Tribute to late Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Ibiyemi Samuel
I met him as a prayer warrior; he ended his journey of life as a prayer warrior” — Wife, Mrs Ibiyemi
Vanity upon vanity, all is vanity, vanity. My late husband Dr. Ibiyemi Samuel aka “My Dear” as we do call ourselves was an embodiment of school of thought. A devoted Christian to the core, a loving and caring father to the children and to the whole world, a romantic and caring husband and father worthy to emulate, to me and my children, disciplinarian and a goal getter not minding what it will cost him to achieve, with the mind set that with God, all things are possible. Always ready to sacrifice “everything” he has both for humanity and evangelism into the kingdom of God. A lover of God and a practical general evangelist in Christendom. A prayer warrior and God’s favourite friend when it comes to fasting. A nation builder who used everything within his capacity to establish both groups and individuals who crossed his path. An entrepreneur who saw himself as a servant to his staff and business associates. Very respectful fellow. A servant leader. A coordinator with a divine spirit. An international divinely mentored orphan and achiever right from his early age. Out of his tight schedule, he never neglected me and the children both financially, educationally, spiritually, name it. Even at the point of death my forever “Big Sam” still demanded for joint prayer support from Olawale, my son, and me by joining hands together with him and in the process gave up the ghost. I appreciate his legacy left behind, I met him as a prayer warrior and he ended his journey of life as a prayer warrior.
Sun re o, baba Omo, eyin oju Eledumare, ore Olorun, the man of the people and for the people. I love you till we meet to part no more.
Mrs.Titilayo Ibiyemi
Daddy left us with Christ, his greatest inheritance — Wale Ibiyemi
My daddy, my daddy, I miss you so much. You were my world, my rock, my heart. In my pain, you constantly showered me with psalms & prayers & laughter. “Don’t worry, Wale, we will make it. Life is full of challenges,” you always said. Even at the hospital you never stopped being a soldier of hope. A Jesus radical. Thanks to you, dad, I am a man full of delights. You left me a tradition of light & singing. A life of generosity & compassion. Dying, you gave doctors, surgeons, nurses, & the cleaners money. You loved my mother with the love of Christ. You loved my siblings with a love so immeasurable it will sustain us all our lives. You worked so hard God thought it best to grant you rest in his bosom. Say hi to your bestie, Pastor Blessing Olumuyiwa, for me. I know how much you missed him when he died. You held unto Christ till the end. So I will too. We will too. That is the greatest inheritance you left us: Jesus Christ. I love you, Folorunsho. You are irreplaceable. Words will never be enough, poems will never be enough, weeping will never be enough to navigate this loss. Thankfully, memory is an ally. Its quiet halls are full of your apparitions, subtleties, your calming melodies. Every word I write, henceforth, is yours. My superhero.
Olawale Ibiyemi (First Son)
He has written his name in Gold — Governor Sanwo-Olu
Dr. Ibiyemi has written his name in gold and the legacies he left behind are immense and indelible. 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 labor 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.
Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos state
Ibiyemi, a local content champion — NCDMB ES, Wabote
Dr. Ibiyemi was a close friend of the NCDMB, and 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 News Direct Newspaper and grew it to become one of the leading newspapers in the country. He used the platform to promote the operations of the NCDMB, the energy sector, and national development. He was a passionate, committed, and tireless Energy Journalist and 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.
Engr. Simbi Kesiye Wabote, FNSE, FIPS, Executive Secretary, NCDMB
Dr Ibiyemi promoted quality journalism — Acting IGP Egbetokun
Dr Samuel Ibiyemi was an exceptional individual who played a vital role in promoting quality journalism and upholding the principles of freedom of speech and expression. His contributions to the media industry were unparalleled, and his dedication to exhibiting professionalism and accurate reportage of news was commendable. His absence will be deeply felt, and his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring journalists for years to come.
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun
He was a gentleman to the core — Oyetola
Dr Ibiyemi was a complete gentleman, humility personified, thoroughbred professional and a devout Christian who used his talent and expertise in the service of God and humanity. He was a refined person with exceptional virtues; a gentleman to the core whose imprints not only in the media profession but in other aspects of life would remain indelible in the minds of all those that may have encountered him. As humility personified, late Ibiyemi’s humbleness and cheerfulness can never be quantified as the deceased was known for his outstanding human relations.
