The Guardian publisher, Alex Ibru, laid to rest
From KOFA KINGS, Ughelli
The remains of former Minister of Internal Affairs and publisher of The Guardian newspapers, Dr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru, were laid to rest yesterday at The Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The late Ibru’s body was buried at 2:10 p.m. amidst atmosphere of emotions. For long time to come, this would be indelible in the hearts of those who came to say farewell to the Agbarho-Otor community and the Ibru family.
At 8:30 a.m. his body was laid-in-state at the chapel of the centre before it was taken for a funeral service at the All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli, in a black Mercedes ML 400 wagon at 11 a.m.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev Nicolas Okoh, in a sermon tagged “Servant Leader” held that those in leadership position must be servant of the people. The primate said the late Ibru followed “this principle of Jesus Christ” even as Minister of Internal Affairs. He added that the servant leader was a leadership model that could transform the country.
He acknowledged that the late Alexander Ibru was an inspirational leader, who directed all he had towards glorifying God and mankind as evident in his works while on earth. The cleric noted that, “Dr Alex was a servant leader we need at all level of governance. We need people with this kind of orientation and very robust mind towards others at the local, state and federal governments.”
He disclosed that the guiding principle of The Trinity Foundation was SHE, which he said stood for Spirituality, Health and Education. Describing the deceased as a man dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, he said the late Ibru did not mind how long it would take him to get a task accomplished as long as it was impeccable.
Source: Sun, 18th December 2011.
… He Leaves With A Copy Of The Guardian, Cassette
FROM CHIDO OKAFOR, WARRI
A COPY of The Guardian and a cassette were placed inside the casket of late Alex Uruemu Ibru as farewell trophies in a rare gesture symbolizing the immense role he played in the media industry.
The newspaper, with a bold headline, Adieu Alex, was conspicuously placed on his chest and a cassette beside his head.
At about 1:58pm the remains of Dr. Ibru, the publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, arrived from the All Saints Anglican Church, where the church service was conducted.
A black Mercedes Benz hearse jeep conveyed the dark silver casket in which lay the remains of Alex-Ibru.
The hearse drove slowly into the Ecumenical Centre flanked by uniformed trumpeters donning milk-coloured shirts and black trousers.
A similar set of pallbearers with walking staffs and two women dressed in white blouse and dotted white and black wrapper led the procession.
The Ibru family members, led by Olorogun Oskar Ibru and the wife of the deceased, Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru followed the hearse in its slow but calculated stretch to the final resting place of Alex Ibru.
At the St. Peter’s Chapel, the pallbearers removed the casket from the hearse and carried it into the chapel, resplendent in immaculate white, where Alex-Ibru’s grave is housed.
There, the Primate of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, conducted the commitment to mother earth.
“Every man that is born of a woman has but a short time to live,” Okoh said.
After a session of prayers, the remains of Alex Ibru were lowered at about 2:13pm, amid wailings by his immediate family members, relatives, friends and sympathisers.
Source: The Guardian, 18th December 2011.
At last, Alex Ibru Goes Home
FROM HENDRIX OLIOMOGBE, AGBARHA-OTOR
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THEY wept… their eyes out. In their multitudes, they wailed uncontrollably, when the final hour, the final minute, the final second came.
When the pallbearers arrived at the graveside. When the silver casket was lowered. When the dust-to-dust rites commenced. And when the grave was eventually filled, bearing with it the remains of Alexander Uruemu Ibru, 66.
The shouting of “iiu, euh, evwho, Oghene me o, Ose ni me o, my God and Ijeesu” from the crowd was sobering, penetrating, suffusing and nerve-racking.
It was a spectacle of unimaginable anguish from family members, relatives, friends, workers, well-wishers, colleagues, associates, natives and strangers alike.
Time was 2.13pm yesterday, December 17. The venue was the St. Peter’s Chapel on the grounds of the secluded but serene and sprawling Ibru Centre, Agbara-Otor, Ughelli — a centre established and made famous by Alex Ibru for religious ecumenism.
Thus ended the earthly journey that started in 1944.
The remains of the departed were conveyed on Thursday from Lagos to Agbara-Otor, Ughelli North Council of Delta State.
However, before the interment, a crowded funeral service, presided over by the Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, Archbishop and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), was held at the All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral Church, Ughelli.
Accompanied by family members, friends and well-wishers, who congregated to bid him goodbye, the casket was wheeled into the Church at 11.15am amidst solemn music by the choir.
The mourners came from different walks of life. Friends came from the business world, politicians, fellow media gurus, the military, clergy, traditional institutions and business associates.
The well-attended requiem service witnessed the presence of the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his Deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama (SAN); former Edo State Governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Segun Osoba.
Others were former Delta State Deputy Governor, Chief Benjamin Elue; Senator Pius Ewherido (Delta Central) and his counterpart from Delta North, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa; and Presidential Adviser on Media, Dr. Reuben Abati.
From the military came former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Alani Akinrinade and the former Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Olu Bajowa.
The business world was represented by industrialist, Chief Oba Otudeko; Chairman of First City Monument Bank, Otunba Subomi Balogun and Chief Sony Kuku.
Not left out were Alex Ibru’s fellow publishers, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola of The Punch newspapers; Mr. Nduka Obaigbena of ThisDay newspapers as well as the Managing-Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspapers, Mr. Eluem Emeka Izeze and the Editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Debo Adesina and a host of others.
In his homily, the Most Revd Okoh advised Nigerian leaders to emulate the life of Alex Ibru by providing good leadership, as it is a panacea to the many ailments bedeviling the country.
The Archbishop said it is not how long or short one lives but what matters is the application of the life itself in creating impact and relationship, adding that Alex Ibru touched the lives of many people in his short journey on earth.
He said that with the death of Jesus, there is no more tears, sorrow, hunger disease, suicide, fear of the unknown and kidnappers.
Life, he admonished, is temporary and so people must prepare to face God by having a close relationship with Him on judgment day, as it is the only way to eternity.
He said: “Life is not going to continue here forever no matter who we are. People should prepare to meet God by having a close relationship with Him.
“Alex was a man dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. He was an impeccable man, who set excellent standard; a wonderful man who didn’t mind how long it took him to execute his projects so long as they were impeccable.”
