADERSHIP newspapers before, during, and after my eight years in office as president. You stood with me through rain and shine, and I always appreciate your consistency.
“As you chalk 20 years of unbroken publication as a significant feat in a country characterised by a harsh publishing climate, I say ‘cheers from the bottom of my heart.’”
Buhari prayed for the soul of the late Sam to rest in peace and for LEADERSHIP newspapers to continue to grow as a chronicle and a lightning rod for positivity and public good.
