Engr Simbi Kesiye Wabote, FNSE, FIPS, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has praised Nigerian NewsDirect Publisher Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi for his contributions to the advancement of local content in the country.
Engr Wabote said in a condolence message to the family that: “The Management and Staff of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) received with sadness and disbelief the news of the untimely death of Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, publisher of News Direct Newspaper.”
He described the Late Publisher “as a close friend of the NCDMB who contributed immeasurably to Nigerian Content advancement, from the inception of the Board in 2010, when he worked as a top editorial staff of the Nigerian Tribune Newspaper, to the last decade, during which time he founded NewsDirect Newspaper and grew it to become one of the leading newspapers in the country.”
Speaking further, he hailed Ibiyemi for using his news platform to promote the operations of the NCDMB, the energy sector, and national development.
“He was a passionate, committed, and tireless Energy Journalist who epitomised excellence and professionalism always.
“We recall with fondness his participation at the recent Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) held in May 2023 at the Nigerian Content Tower in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State and the Practical Nigerian Content Conference, held in December 2022 at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
“Blessed with boundless energy, he traversed several locations across the country and beyond to cover events in the Energy Sector, the Economy and Politics.
“We condole with his immediate family, staff and management of News Direct Newspaper and entire media fraternity on the departure of this key member of the media industry.
“May His Amiable Soul find rest in the bosom of His Creator,” the statement read.