By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has described as shocking and sad the exit into the world beyond of the publisher of NewsDirect Newspaper, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi.
In a condolence message issued on Tuesday evening by Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said Osun State and the journalism profession has lost a major icon, a media entrepreneur and community worker of great repute.
“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 a 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.
Owoeye, in a condolence message issued by his Media Aide, Kunle Alabi in Osogbo.
According to him, “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 Newspaper honour me with the Speaker of the year Award.
“I pray that the Lord will grant his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Adieu Dr. Ibiyemi.”