Waxing philosophical, Revd Okoh recalled that Ibru was always fond of describing himself as God’s own treasurer, who dedicated whatever he had, inclusive of education and wealth, to the glory of God who rightly owe them.
“Alex was a Servant Leader, the kind of leadership that we need in Nigeria today; people with this kind of mind and orientation,” he said. “A leader should minister to the needs of his people.
“Jesus said that he came to serve and not to be served. It will be very difficult to forget this man he touched the lives of several people. His was a leadership of self-denial, which the nation needs.
“This is the legacy Alex left behind for Nigerians. It is society-friendly and will help to cure the malady of armed robberies, kidnappings and unemployment,” he added.
To fellow Nigerians, Archbishop Okoh charged them to pray for the Ibru immediate family, the Ibru extended family, the Ibru Ecumenical Centre and The Guardian newspapers.
Source: The Guardian, 18th December 2011.
... He Was A Champion Of Religious Harmony — Jonathan
BY ABRAHAM OGBODO (DEPUTY POLITICAL EDITOR)
PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan joined thousands of people to consolers to sing home the departed publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr. Alex Uruemu Ibru, who was interred yesterday at the Ibru Centre at Agbarha-Otor in Ughelli, Delta State.
The president described Ibru as a champion of religious harmony in Nigeria.
Jonathan was represented by his adviser on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, at a Service of Songs on Friday at the Ibru Centre.
The Most Revd Dr. E. Adebola Ademowo, Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Lagos, led nine other priests and church ministers to conduct the service, which was attended by the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and his deputy, Prof. Amos Utuama.
In a letter he personally signed to commiserate with Ibru’s widow, Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru and the family, the president said the late Ibru was an outstanding entrepreneur, professional, public servant and God’s worker.
The letter reads: “His (Alex Ibru) passing at this time in our development history is indeed a great loss not only to you, your children, the larger Ibru family and the people of Delta State, but to the entire nation.
“Over the years, he committed his time and resources to distinguished service to humanity. In addition to his outstanding philanthropy, he worked hard to propagate the noble ideals of Christianity, while championing the cause of entrenching religious harmony in Nigeria.
“His accomplishments remain an enduring source of inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have their paths cross with his.”
The president, who is evidently pained by the death of Alex Ibru at age 66, enjoined the family to find renewal in the fact that he lived a good life and his soul shall find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty.
Source: Punch, 18th December 2011.
‘Nigeria needs more Alex Ibrus’
By Polycarp Orosevwotu, Warri
The publisher of The Guardian, Mr. Alex Ibru was laid to rest in his Agbarha-Otor home town, Delta State yesterday with the Primate of the Anglican Communion, the Most Reverend Nicholas Okoh saying Nigeria required more true servant leaders like the deceased to forge ahead.
Okoh at the funeral service for Mr.Ibru at the All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli, described him as a devoted and dedicated member of the Anglican Communion, who saw himself as God’s treasurer because of his belief that whatever riches that were given to him by God is trust for humanity.
Testifying to Mr.Ibru’s character, the primate said: “Alexander lbru was a true servant leader and that he exhibited this while he was minister and in other offices he held across the country. A leader who always denied himself at the expense of others and that is the legacy he has left behind for us to emulate.”
Governor Emmanuel Udaughan of Delta State, former governor of Edo State Chief John Odigie Oyegun, Deacon Gamaliel Onosode and Senator Pius Ehwerido, representing Delta Central charged Nigerians to emulate the exemplary life of the deceased.
Governor Uduaghan said lbru lived a fulfilled life and for such a person to have gone too soon is painful to Nigeria.
Chief John Odigie Oyegun said the death ofMr.lbru is a colossal loss not only to the Urhobo nation or Delta State but to the nation at large. He described him as a rare gem and a humble Christian.
The senator representing Delta Central and South Senatorial Districts Senator Pius Ehwerido and Senator James Manager while exalting the exemplary life of Dr. Alex lbru they said he is a blazer of media industry and he was also an industrialist, an articulated one.
Deacon Onosode said.Mr.lbru was an extra ordinary person, a symbol of humility and hard work whose impact was felt in the larger society before his demise.
Chief Oskar lbru, nephew of the deceased said: “he has left us behind to continue from where he has stopped. l noticed something from the life that he has lived that it is not how far but how well you have been able to use your time while alive”.
Source: The Nation, 18th December 2011.
Eulogies as Alex Ibru is Buried
By Omon-Julius Onabu
The earthly journey of The Guardian publisher, Mr. Alex Uruemu Ibru, ended on a grand note Saturday as his remains were interred at his native Agbarha-Otor town, Delta state, amid encomia from clergies and the laity.
His body was lowered at exactly 2.10 pm into his grave inside the Saint Peter’s Chapel, The Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor, in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The highpoint of the interment rites was a copy of The Guardian and a micro-tape recorder that were placed in his silver coffin.
A copy of the newspaper with the banner headline, “Adieu, Alex!” was neatly placed on the late publisher’s chest while a midget recorder lay by his right ear.
He was buried with the two items, the trade tools of journalism and communications, the business that brought him fame.
His widow, Mrs. Maiden Ibru, eldest son, ‘Toke and other children, as well as members of the Ibru extended family, were dressed in white and grey traditional outfits.
The team of pallbearers, dressed in traditional Urhobo attire, gyrated all the way from Ibru’s Agbarha-Otor country home to the Ughelli cathedral.
Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev Nicholas Okoh, in his sermon at the commendation service, said Nigeria was at a crossroads because many leaders wallow in corruption, adding that the country was in dire need of genuine “servant-leaders”.
According to him, Nigeria is today sliding in terms of its value system and only the emergence of genuine servant-leaders could save the country.
The service, which was conducted at the All Saint’s Cathedral, Ughelli Township, was attended by notable bishops, other clergymen from the Church of Nigeria, and many notable Nigerians from all walks of life.
Describing the late Ibru as “a man of excellence who was impeccable in all he did,” Okoh said Nigeria would be better off if its leaders would imbibe the culture of living the “life of service.”
He said the late Ibru was “a humble and committed businessman who imbibed the principle of Jesus Christ encapsulated in the acronym, S.H.E., which stands for Spirituality, Health and Education.
