The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) says it is deeply saddened and shocked by the passing of one of its committed members and Publisher of NewsDirect Newspapers Group, Samuel Ibiyemi, on Tuesday.
Aged 56, Mr Ibiyemi succumbed to death at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan, Ogun State, where he was undergoing treatment.
In a statement on Wednesday by the NGE President, Eze Anaba and its General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of all the editors in Nigeria described the late publisher as a committed member of the Guild, who made his mark in the 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 in our society; he called to find out the outcome of the biennial national 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 the 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 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 his impact 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 that if the earth that will cover the late publisher will be light, it is because he was a true definition of humanity, courage, truth, faith and hard work.
In the same vein, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described as shocking the death of Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, the publisher of NewsDirect Newspaper.
In a condolence message to his family and media colleagues, Governor Abiodun described Dr. Ibiyemi, as a brilliant and versatile journalist, who deployed his wealth of experience in the profession to better the society.
He said the late publisher was a stickler for the truth, noting that through his medium, he contributed his own quota to the economic and political development of Nigeria.
“He was quick to realise the business aspect of journalism, hence, his foray into publishing. Through NewsDirect, a refreshing newspaper, Dr. Ibiyemi brought to bear his professionalism and business acumen.
“His death is a huge loss to his family and the journalism profession. His legacies are immense and indelible.
“We in Ogun State will miss this quintessential and courageous journalist of no mean repute. It is my prayer that God grant him eternal rest,” the governor said.
The governors of Lagos State, Babajide sanwo-Olu; Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola and Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.
A graduate of Economics of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Masters in Petroleum Economics from the University of Lagos, Ibiyemi served in the Nigeria Air Force and later built a remarkable career as energy correspondent at the defunct Financial Standard where he rose to Deputy Editor. He moved to Nigerian Tribune as Group Business Editor and later founded Nigeria NewsDirect. He was also the proprietor of Rejoice Hotels in Ogun State.
An elder of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala Itura, Ijoko, Ogun State; he is survived by his wife, Titilayo Ibiyemi, a senior police officer and his children.
