…Ibiyemi’s work for Nigeria’s prosperity won’t be forgotten — Ooni of Ife
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has described the founding publisher, Nigerian NewsDirect, Prince (Dr) Samuel Ibiyemi as a trailblazer whose legacy of service to Nigeria’s media and energy sectors will remain etched in history. This is as Information Minister, Mohammed Idris Malagi, Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, among others echoes the same.
Speaking at the second-year remembrance ceremony held at Providence Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, the Ooni, represented by His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Muraina Adebanjo Adedini, the Asoya of Ile-Isoya Kingdom, said Ibiyemi was a man of vision whose contributions to national development and the Ife Kingdom cannot be forgotten.
According to him: “Prince Ibiyemi was deeply rooted in our traditions and embodied the spirit of progress and excellence.
“His passion for Nigeria’s development, particularly in the gas and power sector, is a testament to his commitment to the betterment of society.
“He will always be remembered as a true son of Ife, a dedicated professional, and a man of vision.”
He added that Ibiyemi’s work on the Petroleum Industry Bill (now PIA 2020) and his efforts with the Ife Development Board continue to inspire future generations.
The event, attended by dignitaries from the education, finance, and energy sectors, also brought together former staff, family members, and well-wishers who lauded Ibiyemi’s achievements as founder and publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect.
Pastor Josh-Adefisan Joseph Ilesanmi of Dominion International Christian Centre after praying to the family described the occasion as “a celebration of a life that touched many, a mind that saw ahead, and a spirit that never gave up.”
A major highlight of the remembrance was the launch of a commemorative book titled “The Visionary Samuel: Reflections on the Life of Samuel Ibiyemi.”
The book which captures the remarkable legacy of the media doyen who mentored generations of journalists and made an indelible mark on Nigeria’s media landscape was greatly accepted by the guests who came to honour the late publisher.
The Managing Editor, Mr Olawale Ibiyemi, described the book as a carefully compiled work that has become a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the values and vision of Samuel Ibiyemi.
Speaking at the launch, the publishing company’s representative, Servio Gbadamosi of Noirledge Publishing, praised the book as “one of its kind,” saying it vividly tells the story of the late media icon’s impact.
He commiserated with the Ibiyemi family and noted that the book would inspire many across generations.
In the same vein, the Executive Director, Mr Mathew Ibiyemi, acknowledged the contributors to the book and expressed gratitude to invited guests for their unwavering support of the newspaper’s mission and vision.
He said, “This book is not just about preserving a legacy; it is about inspiring others to live purposeful lives, as well as inspiring young people of the merits of Journalism in Nigeria. We thank everyone who made this possible and for believing in the trust that our newspaper continues to uphold.”
The Head of the Alumni Association of Olode Grammar School, Ile Ife, revealed that the school’s library has now been named the Dr Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi Library, in honour of his lasting impact on education and development. In addition, the Rotary Club of Sango-Ota, where Ibiyemi served as President, sent in its official message of goodwill, expressing admiration for his service and devotion to community upliftment.
There were equally representatives from Sango-Ota Police HQ, the Ifesowapo Community Association which named its security post after the Founder, as well as awarded him post-mortem for his contributions to the community.
Adding a soulful touch to the ceremony, a captivating violin performance by Abraham the Violinist enthralled guests and further enriched the reflective atmosphere of the day.
There was also a moving exhibition of large-scale artworks that visually honoured the late publisher’s spiritual and societal contributions. One of the standout pieces, ‘I WOULD NOT HAVE YOU IGNORANT CONCERNING THEM WHICH ARE ASLEEP’ by Prince Ugochukwu Nmezi, portrayed a reimagined Second Coming of Christ.
The artwork, measuring 40x4ft, depicted Jesus descending in the clouds surrounded by angels, while the righteous, including Pastor Olumuyiwa Blessing and Dr Samuel Folorunsho Ibiyemi, rise from their graves. It was a powerful visual blending classical Biblical imagery with personal memory and served as a poignant tribute to Ibiyemi’s faith and life of service.
Another striking artwork on display was ‘FOLORUNSHO THE EVANGELIST’ by Chileuwa Chiemela, which drew inspiration from the life of Simeon Stylites. This painting placed Dr Ibiyemi atop a tall pillar in the heart of Sango Ota, Ogun State, symbolising his enduring witness in a modern Nigerian context. Beneath him, the chaos and commerce of everyday urban life unfolded, while the evangelist figure (Samuel) remained in quiet devotion. The piece captured the intersection of public life and spiritual commitment that defined Ibiyemi’s legacy.
At the event include Editor-in-Chief of The Octagon Media, Lion Tunji Egbewunmi; Representative of Lagos State Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Mr Adesegun Ogundeji; Representative of the Minister of Information and National Orientation and DG of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo; Representative of the Ooni of Ife and the Asoya of Ile Isoya, HRM, Oba Muraina Adedini; Wife of Late NewsDirect Founding Publisher, Mrs Annette Titilayo Ibiyemi; Pioneer editor of NewsDirect, Mrs Folakemi Akpan; Director of Corporate Affairs, UNILORIN, Mr Kunle Akogun; Representative of the CBN Director of Corporate Affairs, CBN Head of Corporate Communications, Kenechukwu Afolabi, among others.