“Jesus therefore said in the Holy Bible, ‘I have come not to serve but to serve,’” he said adding, “Give sound education to the people, so that they can multiply it and make the world a better place.”
He noted that Jesus’ act of washing the feet of the apostles was the hallmark of humility and selfless service, saying that such a spirit was highly recommended for Nigerian leaders.
“Dr Alex Ibru was a true servant-leader, the kind of leader Nigeria needs today. So, it will be very difficult for the people to forget this man because he touched their lives in many positive ways,” he added.
He urged leaders to make the fear of God and selfless service, as well as the provision of quality health and education for the people their priorities, as these could form the building blocks for a progressive nation.
The Bishop of the Ughelli Diocese of the Anglican Church, the Right Rev. Cyril O. Odutemu, described the late Ibru as “an Urhobo man who was not corrupt – he was a man who could voluntarily walk out of government when he realised that the place reeked of corruption.”
Delta State governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, who attended the church service with his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama, among other senior government officials, said the deceased lived up to his names, Alexander and Uruemu, the later which connotes greatness.
Referring to a written account by the deceased wife, Uduaghan noted that the late Ibru was diagnosed with cancer when he went for a normal medical checkup, and urged people to take time off their busy schedule for regular medical checkups.
Among those who attended the funeral ceremony were former Edo State governor, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former Ogun State governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, president, Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria and THISDAY chairman/editor-in-chief, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, and Dr Reuben Abati, who until his appointment this year as presidential adviser on Media and Communication, was chairman of The Guardian editorial board.
Others included former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen Alani Akinrinade, business tycoon, Oba Otudeko, former Adjutant General of the Nigerian Army, General Joseph Olu Bajowa, a director of Punch Newpapers, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola, former chairman of FCMB, Otunba Subomi Balogun, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, Senator Pius Akpo Ewherido and Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
Source: This Day, 18th December 2011.
Alex Ibru: So Hard To Say Goodbye…
IT is finished.
It’s hard to imagine how it won’t turn out to be a tear-drenched affair today, as friends and well-wishers from home and abroad, join the Ibru family in Agbarha-Otor, Delta State, to commit the body of one of their own, Alex Uruemu, to Mother Earth in a final farewell.
The youngest of his male siblings, Dr. Alex Urueme Ibru, departed too soon last November 20 at 66.
Final farewells can’t but be painful, but, even in the throes of bereavement, disquieting reminders of our own mortality, we can, with faith, snatch some solace in the anticipation of that glorious dawn when we can, in unison, gloat over the final defeat of the Great Leveller: “O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory?”
Final rites of passage for the Founder, Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian Newspaper Limited began on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 with a Service of Songs at The Federal Palace hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Today’s events begin with a lying-in-state at the Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor, followed by the funeral service at the All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli. The interment is at the Ibru Centre.
The rites come to an end tomorrow with an outing service at All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli.
All those gathered at the premises of Rutam House premises of The Guardian Newspapers on Thursday to pay their last respects to Alex, joined in a round of resounding applause after the lying-in-state, which lasted about an hour.
Mr. Emeka Izeze, the Managing Director of Guardian Newspapers Limited in his final words on the occasion waxed poetic: “ What we are doing here this afternoon is to say goodbye to our Chairman… but how do you say goodbye to a man like him? How…?”
Though a pale semblance of a smile played on Izeze’s face all the while, it did little to lighten the funereal grimness of his mien as he continued: “How do you say goodbye to a man who knew the names of his plumbers and carpenters? As he walked by, you greeted him or not, he didn’t bother. A man under whom you learnt all that you did on this Job…How do you say goodbye to a man who called you ‘my brother’? Who said ‘my children are your brothers and sisters’? …”
Earlier, speaker after speaker, from the first Editor of The Guardian and now General Consultant of the newspaper, Lade Bonuola to a former director in The Guardian, Yemi Ogunbiyi and one-time Diplomatic and foreign Affairs Correspondent of the paper, Tunde Thompson, spoke glowingly of the “Publisher of Publishers”, especially of his simplicity, humility and quiet magnanimity.
They were all unanimous in wishing the Ibru family the fortitude to bear the loss and the wisdom to “keep the flag flying”, particularly at The Guardian, the late publisher’s beloved brainchild.
The previous day, Wednesday, a Service of Songs was held for Alex at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.
The weather was clear and the breeze from the Atlantic Ocean eased off the heat from the surging crowd.
On the front rows were the Ibru family members, with Maiden Ibru and the children in black.
It was a service like no other.
The Most Reverend Dr. Adebola Ademowo, the Anglican Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos’ thanked God “for giving us Alex, who was a special breed and who made indelible marks on the sands of time. He served his nation creditably well.
“He gave the Ibru Centre to humanity without strings attached …”
The cleric recalled that Alex believed that one must be impeccable, flawless. “He would say ‘I am God’s treasurer’,” he said, adding that Ibru set up institutions to help others… He lived a humble life.”
“Death is inevitable but we should invest in eternity. You cannot live your life all over again but you can start a new chapter,” Ademowo concluded.
Former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, also used the occasion to reminisce on the good old days when they were together in London. He extolled Ibru’s generosity and simplicity. “He gave loyalty and demanded loyalty from you. He detested perfidy,” he said.
In his tribute, Gbekeloluwa Osunkoya, a close friend of Alex’s, cited yet another example of his generosity and foresight. “Three months ago, he knew his health was failing, but he was focused. He called me and said: ‘I want to build a hospital before I die; you and Segun Osoba will be the trustees. We are going to turn it to be the best.’ I replied him: ‘just conserve your energy’,” he said. To Maiden, Osunkoya said: “She has been nursing Alex for 15 years, after some people attempted to kill him. But he lived through it. We must thank Maiden, Goodie Ibru and God that gave him the sprit to live on. The Ibru Centre will always be there to remind us of his good deeds,” he said.
Dr. Stephen Olofunwa, another friend, stressed Ibru’s love for people:
“That day I accompanied him to The Guardian; they were trying to put up a new printing machine. The people he spoke with are people of the lowest cadre and he knew their names one by one…”
To Maiden he said: “I salute you. Sometimes, I thought that you are the doctor. You are a gem…” he said.
