LEADERSHIP Chairman, Editor-in-Chief Receive NUJ Awards

The Chairman of LEADERSHIP Media Group, Zainab Nda-Isaiah, and the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP, Mr Azu Ishiekwene, yesterday received awards from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Abuja chapter.

Nda-Isaiah was honoured with the NUJ Appreciation Award in recognition of her contributions to journalism and media development, while Ishiekwene received the Media Leadership Excellence Award.

The awards were part of activities marking the 2026 edition of Press Week lecture and awards ceremony organised by the NUJ, FCT Council, with the theme: “2027 Elections: Defending Nigeria’s Democracy in the Era of Disinformation.”

Speaking during her goodwill message, Nda-Isaiah described her journey in the media industry as unexpected but rewarding, noting that she had to step into responsibilities she never imagined she would handle.

“I am very honoured to be standing here today,” she said. “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, but somehow, by the grace of God, we’re still standing, and we’re standing strong,” Nda-Isaiah added.

She credited the continued growth and survival of LEADERSHIP Media Group to the dedication and professionalism of journalists who remain committed to ethical journalism despite mounting pressures.

“We’re standing strong because of committed, excellent, diligent people in the journalistic space who have decided that no matter what Nigeria brings our way, we shall still speak up and our voices will still be heard,” she stated.

Nda-Isaiah noted that journalism in Nigeria remains a difficult profession, especially for practitioners determined to maintain integrity and speak truth to power.

“I thank you all for staying the course in a space that I think is quite hostile. Seasons come, seasons go, different governments come and go, different leaders come and go, and somehow journalists have been swimming against the tide.

“When you are in such a space, and you have to maintain your integrity, your voice must still be heard speaking the truth, even when there is so much to lose. It is worthy to be mentioned,” she said.

She particularly acknowledged the support and commitment of senior journalists within LEADERSHIP Media Group, especially the Editor-in-Chief.

“I personally have seen the grit. I have experienced the grit of journalists like Mr Azu, who is our Editor-in-Chief. I cannot begin to mention the kind of support that he and other people in this space have given to LEADERSHIP, which is why we are still standing,” she said.

Describing herself as someone still learning the profession, Nda-Isaiah clarified that she did not have the calling to be a journalist, unlike her late husband, Sam Nda-Isaiah, whose passion for journalism, she said, was deeply rooted.

“My husband, too, was a pharmacist by profession, but journalism was in his blood; it was in his DNA, because his father also was a journalist,” she added.

Also speaking at the event, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahya, called for stronger protection, improved welfare, and greater institutional support for journalists across Nigeria.

Yahya described journalism as at a defining moment due to the rise of digital communication, artificial intelligence, misinformation and disinformation, and increasing threats against media practitioners.

“Press Week is not merely a ceremonial event; it is a period of introspection, recommitment, and renewed advocacy for ethical journalism, national development, and the welfare of media professionals across the country,” he said.

He stressed that despite growing challenges, journalists in Nigeria have remained resilient and committed to truth and accountability.

“As journalists, we are custodians of democracy. We shape narratives, amplify the voices of the people, hold leaders accountable, and defend the principles of justice, transparency, and good governance,” Yahya stated.

For her part, the chairman of the NUJ FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike, called on journalists and media stakeholders to remain committed to ethical journalism and the defence of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to her, misinformation and manipulated narratives pose serious threats to national unity, peace, and democratic stability.

“The challenge before us is clear — to protect truth, defend democratic values, and resist the dangerous spread of falsehood, propaganda, and manipulated narratives that threaten the peace and unity of our country,” Ike said.

She urged journalists to remain professional and committed to fact-checking, balanced reporting, and ethical standards amid the growing tide of digital misinformation.

The event featured lectures, award presentations, and recognition of notable personalities in journalism and public service, with participants encouraged to continue promoting credible, responsible journalism in Nigeria.