NUJ Press Week: LEADERSHIP Chair Lauds Journalists’ Resilience Amid Challenging Media Environment

The chairman of LEADERSHIP Newspaper, Mrs. Zainab Nda-Isaiah, has praised the resilience, courage and professionalism of Nigerian journalists, describing their commitment as central to sustaining democracy despite operating in a difficult and often hostile environment.

She gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja during the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council Press Week and Awards ceremony.

Speaking to a gathering of media professionals, Nda-Isaiah recounted her unexpected transition into leadership at LEADERSHIP Newspaper, noting that she had to assume responsibilities far beyond her initial expectations.

“Mine has been a journey that just more or less happened, and I had to step into shoes that were much bigger than I ever thought I could fill,” she said.

She attributed the survival and continued relevance of the newspaper to the dedication of journalists and media professionals who, according to her, remain committed to ensuring that “no matter what Nigeria brings our way, we shall still speak up and our voice will still be heard.”

Nda-Isaiah described the operating environment for journalists as extremely challenging, noting that the media space has remained under pressure across different political administrations.

“In a space that I think is quite hostile, quite hostile,” she said. “Seasons come, seasons go. Different governments come, different governments go. Different leaders come and go. And somehow, the journalistic space, journalists have been swimming against the tide.”

She commended journalists for maintaining professional integrity and continuing to speak truth to power despite personal and institutional risks.

She further noted that journalists often operate in a space where “there is so much, so much to lose when speaking truth,” yet continue to uphold ethical standards and accountability in reporting.

The LEADERSHIP Newspaper chairman also paid tribute to senior media practitioners, including the publication’s Editor-in-Chief, Azu, whom she described as a pillar of support whose “grit” and commitment have helped sustain the organisation.

“I cannot begin to mention the kind of support that himself and other people in this space have given to LEADERSHIP, which is why we’re still standing,” she said.

Nda-Isaiah, who acknowledged that she is not a trained journalist, also reflected on her family’s connection to journalism, describing it as a profession deeply rooted in passion and legacy.

She expressed appreciation to journalists for their continued service to the country, saying their consistency and dedication have kept the profession alive across generations.

“I’m grateful to you for staying the course and passing the baton year after year to different people to continue this work, this very, very great work,” she added.