He recalled one of his last moments with Alex: “The last time I was by his bed side, I said: ‘Alex if you know who is talking to you, show me a sign, by moving your head!’ He did. Twenty-four hours later, he died. It is not often that a doctor cries, but I did.”
On Thursday, Alex Ibru’s cortege arrived the RUTAM House premises of The Guardian where dignitaries from all walks of life also attended the lying-in-state, which was anchored by Editor and Deputy Editor–in-Chief of The Guardian, Mr. Debo Adesina.
One of the dignitaries, Mr. Ben Tomoloju a former Deputy Editor of The Guardian, said the late Ibru, with his business acumen, gave opportunity to young professionals to flourish. “He did not intervene in the editorial content of The Guardian. Journalism flourishes when the proprietor does not intervene with the business of news production,” he said.
That is one of the reasons, Tomoloju said, why he was so proud of The Guardian. He described Alex as a noble- minded aristocrat and that that nobility he has passed down to posterity. “That is one reason why we will always keep his memories in our minds as further inspiration. We know he is a deeply religious man. I am using the present tense, because I don’t believe he is gone,” he said.
Professor Wale Omole, Acting Chairman of The Guardian Editorial Board remarked on Ibru’s comportment and humility.
“He was ready to help everybody, he did. God bless him. At the editorial board meetings when he came, a number of times, he would not even say a word. He would only say: ‘you are the experts…’” he recalled.
He maintained that Ibru’s humility was unbelievable and his kindness unquantifiable. “He helped a lot of people. He has done the best and his best is best for everyone,” he declared.
Another member of the Editorial Board, Ben Ejiogu, described Ibru as a kind- hearted man.
“A very humble man, he knew how to choose personnel who can deliver. I have been in the Editorial Board of The Guardian for 10 years. The success of The Guardian was due to his ability to get people to work together harmoniously,” he added.
Mr. Nwabu A. Okoye, a legal practitioner and a visiting member of the Editorial Board of The Guardian since 2006, disclosed that Ibru was “a visionary, a humanist, a good family man, a good employer of labour. It is difficult to see an individual who will have a combination of these elements,” he said.
He added: “There are people you get to know only when you meet them personally. There are people you get to know even when you don’t get to meet them personally.
“The latter are the people with larger- than-life persona. Dr. Ibru had a larger- than-life persona. His reputation was such that sometimes, it seems you know him more when you are not close. He led by principles and examples; he did not live by exhortations only,” he said.
Okoye noted that Nigeria is a country where people want to be institutions. But Alex, he said, decided to build institutions, including The Guardian, rather than build himself, and eventually he became an institution also.
Alex, he declared, would live on forever in our hearts. “He was a good business man. People said he was shrewd, but essentially, he was also a humanist—- in business and in other spheres and he made a success of it all,” he declared.
Barrister Kenneth Olorogun Gbagi, former Minister of Education, said the world has lost a gem. “The country has lost a man of integrity, a man of honesty. But most importantly, the Urhobo nation is bereaved. He will be remembered for what he stood for. He will be remembered for honesty, for telling the truth to the government,” he added.
Alex, he said would be remembered as the former Minister of Internal affairs who refused the compromises in governance, for the uprightness of his nature, his people, and for the country. He paid a very dear prize for being principled.
“As a result of which he was shot. But God preserved him. God giveth and God taketh. Who are we to complain? But we still believe that we will find it difficult to fill the vacuum of a man called Alex Ibru,” he said.
According to him, Alex Ibru has left a revolution in journalism. “He was a publisher who allowed things to evolve naturally. Even when the government wanted The Guardian not to tell the truth about what was going on in the country, he resisted it and offered to resign as a minister,” he noted.
He urged Nigerians to learn from the life of the deceased.
Pastor Segun Babatope, of Deeper Life Ministries in Lagos said that Alex was a visionary. “Anyone who will delve into newspaper publishing must be visionary and far-sighted. He cannot be classified as an ordinary person. He was a change agent. Because we believe that a medium of communication like The Guardian is a change agent. The purveyor of it must be seen as someone who stands head and shoulder above everyone,” he said.
He insisted that the fact that The Guardian is in existence today after almost 30 years after is due to Ibru’s vision.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to him is to keep his legacy. At 38, he established the Guardian Newspapers Limited.
“Members of his family should take solace in the fact that the man did not die in vain. He touched lives for God; look at the Ecumenical Centre at Agbarha-Otor, Delta State,” he said.
Princess Abah Folawiyo in her tribute said that Ibru was a kind and very good man. “He liked everybody. We should emulate everything about him,” she said.
Another of the late publisher’s friends, Mrs. Omolara Otuyele, recalled that she knew Ibru right from secondary school. “Both at Ibadan Grammar School and Igbobi College, Especially at Igbobi College. He loved life. He was somebody who always wanted me to talk about when we were teenagers. He had a good heart. He still wanted people he knew from his youth to be with him.
“I will miss him. Three weeks before he passed on, I spoke to him. He was somebody who, even in the face of his sickness, did not fear death. If you go to his house, there was no protocol, he was friendly to everybody,” she said
Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi, a former director in The Guardian, described the paper as the legacy Ibru left behind. “He was a very good friend and I owe a lot to him and we thank God for his life. It is imperishable now. And I am sure that God will be with his family and the good works he left behind,” he said.
Alex, Ogunbiyi said, admitted repeatedly that he was not an angel. “Nobody is saying he was an angel but he was a great person.
“His children are there, they would have learnt from his business acumen. He had lovely kids. He will never die. Let us thank God for his life. Maiden is a gift, a great woman. Very few women could withstand what he went through. We just have to keep on praying to God to give her more strength,” he stressed.
Source: Information Nigeria, 18th December 2011.
Ibru Raised the Bar in the Print Media
As family and associates of the late publisher of The Guardian, Alex Ibru, settle for December 17 for his burial, Raheem Akingbolu takes a cursory look at how the urbane personality of the man impacted positively on his publication
Alex Ibru tasted success at an early stage in life. While he eschewed poverty, he also ensured he didn't lose humility. What many might not know today is that the story of The Guardian is that of a man who wanted to give back to the society, which by that time had offered him so much. After a lot of introspection, the outcome was the newspaper that was later to be known as the flagship of the Nigerian print medium industry.
