Home Editorials Buhari, govs, Tinubu, NPAN, others pay tributes to Sam Nda-Isaiah

Buhari, govs, Tinubu, NPAN, others pay tributes to Sam Nda-Isaiah

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By Bolaji Ogundele/Jide Orintunsin/Gbenga Omokhunu/Sanni Onogu/Tony Akowe, Abuja/Oziegbe Okoeki/Rasaq Ibrahim, Ado Ekiti/Fanen Ihyongo, Kano/Adekunle Jimoh, Ilorin

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday led a long queue of prominent Nigerians in paying tributes to the Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah, who died late Friday.

Buhari expressed shock and sadness at Nda-Isaiah’s death.

He called the deceased “a friend and ally.”

The President commiserated with the media industry, the Nda-Isaiah family, friends and associates of the deceased, saying “the country has lost a man of conviction, a resolute and dogged believer in a better Nigeria.”

“He will be sorely missed. This is a massive fish gone out of the media ocean,” President Buhari further said of the pharmacist, renowned columnist, and one time presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Nda-Isaiah died on Friday.

A loss to progressives, media world – APC govs

Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the death of Sam Nda-Isaiah as an irreparable loss to the nation, progressives’ family and the media world

The governors in a condolence letter by their Chairman and governor of Kebbi State, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, said the forum received the news of Nda-Isaiah’s death with a heavy heart.

They joined the family, members of the APC in Niger State and the nation to pray for the repose of the soul of “our dear and beloved Chairman of Leadership Newspapers Group and former presidential aspirant on the platform of our party, APC.”

“His death is a loss to the nation, the Nigerian progressive community and the global media world.

“We pray to God Almighty to grant his family the fortitude to bear this heavy loss. May Allah reward all the good work of Pharmacist Samuel Nda-Isaiah, forgive his limitations and bless what he left behind.

“May the soul of Mr. Samuel Nda-Isaiah rest in peace,” Bagudu said.

His death a monumental loss to Nigeria Northern govs

The Northern Governors Forum said it was devastated by the shocking news of the death of Nda-Isaiah.

Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Bako Lalong, in a statement said the development was a monumental loss to Nigeria and the Northern Region.

Lalong said: “This is a very sad development for the country as we have lost one of the most vibrant and courageous media entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

“Sam was a visionary man who believed in the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria. He did so through his writings and contributions reflected his passion for a strong democratic culture.”

“His big dreams led to the birth and nurturing of Leadership newspaper that has grown to become one of the leading newspapers in the Northern Region and the country at large.”

Lalong said the deceased would be greatly missed for his patriotism, selflessness and courage in the service of Nigeria, as well as continue to be remembered for his great legacies of hard work and mentorship which has inspired many youths to dream big and realise their ambitions.

We’re devastated, says NPAN

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) said it was devastated by the news of Nda-Isaiah’s demise because he was “not only a colleague but a friend to all in the industry.”

It said: “His commitment to the values and objectives of the association was unflagging to the very end. He was together with the rest of us only last week in Lagos when elections into the national executive council of the NPAN were held, and Sam was elected as an ex-officio member.

“Sam Nda-Isaiah has left indelible footprints in the annals of the Nigerian media. He started as a publisher right away with Leadership Confidential, a subscription-based monthly newsletter which, in 2004, he transformed into Leadership, a gutsy, stylish weekly newspaper that caught the eye of Nigerians as soon as it hit the newsstands.

“As a popular columnist, Sam told the truth to power. His style was brash, bare-knuckle and unapologetic. For his constancy in that, he was mostly regarded as patriotic.

“His desire to transform his beliefs into policy made him to make a foray into party politics where he ran for president in the 2015 general elections. Politics made him to drop his column but the general direction of his newspapers was consistent with what he had been writing.

The NPAN will sorely miss Sam as an active member and for his immense contribution to the development of journalism in Africa.”

IPI too

In a similar tribute, the International Press Institute (IPI) said it received with disbelief and shock, news of the death of Nda-Isaiah.

The IPI said Nda-Isaiah’s death came at a time “his services are still needed in the media industry and in the nation.”

It prayed that God Almighty would accept the soul of Mr. Nda-Isaiah and give the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

He was a true friend, says NUJ

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council said Nda-Isaiah was not “only a true friend of the council, who never missed any opportunity to engage the council, but also one personality whose doors were wide open to the NUJ any time for interactions and negotiation on labour issues.”

It said the deceased would be “remembered for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the Nigerian media, national discourse, development and passion for the dissemination of information which he achieved through his medium.”

