Nda Isaiah: An Ode To A Man Of Letters -By Hajia Hadiza Mohammed

The year 2020 would be considered in History as a year of tribulation to mankind. Apart from the COVID-19 Pandemic, it would be remembered as a year that swallowed prominent personalities globally. Among prominent individuals who lost their life battles to death was Samuel Ndanusa Isaiah fondly called by friends and associates as Sam Nda Isaiah.

I was shocked with disbelief when the news of his death filtered in on that fateful day, 11th of December, 2020. Death is cruel and wicked. How could it be our own Nda Isaiah – young and ebullient, friendly, good-natured, unassuming, witty and humorous? He was a peoples’ manager, relationship manager, a bridge-builder and a peacemaker. He was bold, courageous and a conscientious advocate of the people. It is difficult to believe that the cold hand of death has snatched him at the prime age of just 58! And as I write this piece I still have mixed feelings about his death. One, I am saddened like every other persons because his life was cut short in his prime when he still had much to contribute to our nation and humanity. On the other hand, I am happy because my brother, one of our own Sam Nda Isaiah lived an active, successful life of accomplishments. The encomiums that kept pouring are a pointer to that. We are indeed consoled by the fact that the many legacies he left behind bear eloquent testimonies to the life of accomplishments he lived. Although, his life was short but it was eventful. He was a trailblazer who broke many frontiers.

Sam Nda-Isaiah

Although the information about Sam Nda Isaiah is available in the public domain, yet I think it will be appropriate to say a little about his glorious career and achievements. By training, Sam Nda Isaiah was a pharmacist, having studied Pharmacy in Obafemi Awolowo University known then as the University of Ife, but his life vocation was not limited to Pharmacy. He was a man of many parts – a pharmacist, journalist, entrepreneur, politician among others.

His foray into journalism and his love for writing saw him work as a columnist in the Daily Trust Newspaper before he establish the Leadership Newspaper that gave not just the North but nay the voiceless and the vulnerable among us a voice. He was a fearless advocate of good governance. He is bold courageous and ruthlessly focused. He is not afraid of challenges. He had always taken a principled stand on any issues he believed in and for this, he had had his own fair share of harassment from those who are opposed to his views.

In business, he was versatile and astute. As a business mogul, he was not restricted to one area. He played in different sectors of the economy. His business interests cut across many sectors and extend beyond the shores of Nigeria. He was the founder and Chairman of Leadership Newspaper Group, the founder Sam Leadership Foundation and a director in many business conglomerates at home and abroad that cut across many sectors ranging from publishing, Agriculture, manufacturing, real estate, pharmaceuticals to recreation and hospitality business.

He was a man of erudition, a scholar and an author. He was intelligent and creative. He wrote and co-authored many books. He was the proverbial gold fish that has no hiding place. He played active roles in every forum he belonged. Having studied Public Policy at National University Singapore, he was a member of the Asian think-tank, the Global Institute for Tomorrow (GIFT) in Hong Kong. In 2019 he was appointed board member of the Baze University, Abuja.

Politically, he was very active. He was a card-carrying member of the ruling party APC and an active member of the Northern Elders Forum. He was a patriot and a statesman who believed in the Nigerian project. He was deeply religious and yet not fanatical. He identified with all irrespective of faith, creed or denomination. He was an avowed advocate of freedom of speech and religious freedom. He had great concern the masses and the vulnerable. That was why he proposed the National Affordable Medicines Initiative (NAMI), an initiative aimed at making the supply of cheap, quality and affordable drugs to all Nigerians, a move that has received Presidential approval and the setting up of a presidential working committee to ratify it.

As a Nigerian, he was detribalized. He regarded every part of the country as his home. He had friends and associates across the nation. He identifies with all. A little wonder he had traditional titles outside his home land. For instance, in 2013, he was conferred with title of Ugwumba Ndigbo by the Igbo community in Abuja and last year, he was conferred with the title of Aare Baroyin of Akure land by the Deji of Akure Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi,Odundun.

For his achievements and many accomplishments, he had numerous awards and societal recognitions to show for it. He had the traditional title of the Kakaki of Nupe land. He also received the Nupe Kingdom Lifetime Achievement Award for Entrepreneurship and a member of board of trustees of Nupe Foundation. He was also conferred with the title of Jakadan of Portiskum.

He belonged to many professional bodies and business groups. He was also a fellow of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) and a member of the Pharmaceutical Council of Nigeria. Sam Nda Isaiah was a member of the Institute of Directors, a member of the Vienna-based International Press Institute, a member of the World Association of Newspapers (WAN) and an executive member of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN).
On the social circles, he was quite visible. He was respected among his peers and associates. In 2013, he was a recipient of the title of the Grand Commander of Great Ife, the highest award conferred by the University of Ife Alumni on it members.

Indeed, in the death of Sam Nda Isaiah, Nigeria has lost a great mind. Nupe nation has lost an illustrious son. The Nigerian business community has lost an icon and the Press has lot a rare gem.
May his gentle soul rest in peace!

Hajia Hadiza Mohammed
hajiahadizamohammed@gmail.com
An actress, social activist, politician
London, UK