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From dreaming of photography without owning a camera to becoming the CEO of First Lead Media Group Pvt Ltd, Nazeem Noushad’s journey reflects determination, sacrifice, and passion. Today, he leads Raajje24 and its English-language platform R24, built through years of resilience and hard work.
Mariyam Adheela
Nazeem Noushad - CEO of First Lead Media Group Pvt Ltd
Nazeem Noushad was born in Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Kerala, India, into a family with strong connections to the Maldives. His mother married a Maldivian, and several members of his extended family also built their lives across the Indian Ocean. Growing up between two cultures, Nazeem naturally learned both Malayalam and Dhivehi, a skill that would later become an important part of his personal and professional journey.
Long before journalism became his career, photography captured his imagination. While many people admired photographs for what they showed, Nazeem became curious about the stories behind them — the person holding the camera, the moment being captured, and the emotions an image could create. Without realizing it, this curiosity planted the first seed of a dream that would shape his future.
After completing his A-Levels, Nazeem faced a decision familiar to many young people: whether to follow a practical career path or pursue a personal passion. His family hoped he would choose a stable profession, and he enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce programme. However, as he continued his studies, he realized that business was not the path he truly wanted.
Although law and commerce offered opportunities for a secure future, his heart remained with journalism and photojournalism. Leaving college was not an easy decision, as there was no guarantee of success ahead. But Nazeem chose to follow the career that inspired him, even if the journey was uncertain.
Following a dream came with many sacrifices. To support himself, Nazeem worked in textile shops and shopping malls in Thiruvananthapuram. His ability to speak Dhivehi became an unexpected advantage, especially because thousands of Maldivians travelled to the city for shopping and medical treatment. Being able to communicate with them helped him build connections and secure work opportunities.
While working during the day, Nazeem continued preparing for the career he wanted. Without informing his family, he enrolled in a part-time media course, quietly developing the skills he hoped would one day open the door to journalism.
Family circumstances eventually brought Nazeem to the Maldives, but his arrival did not immediately lead him into the media industry. His first job was with a delivery company, where he worked long hours transporting packages between offices and the airport ferry.
The work was physically demanding, and life was far from easy. Staying with relatives in Hulhumalé, he earned only enough to manage his daily needs. Despite the difficulties, he continued holding onto one question that stayed with him: would he ever become a journalist?
One of the biggest challenges in Nazeem’s early journey was that he wanted to become a photojournalist but did not have his own camera. Whenever someone gave him the opportunity to borrow one, he made the most of it. He photographed people, places, and everyday moments, learning through practice and mistakes.
Although the camera belonged to someone else, the passion behind it was always his. Every photograph became a lesson, and every opportunity brought him closer to the career he dreamed of.
Like many successful journeys, Nazeem’s path was not without obstacles. At one stage, personal struggles and family difficulties led him to resign from his job and return to India. However, life brought him back to the Maldives once again.
After returning, he lived with different families before eventually moving into a small hostel in Malé. Money was limited, and the future remained uncertain. He joined various courses while trying to find direction, but one thing remained unchanged: His passion for journalism.
Nazeem’s turning point came when he joined MVTV as a trainee. This opportunity gave him his first real experience inside a newsroom and allowed him to develop his skills as a journalist.
A journalism workshop supported by the United Nations further strengthened his knowledge of professional reporting and newsroom practices. For the first time, journalism no longer felt like an unreachable dream. It became a career he could build.
While working part-time, Nazeem continued his education at the Maldives National University. He completed an Advanced Certificate in Journalism and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
His university years were filled with both academic and personal challenges. He spent long hours studying, actively participated in university activities, and was elected as Media Coordinator and later Vice President of the Faculty Association Student Union. He believes he was the first international student to achieve such a position at MNU.
Behind these achievements was another story of sacrifice. On Fridays, Nazeem washed cars near the university hostel to earn extra income and also worked as a part-time cashier. For him, no honest work was too small if it helped him move closer to his goals.
Nazeem’s career journey also included setbacks. At one organization, he played a key role in developing a successful media product but later lost his position under difficult circumstances.
Instead of allowing the experience to define him, he used it as a lesson. He believes that every challenge provides an opportunity to learn, improve, and become stronger.
The COVID-19 pandemic became one of the most important periods of Nazeem’s journalism career. As a journalist covering government COVID-19 press briefings, he witnessed the fear, uncertainty, and struggles faced by communities across the Maldives.
The experience strengthened his belief that journalism is not only about reporting events but also about serving society through accurate, responsible, and timely information.
In 2020, while still studying journalism, Nazeem shared an ambitious idea with his close friends and family: Creating an independent digital newsroom. That vision eventually became Raajje24.
The early days were challenging, with limited resources, financial difficulties, technical issues, and long working hours. However, every challenge strengthened his determination to build something meaningful.
After gaining further experience in the media industry, Nazeem returned with renewed confidence to expand the organization. This journey led to the growth of First Lead Media Group Pvt Ltd and the launch of R24, the English-language platform of Raajje24.
Behind his professional achievements is also a story of family and support. Nazeem is married to a Maldivian and is a father. He often credits the women in his life, especially his mother and his wife, for their sacrifices, encouragement, and belief in him.
Their support became an important foundation throughout his journey, helping him overcome challenges and continue pursuing his goals.
Nazeem believes his journey was never built alone. He expresses gratitude to the many friends, colleagues, lecturers, senior professors, and mentors who supported and guided him throughout his career.
He also appreciates the journalists he worked with, as well as media institutions and organizations that provided training and opportunities for professional growth. Although he was born outside the Maldives, Nazeem says he never felt like a foreigner, as people welcomed him and treated him as one of their own.
He believes every person who offered support, advice, or encouragement became an important part of his journey.
Today, Nazeem continues to lead First Lead Media Group while expanding his knowledge through postgraduate studies in Political Science and International Affairs. He has contributed to Indian publications, participated in international journalism training programmes, and continues working toward his vision of building an independent, ethical, and trusted media organization in the Maldives.
His journey was not built on easy opportunities or perfect circumstances. It was built through persistence, patience, and determination.
From a borrowed camera to a growing newsroom, from difficult days carrying delivery boxes to leading a media organization, Nazeem’s story proves that beginnings do not define destinations.
Sometimes, the person who starts with the least learns the most: And eventually becomes the person who inspires others to believe in their own dreams.
