Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has said that he received with profound shock the passing away of the renowned journalist and former Editor-in-Chief/Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Wada Maida on Monday.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Kano by Malam Muhammad Garba, the commissioner for Information, the governor also described Maida’s death as a saddening national loss.
He said that Maida, who until his death was Chairman, Board of Directors of Peoples Media Limited, chairman Daily Trust Foundation and Chairman, Board of Directors of NAN, is an accomplished journalist, an astute public officer, a rare individual of immense talents and abilities who lived a life full of service to humanity.
Governor Ganduje stated that Maida’s contribution to the development of the media in the country remains laudable, particularly his venture into publishing and expressed the belief that his commitment to peace and unity of the country, through his chosen profession, would always be remembered.
Governor Ganduje via the statement, commiserated with the deceased’s family, President Muhammadu Buhari under whom Maida had served as Chief Press Secretary when he was military Head of State, the government and people of Katsina state, Peoples Daily newspaper, International Press Institute and the media industry in general.
While praying Almighty Allah to give his family, friends, the media industry the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss he prayed for Al-jannatul firdaus to be Maida’s final abode.
MALAM MUHAMMAD GARBA
Hon. Commissioner, Information, Kano State