It added: “The entire members of the NUJ FCT Council condole with the family of the visionary publisher, whose newspaper began a new approach to publication and gave the voiceless a voice to speak especially in the North.

“We also commiserate with the management and staff of Leadership Group and enjoin the entire members of NUJ FCT Council to identify with their colleagues in their moment of grief and, pray God to grant the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

“He would also be remembered for his consistent conviction and strong belief in the socialist ideology for an egalitarian society, where the masses enjoy equal opportunity and social justice as he demonstrated with his “Big Ideas.”

“He was fearless and selfless. A great Nigerian patriot who was passionate about the liberation of the ordinary people from the doldrums of oppression to freedom, and that was why he was rewarded with the title of ‘Kaakaki Nupe’ by his people.

Lawan: He believed in the Nigerian project

Senate President Ahmad Lawan said Nda-Isaiah was a firm believer in the Nigerian project.

He said: “Sam Nda-Isaiah fervently believed in the Nigerian project, and this is reflected in his writings and the editorial focus and tone of his Leadership newspaper.

“His contributions as a public opinion shaper and principled politician are profound and have put his imprints on the Nigerian history despite his early home call,” Lawan said.

The Senate President prayed for sweet repose of his soul and for comfort for his loved ones in this period of their grief and after.

He was patriotic – Omo-Agege

Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege called Nda-Isaiah a patriotic Nigerian and great friend whose shocking exit is bound to be felt by many.

The Deputy President of the Senate described the publisher as one of his great friends at the helm of Nigerian mass media, adding: “With his passing, I have lost a friend whose exit happened at a most unexpected time when one considers the fact that he was a strong and healthy 58-year-old man who succumbed to brief illness.

“Nonetheless, we must acknowledge the productivity and achievements that God enabled him to record during his time on earth.

“Sam Nda-Isaiah was not only a presidential aspirant; he was a patriotic Nigerian and passionate member of the All Progressives Congress right from its birth.

“He was a very resourceful entrepreneur, moving from pharmacy into various business ventures including the establishment of a national newspaper.”

Gbajabiamila, Wase mourn him

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila and his deputy, Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase, described Nda-Isaiah’s death as shocking and painful.

Gbajabiamila said the Leadership publisher’s death came at a time that the services of the media are needed most to promote unity among Nigerians as well as the development and growth of the country, adding that with Nda-Isaiah’s passing away, the Nigerian media industry has lost one of its committed pillars.

On his part, the Deputy Speaker described the sudden death of Nda-Isaiah, as a shock and huge loss to the media industry.

The Deputy Speaker said Nda-Isaiah’s death was a huge loss to the nation and the media industry particularly.

He said: “Nda-Isaiah, even though a pharmacist, revolutionalised journalism and was a man that placed the nation above self in all his dealings.

“He was very industrious and one of few Nigerians from the north to successfully run a national newspaper. In that role, he never ceased to use the opportunity as a means of uplifting national interest.”

Nigeria has lost patriotic, detribalized citizen, says Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State said Nigeria has lost another patriotic and detribalised citizen in Nda-Isaiah.

Sanwo-Olu said the late publisher’s eternal passage came at a time when Nigeria needed more of his knowledge and wealth of experience in different areas of endeavours.

He said: “Death is not what anybody has control over. It will come when it’s time. It is painful that the late Nda-Isaiah left at a time when some of us were looking forward to the Leadership newspaper event.”

“It is my prayer that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. He will be sorely missed.”

Fayemi: It’s a monumental loss

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State said Nda-Isaiah’s death was a monumental loss to the country in general, the media industry in particular and the APC on whose platform he had aspired to the country’s number one position in 2015.

The governor said he received the news of the demise of the former presidential aspirant with shock and a sense of loss as the renowned Pharmacist turned Media mogul never showed any sign of illness during their last meeting.

Describing the deceased as a personal friend and a patriot who fought for a better Nigeria, he said the death of Nda-Isaiah had robbed the country of a detribalised Nigerian who was an incurable optimist of a greater and stronger Nigeria which he used his prime position in the media to advocate.

He left indelible mark on Nigeria’s media practice Ganduje

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State described the death of Nda-Isaiah, as a big blow to the journalism profession and newspaper business.

Ganduje said the deceased left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media practice.

He condoled with family and friends of the deceased, describing the death as a huge loss to the country.

It’s one tragedy too many – Abdulrazaq

For Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Nda-Isaiah’s death is a monumental loss to the media industry and Nigeria as whole.

“The death of Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah is one tragedy too many and we join in the national mourning of this media icon and patriot,” the governor said in a tribute yesterday.