Former Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola
He was a giver, an encourager — Wale Alayande
I never knew how painful goodbyes were until death took you away. Losing someone you love is at the top of the list of the most difficult challenges we face in life.
The loss of a boss like you is something that can never be recovered. You have always been an essential part of my career life. Now you are gone.
You have accomplished many good things in life. You worked hard and always followed the path of honesty. Sleep well, my boss and friend. We are celebrating your legacy and not mourning you because you were one of the rare gems. A giver and an encourager.
We are holding down the fort at work, and so please rest assured that things will be taken care of in your absence.
Rest in peace, Boss.
Till we meet again.
Wale Alayande
Ibiyemi was a successful media entrepreneur who provided employment, boosted journalism in the South West — Hon. Rotimi Makinde
He was an accomplished journalist, diverse entrepreneur, and politician. 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.
In life, we co-create our reality with others in unseen ways. This is the best and straight way for me to describe Late Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, the publisher of NewDirect Newspaper, a brother, a friend and a former co-traveller in the murky water of politics. Can I ever forget how this veteran journalist got me to be a regular columnist in his widely read newspaper NewsDirect?
The robust feat of my dear brother and an illustrious son of Ile-Ife, Sam Ibiyemi gave our dear region an edge not only in national politics but global outreach. It also helped in providing employment for a large chunk of our army of unemployed youths.
Ibiyemi was a courageous journalist of repute – Prince Dapo Abiodun
Dr. Ibiyemi was a brilliant and versatile journalist who deployed his wealth of experience in the profession to better the society. He was quick to realise the business aspect of journalism, hence, his foray into publishing. Through NewsDirect, a refreshing newspaper, Dr. Ibiyemi 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 and indelible.
We in Ogun State, will miss this quintessential and courageous journalist of no mean repute.
Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State
He dedicated his life to advancing the growth of the nation, uplifting the lives of people — Obaseki
Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi was a visionary and exceptional leader who dedicated his life to advancing the growth of our nation and uplifting the lives of its people.
A man of many parts, the late Ibiyemi started his illustrious career as a soldier in the Nigerian Air Force before he transitioned into journalism, where he made an indelible mark, establishing Nigerian NewsDirect over a decade ago, contributing his quota to excellence in journalism and the growth and development of our society.
A devout family man and committed servant of God, his devotion to serving God led to the establishment of the Great Grace Apostolic Church, Gasline, Sango-Ota, where he served as its presiding minister, leveraging the platform to bring solace and hope to countless individuals, providing spiritual guidance and uplifting the hearts of the faithful.
His legacy will forever remain etched in the annals of our nation’s history and will be sorely missed.
Governor Godwin Obaseki, Edo State
An asset to the nation — Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa
He was was a quintessential gentleman, a great journalist, a servant of God and an asset to the nation.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM)
I’m a beneficiary of his unrivalled selflessness, openness — Ecobank COO
Sam was first a course mate at OAU, Ife, then we reconnected, and he became My Brother. Sam was a lover of people. A committed friend. A most generous being. Sam was a lever in the journey through life. Sam gave me his time, his platform, and his best to showcase me always. He would often ask for my pictures with VIPs so he can showcase even things I take for granted to the world. I am a beneficiary of Sam’s unrivalled selflessness and openness.
His death is a rude shock. We lost one of humanity’s best. Sam left too soon, just as his newspaper Newsdirect has begun to make the desired impact and is emerging as a force in journalism in Nigeria. Imagine, from the obscurity of change of names and notifications publishing to the newspaper we have now!
Goodbye, my friend and brother. May God’s light shine on your path to eternity. You have worked so hard, time to take your well-deserved rest. May God’s wisdom overshadow your son, Matthew. May your dreams for Newsdirect blossom even now that your hardworking hands have rested permanently.
Goodnight, Dearest Sam!
Dr Bunmi Bajomo- COO, Ecobank Transnational
Ibiyemi was a fearless, dogged journalist – Yakubu Lawal
The death of Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, Publisher Nigeria NewsDirect on July 4,2023 was devastating and shocking. I normally address him as “Editor Gburugburu” because he was a fearless journalist, dogged in his investigative approach, focused and always determined to make a difference by breaking heartwarming stories.
