President Bola Ahmed Tinubu congratulates Leadership Newspaper Group on its 20th anniversary and commends the media organisation for its enduring contribution to informed journalism and good governance.  

President Tinubu fondly remembers Sam Nda-Isaiah, pharmacist, businessman, columnist, and politician, who was the visionary founder and chairman of the newspaper group.    

The President recalls Nda-Isaiah’s invaluable contributions to Nigeria's vibrant media landscape, from his time as a weekly columnist at Daily Trust newspaper to founding Leadership Confidential and later establishing the Leadership group of newspapers.  

The group began as a weekly newspaper on October 1, 2004, before transitioning to a daily national newspaper on February 1, 2006. The group also publishes LEADERSHIP Hausa and National Economy.  

President Tinubu commends the newspaper's board, management, and staff for upholding the founder’s vision of producing a flagship national newspaper that promotes good governance, defends the interests of the Nigerian state and its people, and adheres to the highest ethical standards of journalism.  

The President also acknowledges the role of Nda-Isaiah's wife, Zainab, who epitomises the ideal African woman. Following her husband’s passing in 2020, she took over as chairman and has successfully led the company to greater heights.   

President Tinubu further recognises the critical contributions of a dedicated team, including media icon Azubuike Ishiekwene, the editor-in-chief.  

As friends, readers, and well-wishers celebrate Leadership Newspapers' two-decade milestone, President Tinubu reaffirms that his administration will continue to support journalists in performing their duties unhindered, free from threats, intimidation, or any form of inhibition, in accordance with the constitution.   

President Tinubu hopes that the Leadership Newspapers will continue to churn out balanced stories that future generations will treasure as newspapers of untainted record.  

Bayo Onanuga  

Special Adviser to the President  

(Information & Strategy)