We Really Cherish This LEADERSHIP Award

Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) has described its nomination as LEADERSHIP Newspaper’s Company of the Year 2025 as a deeply valued honour.

Chairman of TMP, Saleh Ahmadu, made the pronouncement on Tuesday when a delegation from LEADERSHIP Media Group

presented a letter of nomination to TMP as Company of the Year at its office in Abuja.

The Chairman said the recognition was both a professional and personal tribute, mainly because it came from a media institution he respects and a brand closely linked to the late Sam Nda-Isaiah, founder of LEADERSHIP Newspapers.

“You have honoured us by recognising what we do,” he said. “The fact that this award comes from LEADERSHIP and from Sam Nda-Isaiah, who was my big brother and friend, makes it even more special. So when this award came, I wasn’t aware of it, but I believed we were doing something meaningful. And then it came from a brother, which is really appreciated. We really cherish this award.”

Ahmadu added that visiting LEADERSHIP always felt familiar to him, noting that he had long trusted the newspaper’s values and professionalism. “For me, going to LEADERSHIP is like going home,” he said. “You are doing excellent work, and we are proud to be associated with this recognition.”

The Managing Director of TMP, Dr Jummai Umar-Ajijola, also expressed appreciation and assured the delegation that the organisation would fully participate in the upcoming LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards, describing it as an avenue for industry visibility and engagement. “You will definitely be hearing from us,” she said.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Michael Okpere, explained that the annual LEADERSHIP Awards were designed to identify and celebrate individuals and institutions making meaningful contributions to governance, economic growth and societal development.

“Once every year, 54 of us sit together, including our Board of Trustees and vice-president, to determine who deserves recognition,” he said. “For 2025, your organisation and the person of your managing director stood out.”

Supporting the nomination, delegation member Abraham Nda-Isaiah stated that TMP was selected after extensive research due to its “transformative impact” on Nigeria’s trade environment. He cited the company’s achievements in trade automation, digital innovation, transparency, revenue enhancement and support for public-private partnerships that stimulate job creation.

He added that TMP’s leadership was expected to receive the award in person at the LEADERSHIP Conference and Awards scheduled for February 12, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

“You will have excellent company on that podium,” he said, listing other honourees, including the First Lady—Person of the Year—six state governors, and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service.