He was a reporter, Editor, manager of human resources and Publisher; who paid close attention to every production stage from news gathering to print. He navigated journalism with his Military background, fear no one and ready to break the news about the ills in our society. You have travelled to be with your creator, while on earth, Ibiyemi came, saw and conquered.
Rest In Peace.
Sam was trustworthy, a truly dependable friend – Ken Etete
He was my very dependable friend of over 17 years who never gave me a cause to worry but he constantly added value to my life. My relationship with Sam grew from being professional partners to him coming to my house and office at anytime of the day even when I was annoyed. His relationship with me was not based on money and that was a big deal for me to allow anyone get close to me. If Sam ever needed money, you know he is referring to you giving him business to rum his media outfit. He was never about gathering wealth meaninglessly, he had a purpose for money. He was someone I could trust with secrets of dire situations and I know he won’t take advantage of it.
He was of immense help and he will be sorely missed.
He left an indelible mark in the sands of time — Oyebanji, 11Plc MD
At a time like this, it is always difficult to find consoling words for beloved ones left behind, but we admonish the family to be steadfast and take solace for the fact that he lived a good and fulfilled life. Besides, he upheld his good name by leaving an indelible mark in the sands of time. that God will give the entire family of the Ibiyemi’s the fortitude to bear this immeasurable loss and that his soul rest in perfect peace.
Mr Adetunji Oyebanji, Managing Director/CEO of 11PLC (Formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria plc)
We lost him at a time Ife needed him the most — Hon. Adeyeni
The news of his death came to me personally as a shock because I didn’t expect he would die suddenly like that. He is diligent and hardworking. He is humble and gentle. I met him in 2018 when he was contesting for Governorship election in Osun. Ife has just lost one of its prominent sons.
He is a man that loves all around. Many have not come out of the rude shock. I pray God to be with his wife and family he left behind. He has left a huge vacuum difficult to fill. APC has lost an icon and a gem. I am not sure if the space he left behind can be filled soonest.
We have started enjoying him in Ife Development Board (IDB) because we have drawn him to the apex Ile Ife organisation of sons and daughters because he is a promising man for Ife. Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has just talked to him to draw him back to Ife development plan agenda especially in his field of journalism.”
I met IDB President immediately after his demise, while discussig him, the president wept. Everybody is crying because we don’t know how to explain his death. We lost him at a time we need him most in Ile-Ife as a society.
The shock of his death is still much with us. Ile Ife has lost a promising son. He is a responsible man. The widow should believe in God. Though, the space he left behind will be difficult to fill. No one can occupy the space now. The affection and love the man has given to his family is unparalleled.”
Ibiyemi has left a good legacy. If you see him, you will discover that he is gentle. He has an intimidating resume. He is man of God and worthy of emulation. The way he approaches issue is unique. I will miss him dearly. In fact, I have not come out of the shock.
Hon. Busola Adeyeni, a former House of Assembly member and Chairman, Ife-East Local Government
Your legacy of faith, prayer remains — CAC Great Grace hails Evangelist Ibiyemi
Members of Christ Apostolic Church, Great Grace have declared faith in the legacy left behind by Founding Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect and Presiding Evangelist of the ministry, Evangelist (Dr) Samuel Ibiyemi.
The church members led by the Elders of the church paid the family of the Late Evangelist a visit at his Ogun state residence.
Speaking to the family, Evangelist Abimbola Durodola said Evangelist Ibiyemi took him as a son and taught him how to hold on to God.
He recalled how the demised Publisher would call him to pray even in circumstances when it was obvious Dr Ibiyemi was tired from a business trip.
A walking encyclopedia in the petroleum industry — Iboro Otongora
Samuel Ibiyemi was a library of information, a walking encyclopedia in the petroleum industry. He had a hardcover higher education notebook where he meticulously recorded every metric, data, information and perspective on the sector. If we needed information on the industry and it couldn’t be sourced in Ibiyemi’s notebook, it probably couldn’t be found anywhere else. His drive was uncommon. His energy was almost beyond imagination. I think there is nothing more to add regarding the dividends of passion and diligence.
