President Muhammadu Buhari On Tuesday said he received the news announcing the passing of his close ally, friend and associate, Malam Wada Maida with deep sorrow.
President Buhari, in a condolence statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said the stewardship and loyalty of Wada who died at 70 to him and the country over many years had been with great distinction.
“I am profoundly shocked by the sudden death of Malam Wada Maida, my former Press Secretary, a man who possessed one of the highest qualities of professional integrity throughout the course of his journalistic career, the President also said.
According to him, “Wada Maida was a very dedicated, hardworking and loyal professional for whom I have the deepest respect and admiration.”
The President said that “the passion with which Maida did his job accounted for his professional success in life, making it possible for him to attain the pinnacle of excellence in his career.”
Buhari, who joined Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State, members of his cabinet and the family of late Malam Maida in mourning the sad loss, called for prayers for the State and country as they accepted the will of the Almighty God, who determined the fate of everyone.
The President condoled with staff and management of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), where Malam Maida served as Chairman of the Board until his transition, having worked there extensively as European Bureau Chief, based in London, before honouring the national call as Press Secretary to the Head of State, 1984, and returning to the agency to continue as Editor-In-Chief and Managing Director.
He also sent condolences to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Guild of Editors, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, International Press Institute, Peoples Daily Newspapers, which Malam Wada established and chaired, and Pan African News Agency (PANA), where he played a pioneering role in founding and remained an inspiration for many years.
The President, while sympathizing with friends and family of the former Managing Director of NAN, said Malam Wada left a legacy of modesty, loyalty and commitment to the goals of national unity and development that will continue to resonate with everyone who crossed his path.
The President prayed that the Almighty God will forgive his shortcomings and grant him a home in jannatul firdaus.
Similarly, the International Press Institute (IPI) yesterday announced the death of one of its pillars, Wada Maida.
Until his death, Wada was the member representing Nigeria on the executive board of IPI in Vienna, Austria.
“A distinguished journalist, he was the Chairman of the People’s Daily newspaper, former Managing Director and lately, Chairman, Board of Directors of News Agency of Nigeria and former Chief Press Secretary to former Nigerian military head of state, retired Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (current President of Nigeria).
“IPI mourns the passing into eternity of this doyen of Nigerian journalism and long- time member of the global network of media executives for a free press. IPI also commiserates with the family of our late leader and the media community .
“We pray that the Almighty Allah gives the family and the media community the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May Allah grant Mallam Wada Aljanah Firdaus. Ameen,” said a statement by the Chairman and the Secretary of the IPI Nigerian Chapter, Kabiru Yusuf and Raheem Adedoyin respectively.
IPI Executive Board Chairman, Markus Spillmann, said :“Wada Maida was a great asset to journalism and press freedom in Nigeria. His passing is a huge loss to the global IPI community and journalism in Nigeria.
“His contribution to IPI and press freedom will always be remembered by our network. On behalf of the IPI Executive Board and the network I extend our heartfelt condolences to the family.”
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