As Mustapha Isah, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) adds another year today, his loved ones notably, his family, the Guild members and friends from the pen profession have gathered in their own ways to celebrate a man they describe as generally good. Where distance has hindered participation in the birthday blast in an increasingly digital world, messages of goodwill are gradually flooding the traditional and social media channels to identify with the celebrant on this auspicious day.
To many of his colleagues, Isah is a Man of impeccable character, a man of his words, trustworthy, hardworking and humble. A man whose followers go to sleep peacefully knowing he is on the saddle. Little wonder he was elected by his colleagues in the NGE to lead them twice.
Isah is a cultured Nigerian, The Edo- born journalist is devoted to family life, he is married to his hearthrob Chinenye and are blessed with children. His love for family has never been in doubt by all who know him. His love for friendship, many say, is amazing.Indeed, Isah is a builder of social bridges.
The Vice President East of the NGE
” He is a good mixer, he has been my friend for many years, he is always smiling, always happy, always sharing with his friends and because of that he will live many many years. I’m sure that is why he has gone too far in the guild leadership.”
For Kano- based Journalist and member of the NGE representing the North, Alhaji Umoru Ibrahim, Isah is humility personified.
“Realistic and dispassionate assessment of Mustapha Isah have shown him to be an embodiment of humility and sincerity, virtues progressively disappearing in our contemporary society. His open mindedness and ability to go on fine with all, irrespective of socio-economic and political status, unquestionably endear him even to his enemies.
Comrade Mustapha Isah is a vibrant and charming personality, qualities which are true reflections of purity of his mind and consciousness to selflessly serve whenever opportunity presents it’s self. Clearly free from the deceptive method of leadership common among our elite,
“Mustapha don’t hesitate to call a spade by its name irrespective of whose ox is so gored. Is there any wonder that, taking these uncommon qualities as base lines, Nigerian Editors recently elected the man, a detribalized Nigerian, to preside over their affairs in the next two years?
Mr President, accept my congratulations for your worthy birthday celebration. May you live to experience more decades in abundant health and in enduring wealth.
H B D.” he said.
A graduate of History and Mass Communication of the Ambrose Alli University Ekpoma and University of Lagos respectively, Isah is one who sees learning as a routine task. His team play with subordinates at work is extraordinary. His respect for seniors and appreciation for little things is very significant and encouraging, and sets him out as someone that is clearly a rare mortal.
Asked what his journey through family life, work place, high and low moments and perception of life going forward, the NGE President said though he had tough moments growing up, his experience in journalism had been exceptionally great despite a few challenges .
“I’m from a polygamous home. Growing up was tough, but my father’s commitment to my education was a soothing balm.
My first degree was in History. I went for Post Graduate Diploma in Mass Communication at the University of Lagos after my youth service.
“I joined The News/Tempo magazine in 1995 as a reporter, but I switched to broadcast journalism six months later, joining Ray Power FM. I was there when when AIT was established . With the merger of both TV and Radio newsrooms, I gained the experience of also reporting for television.
I left Daar Communication in September 1998 for Silverbird Communications, owners of Rhythm 93. 7 FM, as an Assistant News Editor. The company was later to establish STV.
“I rose steadily to become the Head of both Radio and TV News Departments.
My experience in journalism has been sweet , despite some moments of disappointment.
“I joined the Nigerian Guild of Editors in 2006 at the All Nigeria Editors Conference , ANEC, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. Three years later , I was dramatically elected as a Standing Committee member at the biennial convention held in Lagos. I described it as dramatic because I never planned to contest for the position until two hours to the dissolution of the Executive Committee. I was literally drafted into the race by former President of the Guild, Mr Gbenga Adefaye.
I’ve also held other positions in the Guild, including Assistant General Secretary, Vice President, Acting President and a substantive President.
Suffice it to say that I cherish humility and dedication to duty. I owe them a depth of gratitude for allowing me to serve them.
“I got married to my beautiful wife, Chinenye, from Nnewi, Anambra State on March 2, 2002.
The union is blessed with three children: two girls and a boy.
“I thank God for my new age. Being alive today is by the grace of God who has seen through difficult times. Challenges and the quest to solve problems motivate me.
I see man as a problem solving animal. You become irrelevant the day you stop providing solutions to problems, which will always manifest whether you like or not.
I feel pained when I see people, especially the educated ones, trying to use ethnicity and religion to divide Nigerians.
There is no democracy in heaven. God doesn’t give us the freedom to choose our ethnic group, state of origin, our nationality and our parents. All these decisions are made on our behalf by God in his wisdom. God planted me in Ivbiaro, Edo state. It wasn’t my choice, but God’s. So, it will be a misnomer to discriminate against me because of my origin.” Isah added.