He came in as an underdog but broke the shackles to rise to an enviable height — Prof. Ajibola
Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, a versatile, pragmatic and up and doing corporate stuff, has gone too soon. He became very close to me about a decade ago, courtesy of my University Professor and Mentor, Prof. J. A. Fabayo. He veered off from his course of study to embrace journalism. He came into the new calling as an underdog, but broke the shackles and strove to enviable height. No sooner, NewsDirect Newspaper he founded became a household name, and a paper of preference for individuals and the corporate world. His brief stray into the murky waters of politics was colourful and impactful. Much still lies ahead for this energetic, courageous and resourceful man. But the Lord wants him in the terrestrial world. You came, you saw and you conquered. Adieu to a great man of vision.
Professor Segun Ajibola, Past President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN)
Sam dared to take on projects that were considered impossible — Dr Afe Mayowa
I met Sam when I was President of NAPE in 2011. It was a pleasure for me and my team when I was President of OGTAN to recognise NewsDirect as Local Content Newspaper of the year. He was a forward looking man who took on projects that are considered impossible for his age class but with God he made it possible.
Dr Afe Mayowa, CEO Danvic Petroleum
He was a navigator for individuals who took interest in Journalism — Ogun NUJ
Dr Ibiyemi was a navigator for so many upcoming journalists and provided his company as a source of employment for many interested journalists and non-journalists.
Nigerian Union of Journalist, Ogun state council
Publisher knew how to hunt for talents, nurture them to grow — Dotun Akintomide
Dr Ibiyemi came across as a rare Chief Executive who knew how to hunt for talents; where to deploy such human resource as well as train and nurture them to growth. He repeated this with many young reporters, business executives and colleagues under his tutelage at the time and continuously until his sad departure. Publisher would encourage us to take independent initiatives and push the frontiers, making us to unearth ground-breaking stories from national issues that were hitherto considered as regular and obscured.
Dotun Akintomide, Director of Strategy at Pan-Atlantic School of Business and Management (PASBM-UK) a former Business Correspondent with Nigerian
Dr Sam contributed to the development of energy reporting in Nigeria — NAEC
Dr Sam Ibiyemi was a man who gave life the best shot during his active days, and while he was hospitalised. He lifted himself through hard work, unusual courage, extreme doggedness and commitment. He was a lesson to those that dared to dream and succeed.” He was a good ambassador of NAEC at every level and he contributed his quota to the growth and development of energy reporting in Nigeria.
Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria
Dr Ibiyemi carved a niche for himself in the media industry — ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasonoye
Dr Ibiyemi lived a much fulfilled life having carved a niche for himself in the media industry and beyond. Nigerian NewsDirect which he founded has enriched the robust and dutiful media space. His demise no doubt has created a huge vacuum in the journalism profession and the Nigerian Guild of Editors where he was an active member.
ICPC deeply shares in the sorrow of the painful exit of Dr. Ibiyemi and prays that the good Lord will give the entire family, editorial team of NewsDirect and the Nigeria media space the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
ICPC Chairman, Professor Bolaji Owasonoye
Ibiyemi practised excellence, professionalism in journalism — Group CEO, Solewant Group
Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi was the Publisher of NewsDirect Newspaper and he practiced excellence, professionalism in journalism. He was active in the recent Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fare (NOGOF) held in Yenegoa, Bayelsa State, in May, 2023 and the Practical Nigerian Content Conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, in December, 2022.
I remember vividly his involvement and media support during our 2013, 2014 and 2015 offshore technology conference (OTC) and exhibition, at Houston, Texas, USA. He was also the coordinator of media Team during the launching of our plant in November 2016. Recently in November, 2022, he provided yet another media support during our open day at Solewant Group Industrial Area. Dr. Ibiyemi has always given us the necessary media support needed in the publicity of our various developmental growth process.
The entire Energy sector and the community of Fourth Estate of the Realm will miss this astute journalist per excellence.
We at Solewant Group deeply commiserate with the family of the deceased and pray the Lord to grant his soul eternal rest in His bossom in Jesus Christ name, Amen!!!
Solomon Ewanehi, Group CEO, Solewant Group
