LEADERSHIP Has Raised The Bar For Journalistic Excellence
Ishaku Kigbu, Pioneer Group Sports Editor
I joined LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ Group as a pioneer staff member 20 years ago, and I am glad I did.
The story of my life will never be complete without mentioning the impactful tutelage and mentorship I received from great mentors and founding fathers like the late media icon Sam Nda-Isaiah, Uche Ezechukwu, and Abraham Nda-Isaiah, who pioneered the administrative section of the organisation.
Today, as we celebrate a remarkable milestone of 20 years of impactful journalism, I am overjoyed that LEADERSHIP Newspapers’ journey has been nothing short of an extraordinary story from its inception to the present.
I recall that the vision was from humble beginnings: navigating all media and corporate odds to become a leading voice in Nigeria’s media landscape. The growth has been marked by an unwavering commitment to truth, boldness, excellence, and public service. No wonder, from its inception, the late scion christened it a newspaper for ‘God and Country’. I believe it still is.
Personally, critical milestones for me include rare privileges through the newspaper to cover two FIFA World Cup tournaments in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, and two Olympic Games in Beijing, China, in 2008 and in London in 2012, the Commonwealth Games, several African Cup of Nations tournaments and a host of other international sporting events.
As a newspaper, the first edition was one of the most significant milestones because it came into the scene with a bang in both class and editorial masterpiece—not forgetting the flurry of adverts in the edition. I must say that the thought-provoking editorials and the Last Word by the late publisher were a must-read.
The knack for investigative journalism, groundbreaking exposés, and fearless reporting, which held leaders accountable while inspiring positive change, were legendary.
Over the years, the newspaper has evolved and witnessed historic moments, including winning awards.
LEADERSHIP has also significantly influenced the media industry by raising the bar for journalistic excellence, encouraging fact-based reporting, and mentoring the next generation of journalists.
I am happy that the journey that started twenty years ago with a mission to redefine journalism in Nigeria is still ongoing with trailblazing, impactful reporting and nation-building.
It has been a journey of courage, resilience, innovation, and navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing media landscape by embracing digital transformation and expansion. This innovation and navigation have been championed by the new generation of LEADERSHIP led by Mr Azubuike Ishiekwene and Mrs Zainab Sam Nda-Isaiah.
As we celebrate this milestone, I salute the dedicated staff (both old and new), and loyal readers for their commitment to our founding fathers’ ideals of truth, fairness, and boldness. Congratulations!