Before the coming of Ibru's Guardian, the balance of print journalism in Nigeria was heavily tilted to the side of the government-owned Daily Times. It was not because there was a dearth of private newspapers. In fact, at that time, there was the Punch, National Concord, Daily Sketch and the Nigerian Tribune. However, none of them could offer the kind of intellectualism that The Guardian brought to bear on the Nigerian media industry.
For instance, Concord was rabidly pro-NPN (the ruling party at the time) because its publisher, late business mogul, MKO Abiola, wanted to checkmate the influence of both the Daily Sketch and Tribune in the south-west. While these newspapers were being run by professionals, the political leanings of their owners ensured that balance was difficult to maintain as well as robust contributions to national discourse, because this would always be influenced by the political whims of the ownership.
The Guardian was fortunate not to have this baggage as its ownership non-partisan, at least, on the surface.
The Guardian came into existence the same year that Alex Ibru was appointed chief executive of Rutam Motors, a family business owned by the Ibrus and even Alex himself was just 38 year old. In setting up the newspaper, he had in mind a clear vision of the kind of newspaper he wanted. It must be able to report the news the way it is and also contribute to growth of intellectualism of the country.
H definitely achieved this, so that by the time he breathed his last on November 20, 2011 and over 12,200 editions of the newspaper later, he could look back and say he ran a good race.
Ibru, in setting up the newspaper, brought on board some of the best hands in the industry then. These included Stanley Macebuh, who was in Daily Times then; Dele Cole, who was also formerly of the same Daily Times; and Segun Osoba, also formerly of same newspaper, but by that time, of Nigerian Herald. On the editorial board of the newspaper were ultra-left academicians and professionals who had sympathy for the leftist Unity Party of Nigeria led by the late Obafemi Awolowo.
The first editor then, Lade Bonuola, who left the newspaper in 1999, after 16 years in charge, was also seen as being progressive politically. Countering this balance, was Stanley Macebuh, another thorough-bred professional who was conservative in disposition but progressive in ideas.
With this background, the newspaper set forth and it soon became the reference point for informed commentary, strong editorial commentary and opinion writing that those in power could not ignore. In a nutshell, The Guardian became the reference point in terms of intellectual discourse, and in the process, it changed the face of the media industry. For the first time, the media was seen as a reference point for academicians and university lecturers who then referred their students to The Guardian newspaper for research materials.
As a testament to Alex Ibru's vision, the Newspapers Proprietors' Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Guild of Editors have all acknowledged that the late publisher raised the bar in the media industry. NPAN, in a statement by its President, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, said Ibru reshaped the newspaper landscape.
"Chief Alex Ibru reshaped the Nigerian newspaper landscape with the founding in 1983, of The Guardian Newspapers which had as its mission, the desire to be among the five best English language newspapers in the world.
"The emergency of the newspaper also came with improved conditions of service for journalists employed under the stable. He not only ensured that the newspaper lived up to its motto of 'Conscience Nurtured by Truth', the newspaper under his watch fought against oppression, dictatorship, and bad government for a progressive Nigerian state founded on justice.
"He was unarguably one of the most outstanding businessmen in the country who made his mark as part of the famed Ibru brothers, whose pre-eminence in the business and economy of Nigeria cannot be understated.
"Alex ibru also lent his wealth of experience to Nigeria when he served as Minister of Internal Affairs between 1993 and 1995. Nigeria will surely miss this champion of conscience nurtured by truth."
The NGE, in a statement, added that Ibru contributed to the development of journalism. Aside from various associations, who spoke glowingly about the glamour Ibru brought into journalism, some individuals outside the industry also lauded his contributions to journalism.
"The Guardian changed so much in the face of the Nigerian media," Yemi Olowolabi, the Editor-In-Chief of Red Carpet Television, told THISDAY during the week. It was not for fun that the newspaper became the flagship of the nation's newspaper industry. It was because of the intellectual richness it brought into journalism; the richness of its editorial content and the brilliance of its reporting. Within five years of publishing, the newspaper became the reference point in the industry. I think the greatest contribution to the Nigerian media industry was that The Guardian 'forced' other newspapers to beef up the quality of personnel in their editorial boards. Today, you see intellectuals and academicians on the editorial boards of major newspapers in the country."
The media practitioner stated further that the quality of personnel in Tell, THISDAY and some other newspaper editorial boards shows what has changed in the nation's media industry. "You see members drawn from the business community, academic, political, media, engineering, and so on," he said.
Olowolabi stressed further that it was The Guardian that gave this to the industry. He added that The Guardian made it possible for the media to be taken seriously by those in authority. Credit for this, the practitioner stated, must go to Alex Ibru.
Source: This Day, 4th December 2011.
Alex Ibru dies at 66
Late Dr Alexander Uruemu Ibru - The Nation
By Olukayode Thomas, Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja,
Jonathan, NPAN, others mourn The Guardian publisher
The Nigerian media lost one of its leading lights yesterday.
Alex Uruemu Ibru, publisher of The Guardian, died at 66.
His death was announced in a statement by the newspaper, which did not state any cause. It said:
“The passing on of Alexander Uruemu Ibru, Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian, flagship of the Nigeria press, has been announced. He died at about 2.30pm today (yesterday), November 20, while in the course of an illness. He was aged 66.
“Ibru was born on March1, 1945, the youngest of the famous Ibru brothers who hailed from Agbhara-Otor, in Delta State and whose entrepreneurship made the name almost synonymous with business in Nigeria.
“He attended Yaba Methodist Primary School(1951-1957), Ibadan Grammar School(1958-1960), Igbobi College, Lagos(1960-1963) and the University of Trent (formerly Trent Polytechnic)(1967-1970) where he studied Business Economics.
After working briefly in the family business under the tutelage of his older brother and patriarch, Micheal C.O. Ibru, Alex launched out on his own and soon became one of the most successful young businessmen in the country.
“He founded The Guardian in 1983 with a mission to make it one of the five best English language newspapers in the world. It soon established itself and has since remained the flagship of the Nigerian press.
“Ibru is the Chairman of Trinity Foundation, the vehicle through which he did his massive philanthropy, giving support to the poor and the needy. He was also the founder of the Ibru Centre which promotes ecumenism and religious harmony.
