THE WHISTLER Publisher Mourns Nda-Isaiah, Pens Moving Tribute

Publisher of THE WHISTLER newspaper, James Ume, has penned a moving tribute to his former employer, Sam Nda-Isaiah, whose sudden death made headlines on Saturday.

Nda-Isaiah, who is the publisher of Leadership Newspaper, died at the age 58 on Friday. His death was attributed to a “brief illness”.

A torrent of condolences has since been pouring in for the family of the late journalist and columnist, including those from President Muhammadu Buhari, former president Goodluck Jonathan and former Lagos State governor, Ahmed Bola Tinubu, amongst others.

In his tribute, Ume extolled the virtues of Nda-Isaiah, recalling the strong employer-employee relationship they shared while he worked at Leadership, as well as how the deceased continued to support him after he left the newspaper.

He wrote: “To My Main Boss: Sam Nda-Isaiah
“You made me an Iroko in the forest,
“You gave me my first wings to fly,
“You promoted me with the speed of the light,
“You stood by me when the journey became tough,
“And ensured I become a golden fish that has no hiding place.
“You rebuked me to bring out the diamond in me,
“But overtly remained proud of me.
“You believed in me more than I believed in myself.
“You gave me daunting tasks,
“And greased my bore joints to deliver,
“And celebrated me like a virtuous mum would to a dear son.
“I’m glad I adored you like a goddess before this journey to the Luminous,
“Causing scarce water to becloud your lionic eyes:
“Equating me with the biblical One out of multitude to say ‘thank you’ to the Chosen one.
“We shared my future plans,
“You keyed into them,
“They have become your project,
“That project shall be accomplished!
“You made me the man I’ve become,
“Thank you, My Main Boss!
“Good night, Chairman Sam!”