President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness at the death of Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah, a man he describes as “a friend and ally.”
The President’s feeling was contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, on Saturday morning.
The President condoles with the media fraternity, 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 says of the pharmacist, renowned columnist, and one time presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Meanwhile, Governor Abubakar Bello of Niger and chairman North Central Governors Forum has received with shock the news of the demise of the Founder and Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah.
The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mary Noel-Berje said: “an iroko tree in the pen Profession has fallen and Niger State has once again lost a passionate and dedicated citizen”.
Bello described the deceased as 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 prayed for God’s comfort on the All Progressives Congress (APC), people of Niger State, the Media industry, family and close associates of Nda-Isaiah.
Late Sam Ndanusa Isaiah, popularly known as Sam Nda-Isaiah, was the Chairman and Founder of Leadership Newspaper.
Born in Minna on May 1, 1962, late Sam was a passionate newspaperman and pundit, his column, “Last Word” with a footnote, “Earshot”, was a must-read.
He started the column as a special writer and editorial board member of Daily Trust before he founded Leadership Newspaper.
He served as a committee member in the Kano State government to revive The Triumph Newspapers owned by the Kano State government.
The deceased was also a pharmacist and entrepreneur with many successful businesses.
He was also a founding member of the APC and aspired for the presidential ticket under the same APC for 2015 elections.
He was the Kakakin Nupe, a traditional title in the Nupe Kingdom.