“Alex Ibru is a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Club International. He was minister of Internal Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the highest Provisional Ruling Council (PRC), from 1993 to 1995. As minister, he introduced far-reaching reforms in the management of Nigeria’s prisons and the Immigration Service.
“He left the Sani Abacha-led government on principle, after which an attempt was made on his life, allegedly on the orders of the ruling junta. The case on that attempted murder is still in court.
“He is a recipient of D.Litt honoris causa of the University of Port Harcourt.
“A man extremely passionate about Nigeria and a compassionate promoter of joy of humanity, Ibru’s philanthropy, his outstanding entrepreneurship, contributions to the development of the mass media in Nigeria and commitment to selfless service stood him out all through his life.
“Burial arrangements will be announced soon by the family.”
Tributes have been pouring in torments.
President Goodluck Jonathan said he received the news of the death of Ibru with shock.
The President, according to his spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, said Mr. Ibru contributed immensely in shaping Nigeria’s media industry, setting the standard for the industry with the publication of high quality newspapers.
“This man, whose life recorded a pattern of good works, has definitely gone too soon. Many will remember him for founding The Guardian which set the tone for independent and balanced journalism in Nigeria. Those who knew him closely will remember him for his life’s work of quiet philanthropy,” the President said.
The President recalls Mr. Ibru’s service to the country as Minister of Internal Affairs, noting that he was devoted to the promotion of reconciliation and national stability in the wake of the post-June 12, 1993 electoral crisis. “The country benefitted from his wealth of experience and peaceful disposition. He believed in and sowed his life as a seed to God by, among other things, building up the Ibru Centre to advance the study of religion and religious harmony. We can see that his life demonstrated that he valued his relationship with God, with man and with his family,” the President said. According to him, Nigeria has lost an astute businessman and a committed nationalist who willingly accepted to serve the nation when the odds may have dictated otherwise.
President Jonathan expresses his condolences to the Ibru Family, praying that God would grant them comfort and consolation.
Ibru’s House 17, Alexander Road, Ikoyi, Lagos was immaculately white as ever yesterday. The one storey building on a large expanse of land was clean as usual. The flowers were lush green. At the gate, there were two security guards, dressed in blue. Although Ibru, died a few hours before our reporter visited, everything looked normal.
The only thing that appeared unusual was that on the large expanse of land next to the house, there were many cars and security detail. But since yesterday was the day Ibru’s wife, Maiden, turned 62, one could safely assume that members of the family and friends were having a get together to mark the birthday.
This was the thoughts of Mallam Guja, the security guard who worked over night for The Ibrus and was just resuming work at about 5.00 pm; he did not know that his employer had gone to the realm from where he will never return two and a half hours earlier.
Guja just walked in and greeted everybody who he thought where around for Madam’s birthday.
But inside the house, dignitaries from all walks of life where condoling with Mrs Ibru and the family members on the death of Mr. Ibru.
Most of the callers wore long faces. Mr. Goodie Ibru, elder brother of the deceased and Mr. Toke Ibru, one of his children look devastated. They pleaded to be excused by interview-seeking journalist.
Early callers include former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, publisher of This Day and President of Nigerian Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) Mr. Nduka Obiaghena, publisher of Vanguard Mr. Sam Amuka.
Former Cross River Governor Donald Duke and Chief Kayode Williams.
There were also Senator Remi Tinuba, Ambassador Approve Clark, Mr. Bode Emanuel, Dr. Amayo Adadevoh Mrs. Derin Osoba and Mr. Olumide Osoba.
Prof John Duncan, formerly of the World Health Organisation (WHO) described the late Mr. Ibru as a wonderful man, “he left his family at a time they needed him most”.
Mr. Williams said: “I am very upset and very sad that Alex is gone. He was a very good and loyal friend in every sense of the word. I pray that his soul rest in peace, we his friends will miss him”.
Duke described Ibru’s death at this time as very sad. “But it is not how long, it is how well, he lived well, every moment of his life made meaning. He touched the life of many in a positive way. His good work like The Guardian will live after him. He can look back and say he has served humanity well.
Also around to receive visitors were former Delta State Governor and the late Alex’s brother, Chief Felix Ibru, Managing Director of The Guardian Mr. Emeka Izeze who informed journalists that the family had already issued a statement, he urged journalists to wait till today for further development.
Source: The Nation, 21st November 2011.
Nigerians mourn Alex Uruemu Ibru
BY LEKE ADESERI, HUGO ODIOGOR, DAPO AKINREFON
NIGERIANS, yesterday, mourned the death of the Chairman and Publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Alexander Uruemu Ibru. Chief Ibru who died at about 1.30pm yesterday, while in the course of an illness, was aged 66.
Born on March 1, 1945, he was the youngest of the Ibru brothers who hailed from Agbhara-Otor, in today’s Delta State and whose entrepreneurship made the name almost synonymous with business in Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday, said the late Mr. Ibru contributed immensely in shaping Nigeria’s media industry, setting the standard for the industry with the publication of high quality newspapers. He said in a statement by his media aide, Dr. Reuben Abati: “This man, whose life recorded a pattern of good works, has definitely gone too soon. Many will remember him for founding The Guardian Newspapers which set the tone for independent and balanced journalism in Nigeria. Those who knew him closely will remember him for his life’s work of quiet philanthropy.”
Oshiomhole mourns Ibru, salutes his contributions
Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, also commiserated with the Ibru family over the death of Mr Alex Ibru. In a press statement in Benin City, Oshiomhole said the country has lost one of the pillars of modern journalism in Nigeria. He said: “After the epic contribution of the media to the anti-colonial and post-colonial struggle for the building of Nigeria, The Guardian, founded in 1983 by Mr Alex Ibru could be said to have defined the agenda of the democratic struggles particularly from the early 80s.”
Noting the tremendous impact of not only the intellectual journalism genre foisted by The Guardian, but also the development of different sections and the elevation and glamourisation of editorial discourse by the newspaper, Oshiomhole said that Ibru has left a void too big to be filled.
