By Sodiq Adelakun

The Nigerian NewsDirect Media Group will today (Thursday) launch a book in honour of its late Founding Publisher, Prince (Dr) Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi, as part of activities marking his second-year remembrance.

Titled “The Visionary Samuel: Reflections on the Life of Samuel Ibiyemi,” the book captures the remarkable legacy of the media doyen who mentored generations of journalists and made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape.

The launch is scheduled to take place at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos State, with dignitaries, industry leaders, and members of the media fraternity expected to attend.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the book, the Executive Director of NewsDirect, Mr Mathew Ibiyemi, said the idea was born from a staff initiative to honour the late publisher.

According to him, “In February this year during one of our group meetings, two of our staffs pitched the idea that they were thinking of writing a tribute to be published in the papers detailing their experience working with our Founding Publisher, Late Prince (Dr) Samuel Ibiyemi. 

“I welcomed the idea and thanked them for thinking of doing that. Subsequently, more staffs indicated that they would love to do same and mulled the idea of compiling a book that outlines their working experience with the late founding Publisher. It then dawned on me that this was far beyond a good idea that they wanted to undertake, it was more about preserving a legacy. 

“I spoke to my family about what the staff were proposing to seek their permission and they agreed to it. I communicated the decision at one of our meetings in March and a joint committee was then inaugurated to begin this journey.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the book is ready and will be officially launched on July 4, 2025 in commemoration of the 2nd year remembrance.  

“I thank our Managing Editor, Olawale Ibiyemi, News Editor, Sodiq Adelakun, NewsDirect alumni and our staff members for their efforts in making this a reality. 

“We would have failed a new generation of media practicioners if we didn’t choose to document the story of a good example in Prince (Dr) Samuel Ibiyemi.”

The late Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, described as a man of honour and calibre, founded Nigerian NewsDirect in November 2010 and steered the publication to national prominence before his passing in 2023.

“The Visionary Samuel” is set to serve not only as a tribute but also as an inspiration for future generations of journalists and media leaders.