Buhari Mourns As ‘Friend And Ally’ Sam Nda-Isaiah Dies At 58

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock over the death of Publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Sam Nda-Isaiah, describing him as “a friend and ally.”

The president, in a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Saturday condoled with the media fraternity, the Nda-Isaiah family, friends and associates of the deceased.

‘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,” Buhari said of the pharmacist, renowned columnist, and one time presidential aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The late Nda-Isaiah attended the Newspaper Proprietors of Nigeria (NPAN) meeting held in Lagos on Tuesday where Daily Trust publisher, Kabir Yusuf, emerged new president of the association.

The deceased was alongside publisher of The Pilot, Prince Dannis Sami and Ray Ekpu, a past president of the association nominated without opposition as ex-officios of the NPAN.

According to reports, Nda-Isaiah, aged 58, died late Friday night after a brief illness.

Meanwhile, Governors Abubakar Bello and Yahaya Bello of Niger and Kogi States, amongst others, have mourned the death of the publisher.

Speaking in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje, Governor Bello of Niger State said “an iroko tree in the pen Profession has fallen and Niger State has once again lost a passionate and dedicated citizen”.

He 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.

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 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 a presidential ticket under the same APC for 2015 elections.

He was the Kakakin Nupe, a traditional title in the Nupe Kingdom.

In his reaction, Governor Bello of Kogi State said the nation lost a quintessential and patriotic media guru in the person of Nda-Isaiah.

Bello made the remarks in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed.

The governor said that he was still struggling to come to terms with the reality of the death of the media icon, who died on Friday night in Abuja following a brief illness at the age of 58.

He described Nda-Isaiah as a “patriotic, quintessential and dogged media guru’’, who was passionate about the growth and development of his country, Nigeria.

The governor said that the deceased publisher, since the establishment of his newspaper in 2001, had used the medium to promote issues that engender peace, unity and overall development of Nigeria.

“We can visibly notice your patriotism for our great country right from the slogan of your newspaper, which is ‘For God and Country’.

“You have demonstrated uncommon passion and patriotic zeal in the defence of Nigeria through your style of reportage.

“You were a leading light and torch-bearer as far as Nigeria’s media landscape is concerned.

“Your courage and fearlessness in defending the truth remain unprecedented.

“You have left behind a great vacuum difficult to fill,’’ Bello said.

He held that his administration since inception in 2016, had enjoyed a robust relationship with the Leadership Newspaper under the chairmanship of Sam Nda-Isaiah.

The newspaper and its publisher, according to the governor, had been very supportive in terms of effective coverage and reportage of the achievements and gains of his administration over the last five years.

He expressed the sympathies of the government and people of Kogi to the family of the late publisher, management and staff of the newspaper as well as friends and well-wishers of Nda-Isaiah over the sad loss.

He prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest and fortitude for his family, loved ones and well-wishers to bear the irreparable loss.