Tinubu hails LEADERSHIP Newspaper on 20th anniversary

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Leadership Newspaper Group on its 20th anniversary, commending the media organization for its enduring contribution to informed journalism and the promotion of good governance.

The President fondly remembered Sam Nda-Isaiah, the visionary founder and chairman of the newspaper group. Nda-Isaiah, a pharmacist, businessman, columnist, and politician, made significant contributions to Nigeria’s vibrant media landscape, starting as a weekly columnist at Daily Trust newspaper before founding Leadership Confidential and later establishing the Leadership group of newspapers.

The group, which began as a weekly publication on October 1, 2004, transitioned to a daily national newspaper on February 1, 2006. It also publishes LEADERSHIP Hausa and National Economy.

President Tinubu praised 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.

He also acknowledged the role of Nda-Isaiah’s wife, Zainab, who took over as chairman following her husband’s passing in 2020. Tinubu noted that she has successfully led the company to greater heights, epitomizing the ideal African woman.

The President further recognized the critical contributions of the newspaper’s dedicated team, including media icon Azubuike Ishiekwene, the editor-in-chief.

As friends, readers, and well-wishers celebrate Leadership’s two-decade milestone, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting journalists in carrying out their duties unhindered, free from threats, intimidation, or any form of inhibition, in accordance with the constitution.

He expressed hope that Leadership Newspapers will continue to produce balanced stories that future generations will regard as a newspaper of untainted record.