Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun have hailed Nigerian NewsDirect Publisher, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi for his contributions to the growth of the media industry in Nigeria.
Governor Sanwo-Olu described Dr Samuel Ibiyemi’s death as shocking and a colossal loss to journalism and the media industry in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, said Ibiyemi’s death is painful and heartbreaking, noting that the rich experience and knowledge of the deceased will be sorely missed.
The Governor, who also commiserated with the Ibiyemi family, the management and staff of the Nigerian NewsDirect Newspaper over the death of the Publisher, said Dr. Ibiyemi had written his name in gold and the legacies he left behind are immense and indelible.
He said, “On behalf of the Lagos State Government, I sympathise with the Ibiyemi family, the management and staff of Nigerian NewsDirect over the death of an accomplished journalist and Publisher, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.
“I also commiserate with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), the President, Executives and members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), the deceased friends, colleagues, and entire journalists in Nigeria over the demise of Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi.
“Dr. Ibiyemi was a brilliant, hardworking and versatile journalist, who had distinguished himself in the media profession as a Reporter, Business Editor and Energy Editor, before establishing his newspaper, Nigerian NewsDirect.
“He made lots of positive impacts during his lifetime, contributing meaningfully to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, as well as the economic and political development of the country as an employer of labour and publisher of one of the credible newspapers in the country.
“Dr. Ibiyemi’s death is a great loss to the media industry and Nigeria. He will be greatly missed by all of us. I pray that God will grant the deceased eternal rest and grant his family, friends, colleagues, staff, and media industry the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has described Ibiyemi as an exceptional individual who played a vital role in promoting quality journalism and upholding the principles of freedom of speech and expression.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun expressed regrets and expressed heartfelt condolences on the untimely demise of Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, the Publisher of NewsDirect.
CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement revealed that the IGP was deeply saddened upon receiving the news of Dr Ibiyemi’s passing, recognising the significant loss caused by his death amongst the journalism community and the nation as a whole.
The IGP noted that Ibiyemi’s contributions to the media industry were unparalleled, and his dedication to exhibiting professionalism and accurate reportage of news was commendable.
Egbetokun also recognised the invaluable service Dr Ibiyemi rendered to the nation through his media platform, Nigerian NewsDirect, and his relentless pursuit of truth and accountability.
“His absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring journalists for years to come,” He said.
He prayed for solace and strength and urged his family, loved ones, and friends, as well as the journalism community to continue upholding the values of professionalism and integrity that Dr Ibiyemi exemplified.