Leadership is a Nigerian daily national newspaper committed to defending the interests of the Nigerian state, even against its leaders. Its mission is to consistently advocate for what is right.
History and Key Figures
In 2001, the Leadership Newspaper Group was founded by Sam Nda-Isaiah, a Nigerian political columnist, pharmacist, entrepreneur, and journalist. Born on May 1, 1962, in Minna, Nigeria, Nda-Isaiah attended UNA Elementary School and Christ Church School, Kaduna, before studying pharmaceuticals at Obafemi Awolowo University. He also studied at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore.
Nda-Isaiah briefly worked as a pharmacist at the Kano Specialist Hospital before moving to General Hospital, Minna. From 1985 to 1989, he worked at Pfizer Products Limited. He was also a member of the Asian think-tank, the Global Institute for Tomorrow in Hong Kong.
Sam Nda-Isaiah did not restrict himself to media business and had interests in various fields. In 2011, he was conferred with the traditional title of Kakaki Nupe by Etsu Nupe His Highness Dr Yahaya Abubakar, CFR. The Sultan of Sokoto sent him a special gift of a horse at the turbaning ceremony, marking a rare honor.
Nda-Isaiah was an alumnus of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy of the National University of Singapore and the School of International and Public Affairs of Columbia University, New York. He was also a member of the Northern Elders’ Forum and the Vice Chairman of its think tank.
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The chairman and publisher of Leadership, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah, died suddenly on 12 December 2020. His wife, Zainab, stepped in as chairman in February 2021.
Many of his former employees have given him credit for their own successes which is a testament to Nda-Isaiah being a thorough bred businessman. He also had a weekly column in Daily Trust titled "Last Word and Earshot".
Sam Nda-Isaiah: A Snapshot
Here is a brief overview of Sam Nda-Isaiah's life and accomplishments:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | May 1, 1962, in Minna, Nigeria |
| Education | Obafemi Awolowo University, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy |
| Career | Pharmacist, Entrepreneur, Journalist, Political Columnist |
| Founded | Leadership Newspaper Group (2001) |
| Died | December 12, 2020 |
Achievements and Recognition
In December 2009, the Nigeria Union of Journalists named Leadership "Newspaper of the Year".
Controversies and Challenges
The newspaper has faced several challenges, including raids and arrests of its staff:
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- On 9 January 2007, State Security Service agents stormed the Leadership offices and arrested general manager Abraham Nda-Isaiah, editor Bashir Bello Akko, and journalist Abdulazeez Sanni.
- On 6 May 2008, armed, plain-clothed policemen from the Niger State Command raided the Leadership head office and arrested the deputy editor, Danladi Ndayebo, apparently without any warrant.
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Political Involvement
In the April 2011 elections, Golu Timothy, a former editor of the newspaper, was elected to the State House of Assembly in the Kanke Constituency of Plateau State. He ran on the PDP platform.
Notable Publication
On 17 July 2013, the Leadership reprinted the writer Shai Afsai’s photographs and first-person article "Igbo Jews of Nigeria Strive to Study and Practice" under the title "Igbo-Jews Of Nigeria Study And Practise Judaism," while citing the Leadership's Igho Oyoyo as its author.
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