Lagos – The Editorial Department staff of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Lagos Directorate, on Thursday commended the leadership style of its outgoing Managing Editor and Head of Editorial Operations, Malam Yusuf Zango.
The staff, who organised a send-off in Zango’s honour, described him as an exemplary leader, who displayed professionalism in handling the affairs of the directorate.
The Managing Editor had been redeployed to the agency’s Headquarters in Abuja as the Head of Foreign Directorate.
A Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Zango’s successor, Mr Dele Bodunde, described him as a committed professional and manager.
Bodunde noted that the director, a one-time Western Europe Bureau Chief of NAN, had contributed immensely to the growth of the agency in the last three decades.
In his comment, Mr Tony Nezianya, commended the director for carrying everybody along during his short stay in Lagos.
“I found Malam Zango very amiable and very understanding. His leadership style is unique”, he said, and prayed for his success in his new beat.
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Mr Idonije Obakhedo urged the director “to continue to see himself as an envoy of NAN Lagos in his new assignment”, while Mr Dele Akinsola, described him as a team player who carefully listened to staff and immediately proffered solutions.
Akinsola said that Zango had not done anything during his stay in Lagos to undermine any of his subordinates.
Mr Adeleye Ajayi, said the staff had learnt a lot from Zango’s attitude to work, adding that his style of leadership had increased the level of their dedication to duty.
Another editorial staff member, Mrs Aisha Cole urged her colleagues to emulate the director, who she said possessed unquestionable character.
“Mallam Zango is an embodiment of humility. He is a silent operator. We are going to miss you, but we will not miss you forever. Continue with the good work. You are a good teacher,’’ Victor Asije said.
A reporter, Mr Jide Awoyinfa recalled that the director “gave me his car to take to an assignment which I would have missed entirely. It is really difficult for a boss to give out his car to a reporter.’’
A Principal Correspondent, Mrs Chinyere Bassey said: “I have always known about Mr Zango since I joined NAN. The few months he spent with us were very memorable to me.
“We will continue to remember his amiable way of communicating with us.’’
A reporter, Mr Fabian Ekeruche said: “Zango looked into the human angle in all of us. He gave us confidence to do our jobs.”
Hope Orivri said: “Zango makes the environment quite friendly. He gives you the open door to speak and it has helped me very much. He made me more productive.”
Responding, Zango appreciated the staff for their kind gesture and the good cordial relationship he had with them.
He noted that though there were challenges but members of the department cooperated with him and kept the office going.
“I met very wonderful people. From the lowest to the highest and I am very grateful to God. There is nobody I asked to do anything for me and the person will say no.
“Here I have friends. I will really treasure your friendship. One thing I am proud of is that we kept this office going and I am better informed about what is happening in Lagos.
“I assure you that you will always find me listening to you,’’ he said. (NAN)