He added: “His death painfully depletes the ranks of patriots who would go to any length to protect the honour of our fatherland.

“The whole country will miss Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah for his unimpeachable contributions to media development, his brilliant writings, and his undisguised love for the country.

“Those who knew Sam up close understand the strength of his character and the depth of his humanity. My brief conversation with him a few days ago following the unveiling of the Leadership’s 2020 awards once more underscored his passion for development that truly impacts on the lives of the masses.

“Adieu, Sam! On behalf of my family, the government and people of Kwara State, I commiserate with the people and government of Niger State, his immediate family, the media in Nigeria, and the Leadership family in particular over this grievous development. May the Almighty God comfort the bereaved and rest the soul of Sam.”

I’m deeply saddened by his exit, says Obaseki

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State hailed what he called Nda-Isaiah’s dexterity and strides in journalism and nation building.

The governor said the deceased served Nigeria as a committed patriot and contributed immensely to national development while he lived.

He added: “He was a committed journalist who explored several opportunities to contribute to nation building. His commitment to progress and advancement would be greatly missed.”

Ayade: He departed in his prime

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State said Nda-Isaiah “died at his prime and at a time his rich input to the growth of the media industry in Nigeria was still needed.”

“It was with rude shock and utter disbelief that I received the news of Sam’s demise. For Nigeria and for his immediate constituency, the media, this is a monumental loss, a sad, irreparable loss. Sam was simply one of the finest of the pack.”

Continuing, Ayade said: “The Holy Bible admonishes us to praise God and give Him thanks in all situations, and so, I thank God for the very impactful and salutary life Sam lived, for according to Ralph Waldo Emerson, “it is not the length of life, but depth of life.”

Ramatu Aliyu: He was a dogged politician

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Aliyu, called Nda-Isaiah a dogged politician and renowned publisher who redefined the journalism profession.

While noting that death is an inevitable end to every mortal existence, the minister said members of the FCT family were consoled that late Sam Nda-Isaiah distinguished himself as an astute politician and promoter of Nigeria’s unity.

Aliyu, prayed for Almighty God to grant him eternal rest and the family, the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

He had strong convictions – Ibori

Former governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, said Nda-Isaiah was as a man of strong convictions who expressed them passionately.

He said Nigeria would remember Nda-Isaiah as a man of many parts.

“He was not just a Leadership newspaper publisher but an influential columnist who maintained a weekly newspaper column for decades.

‘Nda-Isaiah the businessman and writer was also a politician who grew to the stature of contesting seriously for the presidential ticket at the national primaries of the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

He was a man of ideas – Abiodun

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said Nda-Isaiah was a man of ideas.

He said: “The country has lost a rare gem of big ideas, whose politics was laced with conviction, selflessness and without bitterness.

“I am still in shock. I was jolted by the news,” the governor said, adding, “Sam Nda-Isaiah was a resolute and dogged fighter on the side of the people. His columns, “Last Word” and “Ear Shot” were pungent and fought the good cause for a better Nigeria.”

Tambuwal: He filled a yawning gap for the North

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state said: “Nda-Isaiah’s foray into the business of journalism and newspaper publishing no doubt filled a yawning gap of the North’s low engagement in the critical industry of journalism in our country.

“This robust feat gave our dear region an edge not only in national politics but global outreach. It also helped in providing employment for a large chunk of our army of unemployed youths.”

Demise painful, shocking Ortom

Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said Nda-Isaiah was a true patriot who, though a pharmacist by training, made indelible contributions to the growth of the media industry and offered jobs to hundreds of Nigerians through his companies.

He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and his family the fortitude to bear the unfortunate loss.

An Iroko has fallen – Sani Bello

Niger State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, said by the death of Nda-Isaiah,

“an Iroko tree in the pen profession has fallen and Niger State has once again lost a passionate and dedicated citizen.”

Bello eulogised the late Sam saying that he was an exceptional media mogul who demonstrated courage in his write ups adding that he was also a successful entrepreneur and politician who will be greatly missed.

The governor then consoled with the people of Niger state, the Media industry, family and close associates of late Sam Nda Isaiah and prayed God to have mercy on late Sam and rest his soul.

A monumental loss, says Mark

Former President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, described the death of Nda-Isaiah as shocking and devastating.

Mark said the demise of the forefront publisher and columnist is a sad reminder of how temporary and transient life could be.

“He was a man full of life and ideas. He worked for the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria. He had a big dream for a prosperous nation but death has robbed the country of this great mind.

“We shall miss his robust contributions and leadership acumen. We shall miss his political sagacity and intellectual prowess,” Mark said.

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