Family has announced the death of the Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, which sad event occurred on July 4, 2023 at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan- Remo, Ogun State after a brief illness, aged 54.
In a statement signed by the deceased wife and kids, which stated further, aside being a loving husband, father and very caring boss to his staff and younger colleagues, Dr Ibiyemi was humility personified and a cheerful giver.
“We had thought that a beautiful and loving soul that great Ife Prince was would be with us for a long while, but it has pleased the Almighty God, the unquestionable one to take him home for a deserved rest”, family said.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun described Dr Ibiyemi’s death as shocking, he said 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.
In a condolence message to the deceased family and media colleagues, Abiodun also described Ibiyemi as a brilliant and versatile journalist, who deployed his wealth of experience in the profession to better the society.
According to him, “Ibiyemi was quick to realise the business aspect of journalism, hence, his foray into publishing. Through NewsDirect, a refreshing newspaper, he 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, indelible. We in Ogun state will miss this quintessential and courageous journalist of no mean repute. It is my prayer that God grants him eternal rest,” the Governor said.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke also described Ibiyemi’s death as shocking and sad, in his condolences, the Governor said Osun State and the journalism profession has lost a major icon, a media entrepreneur and community worker of great repute.
Adeleke said, “I just got the news and I must note how devastating we are. We note his contributions to the development of journalism and the growth of Osun state. We lost consummate professional who distinguished himself during his lifetime.
“On behalf of the people and government of Osun state, we commiserate with the family and associates of Dr Ibiyemi on this sad loss. We pray the good Lord strengthen and protect all what he left behind”, the statement added.
Also, immediate past Osun House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, described demise of the Nigerian NewsDirect Publisher as a big loss to Journalism.
In his condolences, Owoeye said, this is a big loss to journalism, Dr. Ibiyemi was so committed to developmental journalism. “My last encounter with him was early this year when the NewsDirect honour me with the Speaker of the year Award”.
A former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ife Federal Constituency in the 7th Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, had said that he received with a heavy heart the news of the sudden death of the Publisher.
The former legislator described the late publisher as an accomplished journalist, diverse entrepreneur, and politician, he says Ibiyemi’s forage into the business of journalism and newspaper publishing, no doubt, boosted the success of the critical industry of journalism in Nigeria and particularly in South West.
Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, was a thoroughbred journalist, a servant of God and had even started out in life as a soldier with Nigerian Air Force before veering into journalism.
He established Nigerian NewsDirect about 13 years ago and it has continued to be one of the leading newspapers in Nigeria contributing to the expansion of socio-economic development of the nation, Africa and the world at large.