The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has said it is deeply saddened and shocked by the news of the passing on of one of its committed members and Publisher of NewsDirect Newspapers Group, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, on Tuesday.
Aged 56, Ibiyemi succumbed to death at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan, Ogun State, where he was undergoing treatment.
In a statement on Wednesday by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of all the editors in Nigeria described the late publisher as a committed member of the NGE, who made his mark in journalism profession – as a reporter, business editor, editor and publisher.
‘’Even when Dr Samuel Ibiyemi was struggling between life and death on his sick bed at the hospital, he was still breathing journalism; he wanted to know from his colleagues the latest happenings in our society; he called to find out the outcome of the national biennial convention of the NGE in Owerri.
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‘’We were regularly in touch with him and his family; he assured us of his determination to survive; we were looking forward to him coming out of the Babcock University Teaching Hospital in Ilisan where he was undergoing treatment.
‘’Dr Ibiyemi was passionate about journalism profession and played his part in various newspapers before birthing his publication, Nigerian NewsDirect, some 13 years ago. He was a committed member of the NGE, and we take solace in the fact that he made his mark in the profession, as a reporter, editor and publisher, before his home call. His legacy, NewsDirect Newspapers, has continued to make an impact with its rich content: informing, educating and entertaining readers, since it was created,” the editors stated.
Also, the Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has expressed deep sadness over the passing of Ibiyemi.
“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.”
“His legacy will forever remain etched in the annals of our nation’s history and will be sorely missed,” he said.