Ex- gov Oni mourns: Former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Segun Oni, commiserated with the family of late Alex Ibru, management and staff of The Guardian newspapers and the members of the pen profession in Nigeria, describing his death as a great loss to Nigeria in general and the media profession in particular. Oni, who reacted to Ibru’s death through his Media Aide, Mr. Lere Olayinka, said: “Alex Ibru’s contributions to the media profession in Nigeria are monumental and he will surely be missed by all. I received with shock the news of the death of Alex Ibru, one of the members of the great Ibru family and I wish to implore the family and Nigerians to take solace in the fact that he (Alex) lived an exemplary and fulfilled life worthy of emulation by all.
A strong believer in his philosophy — Osoba
In his tribute, former governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba said: “I am too destabilized emotionally now. Even though I saw it coming, his death has hit me too hard. He was quiet, he had strong beliefs and he held on to his philosophy and beliefs. He was an easy going person.”
A great loss to Nigeria — E.K Clark: Also, former Federal Information Commissioner, Chief Edwin Clark, said it was a great loss to Nigeria. The Ijaw leader said: “He was my younger brother, we were very close. It is a great loss to the family to which I belong. My brothers, Ambassador Clark and J.P Clark, were there when he died; it is a great loss to the family, to the people of Delta State and a great loss to Nigeria. He was a very enterprising young man, a philanthropist, very religious. He was very liberal.
“He allowed his own newspaper, The Guardian, to follow his own course without dictating to it. He was a great man, who was greater than his age; he was a Nigerian to the core. If you remember, he was minister for Internal Affairs during the military regime of General Sani Abacha and left when he decided to go. He did not stay long in the cabinet because he did not like the politics and we saw what happened to him later, he was shot, and they nearly killed him. The case is still in court, yet, he died in the process. He was virtuous, a man of many parts and he was the last of the Ibru tribe. He was the youngest of the Ibru tribe, age wise.”
Editors mourn Alex Ibru
The Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, in a reaction said it received with a heavy heart the news of the passage of Mr. Alex Ibru, Publisher of The Guardian newspapers, yesterday in Lagos, after some illness. In a statement signed by its President, Mr Gbenga Adefaye, the NGE said: “Mr. Ibru, a scion of the foremost Ibru family of Agbara-Otor in Delta State was most remarkable for business success and wealth which came to him from his conquering entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. But most people regard him for publishing The Guardian, a most respected newspaper of record that has earned journalism and journalists great esteem.
“Publishing truth nurtured by conscience, Mr. Alex Ibru’s paper has been a major employer of journalists and editors, shaping national discourse, moulding opinions and directing critical thoughts about making our nation great. The Guardian is his lasting legacy; the indelible epitaph. As an individual, he gave of himself selflessly in the service of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a Minister of Internal Affairs. He was a notable philanthropist, promoter of peace and religious tolerance. The NGE commiserates with the Ibru family, the management and staff of The Guardian newspapers even as they continue to hold the torch after the passage of this great Nigerian. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Ebenezer Babatope: One of the people that served with Chief Alex Ibru in Abacha’s cabinet, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, told Vanguard: “I was saddened to learn a great Nigerian has passed on. He was a highly principled man and humble person to the end of his life. We were both Cabinet Ministers in the late General Sani Abacha’s Provisional Ruling Council and Alex never received any estacode for all the travels he made on behalf of Nigeria. He served Nigeria with all the resources that God gave to him” I pray to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss.
Senator Pius Ewherido: “I am just very shocked that he could die at this time. It is a painful loss to our people the Urhobo nation and to Nigeria as a whole, and indeed to the Christian community especially in regard to his contribution to the faith. He would also be remembered for his role as an industrialist. God knows best.”
Nduka Irabor: “He was a very, very self-effacing man. Publisher, as I became wont to calling him, was driven by a passion to serve mankind and succeed in whatever undertaking might be. He recognized potentials and talents and never failed to nurture or promote such. Alex Ibru’s style was unique and inspiring.”
Dr. Fredrick Fasheun—Founder, OPC
“It is very unfortunate coming at a time Nigeria needs business acumen. He was a humble honest and principled business gentleman. Nigeria will miss him; I wish the family God’s support at this trying time.”
Clem Nwankwo: “Alex Ibru was principled and courageous. At a time it was dangerous to support the radical human rights movement, he paid for the setting up of CLO’s first office in Surelere when I was Executive Director in 1988. May his soul rest in peace. My condolence.”
Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan
In his reaction yesterday, Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, expressed shock at the death of Mr Alex Ibru, publisher of The Guardian. The Governor said the death was not only shocking but painful given his pedigree and capacity especially in the private sector. He said: “Alex Ibru was a man of many parts who excelled wherever he found himself leaving behind trails of credibility and integrity. I am shocked and pained by this death. A man of humility, credibility and high integrity has passed on.”
Governor Uduaghan noted that late Ibru was a pride to the Urhobo and Delta State, who promoted peace and unity of Nigeria particularly with the Ibru Centre, an international ecumenical centre founded by him to enhance inter and intra religious affairs.
He added that Ibru’s The Guardian revolutionized the industry with the injection of the academia into the media thereby compelling the intelligentsias to play part of the critical role of the watchdog of the society.
A Champion for Justice – NPAN: The Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN in its reaction mourned the deceased as a champion of justice who used the platform available to him to pursue equity and justice. The statement issued by NPAN President, Mr. Nduka Obaigbena, said: “Chief Alex Ibru reshaped the Nigerian Newspaper landscape with the founding in 1983, of the Guardian Newspapers which had as its mission, the desire to be among the five best English language newspapers in the world.
Emergence of the newspaper
The emergence of the newspaper also came with improved conditions of service for journalists employed in the stable. Nigeria will surely miss this champion of conscience nurtured by truth.”
Sad day – Mr. Frank Aigbogbun, Publisher, BusinessDay: “It is a very sad day. I recall those early days at The Guardian, he motivated and inspired everybody. He was very clear about what he wanted to do and impart in the journalism profession. We will all miss him sadly.”
Leading light of Nigeria business – Governor Babatunde Fashola: I am just hearing the news today in fact it is a very tragic and unfortunate incident, every passage of this type and indeed of any type is a course for grieve and one is saddened by the unpleasant news of his transition. Again he was one of the leading light of Nigeria economic and political landscape. It is a sad loss; one wishes the family sympathies and condolences at this time.
