Editors, Obaseki, Sanwo-Olu Mourn Ibiyemi, NewsDirect Publisher

•Say his death saddening, shocking 

•Governors sympathise with deceased family, media industry

Oluchi Chibuzor

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday, expressed sadness and shock over the news of the passing of the Publisher of NewsDirect Newspapers Group, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi on Tuesday.

They expressed their condolences in separate statements yesterday.

Aged 56, Ibiyemi who was a committed member of the NGE, succumbed to death at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan, Ogun State, where he was undergoing treatment.

In statement by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and its General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of all the editors in Nigeria described the late publisher as a committed member of the NGE, who made his mark in journalism profession – as a reporter, business editor, editor and publisher.

‘’Even when Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi was struggling between life and death on his sick bed at the hospital, he was still breathing journalism; he wanted to know from his colleagues the latest happenings on our society; he called to find out the outcome of the national biennial convention of the NGE in Owerri.

‘’We were regularly in touch with him and his family; he assured us of his determination to survive; we were looking forward to him coming out of the Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan, where he was undergoing treatment.

‘’Dr. Ibiyemi was passionate about journalism profession and played his part in various newspapers before birthing his publication, Nigerian NewsDirect, some 13 years ago.

“He was a committed member of the NGE, and we take solace in the fact that he made his mark in the profession, as a reporter, editor and publisher, before his home call. His legacy, NewsDirect Newspapers, has continued to make impact with its rich content: informing, educating and entertaining readers, since it was created,” the editors stated.

While commiserating with the family, friends, and entire members of the journalism community on the passage of Ibiyemi, the NGE prayed that the Almighty God would give them, especially the widow and children, the needed strength at this difficult time and the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

The NGE added, “Dr. Ibiyemi’s memory will live on through the impact he made on the world. He is now in a better place and watching over us. We are praying for his loved ones and family during this difficult time.

‘’We are wishing his loved ones peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow. Our heart goes out to all of them at this difficult time. We will never forget Dr Samuel Ibiyemi.  May God give him eternal rest.’’

The NGE said if the earth that would cover the late publisher would be light, it was because, he was a true definition of humanity, courage, truth faith and hard work.

 Also, Obaseki expressed deep sadness over the passing of the renowned journalist.

In a statement, Obaseki said the news of the passing of Ibiyemi came to him as a rude shock, noting that he would be sorely missed.

According to him, “I am saddened by the news of the passing of renowned journalist, clergy, and publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.

“Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi was a visionary and exceptional leader who dedicated his life to advancing the growth of our nation and uplifting the lives of its people.

“A man of many parts, the late Ibiyemi started his illustrious career as a soldier in the Nigerian Air Force before he transitioned into journalism, where he made an indelible mark, establishing Nigerian NewsDirect over a decade ago, contributing his quota to excellence in journalism and the growth and development of our society.

“A devout family man and committed servant of God, his devotion to serving God led to the establishment of the Great Grace Apostolic Church, Gasline, Sango-Ota, where he served as its presiding minister, leveraging the platform to bring solace and hope to countless individuals, providing spiritual guidance and uplifting the hearts of the faithful.

“His legacy will forever remain etched in the annals of our nation’s history and will be sorely missed.”

The governor extended his deepest condolences to the Ibiyemi family, the staff and management of Nigerian NewsDirect, friends, and associates, praying that God grants them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Also, Sanwo-Olu, described Ibiyemi’s death as shocking and a colossal loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria.

 Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Ibiyemi’s death was painful and heartbreaking, noting that the rich experience and knowledge of the deceased will be sorely missed.

 Sanwo-Olu, who also commiserated with the Ibiyemi family, the management and staff of the Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper over the death of the Publisher, said Ibiyemi had written his name in gold and the legacies he left behind are immense and indelible.

 He said: “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I sympathise with the Ibiyemi family, the management and staff of Nigerian NewsDirect over the death of an accomplished journalist and Publisher, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.

 “I also commiserate with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the president, executives and members of the NGE, the deceased friends, colleagues, and entire journalists in Nigeria over the demise of Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.

 “Dr. Ibiyemi was a brilliant, hardworking and versatile journalist, who had distinguished himself in the media profession as a Reporter, Business Editor and Energy Editor, before establishing his newspaper, Nigerian NewsDirect.

 “He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, as well as the economic and political development of the country as an employer of labour and publisher of one of the credible newspapers in the country.

 “Dr. Ibiyemi’s death is a great loss to the media industry and Nigeria. He will be greatly missed by all of us. I pray that God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant his family, friends, colleagues, staff, and media industry the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”