We have lost a stateman – Governor Ibikunle Amosun: Nigeria has lost one of its statesmen. On behalf of the people of Ogun State I wish to commiserate with the family of the deceased.
He showed life is about principles – ACN: He was someone who shows that life is about principles and not because of privilege of position. He was an icon, he was not a noisy icon or politician but he did more for this country in terms of believing in principles than most politicians have done.
Ajimobi too
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Festus Adedayo recalled Ibru’s patriotism, sterling devotion to Nigeria’s togetherness and what he called Ibru’s stellar forthrightness. He condoled with Ibru’s media empire, The Guardian, his family and the Delta state government on the departure of the foremost patriot, praying that God grants the repose of his soul.
We will miss him— Tony Momoh: “This was a man who was in the vanguard of private ownership and management of newspapers who has just left us. You know The Guardian was referred to as the flagship. Right there in the middle, there were people like Alex Ibru, Dele Cole, Stanley Macebuh and a few others, but Alex Ibru was able to man the management and therefore preside over the profitability of The Guardian.
“We thought he was well enough after all the harassment in politicking. He had to move out due to injuries which he sustained and he returned; was fine and came back even to refine The Guardian. For him to leave now, we can only wish him journey mercies to the height. He brought a spiritual dimension to The Guardian, which people may not have noticed, giving all religious beliefs and spiritual groups, a yearning on the pages of The Guardian. We will miss him.”
Senator Olurunnimbe Mamora
I express my condolence to the Ibru dynasty and to the immediate family and pray that the good Lord will give them the fortitude to bear the loss.
The departure has left a yawning gap in commerce and it will be such that it will be difficult to fill.
Source: Vanguard, 21st November 2011.
Ibru Was More Than A Publisher — Abati’s Exclusive Tribute
BY REUBEN ABAT
It is with a heavy heart that I express my sorrow at the passing of one of Nigeria’s brightest lights and my benefactor, Mr. Alex Ibru. On November 20, it was the birthday of my boss, President Goodluck Jonathan, the birthday also of Mrs Maiden Ibru, our CEO at The Guardian, and yet it was on the same day that Mr Alex Ibru, a patriot, a devoted Christian, and a nationalist died.
To the public, Ibru was a publisher and successful business person, but to those of us who knew him, he was a builder of nation and of individual lives. Ibru had established The Guardian to serve as a platform for giving voice to the voiceless and for defending the interests of the downtrodden in society. He remained faithful to this ideal and ensured that the highest standards were maintained by the newspaper.
He was very passionate about the role of the media in society, and although he was nearly assassinated for his commitment, and the newspaper went through many trying moments, he remained unshaken in his resolve.
During his tenure as Nigeria’s minister of Internal Affairs (1993 -1995), The Guardian spoke against tyranny and oppression as it had always done to the chagrin of those who felt that by appointing him minister they had bought the silence of the newspaper. They did not know that Mr. Ibru had the strength of character to separate his personal interest from national interest and place the nation’s interest first. How many people can we truthfully say this about?
He was a kind and generous man and a quiet philanthropist. I cannot here recount how many people went to school because of the large heart of Mr. Alex Ibru, how many of his employees successfully reached the next level in their careers and lives because of his support or how many people have a successful business today because he believed in them where banks did not. Oh death, why him?
He was a wealthy man by any account yet he raised a family of disciplined and well-adjusted children who have gone on to successfully open new vistas of their own.
A man of principles and I do not say this lightly, for he was one of the very few Nigerians to have resigned from a ministerial position because he believed that principles are like a lighthouse that guides a ship to land. And what a price he paid for his principles! Almost losing his life, yet he did not become bitter and continued to serve Nigeria with even greater zeal.
What I remember him most for is what he did for me. He gave me an opportunity, a voice and a platform through which I could make full use of my God-given talents and I would not be where I am today but for that opportunity. He taught me how to find my voice and how to help others find theirs as well. Adieu Chairman, till we meet never to part again.
Source: Leadership, 21st November 2011.
Alex Ibru: The journey ends
BY DEBO ADESINA
“I MAY be the publisher,” he always said, “but you are the experts.”
With those words, Alex Ibru, indeed, gave the journalists who worked for him their most prized possession: freedom to ply their trade. He neither asked nor ever interfered with what was published. That freedom allowed the newspaper to become the most formidable voice in the land and in turn put him, to use the words of another renowned publisher, Henry Robinson Luce of TIME magazine, in command of the most potent weapon in the battle for freedom and democracy.
For Alexander Uruemu Ibru, all battles ended yesterday at about 1.30pm in Lagos. On the day the 12,016th issue of his newspaper hit the newsstands and on a day his beloved wife, Maiden, turned 62, the publisher of the flagship of the Nigerian press died in the course of an illness. He was aged 66.
“He was a very self-effacing man,”Nduka Irabor, one of his editors, whose fearlessness and professionalism earned him a jail term and drew attention to the uniqueness of The Guardian, said yesterday. “He was driven by a passion to serve mankind and succeed in whatever undertaking. His style was unique and inspiring, so unique it seemed he chose a unique day, the 20th day of the 11th month in 2011, to bid us farewell.”
By giving freedom to his journalists, and allowing a culture of excellence to thrive in The Guardian, Ibru succeeded in building the newspaper into Nigeria’s most credible and influential newspaper
Ibru was born on March 1, 1945, the youngest of the famous Ibru brothers who hailed from Agbhara-Otor, in today’s Delta State and whose entrepreneurship made the name almost synonymous with business in Nigeria. He attended the Yaba Methodist Primary School (1951-1957), Ibadan Grammar School(1958-1960), Igbobi College, Lagos(1960-1963) and the University of Trent (formerly Trent Polytechnic)(1967-1970) where he studied Business Economics. After working briefly in the family business under the tutelage of his older brother and patriarch, Michael C.O. Ibru, Alex Ibru launched out on his own and soon became one of the most successful young businessmen in the country.
He founded The Guardian in 1983 with a mission to make it one of the five best English language newspapers in the world. It soon established itself and has since remained the flagship of the Nigerian press.
Ibru is the Chairman of Trinity Foundation, the vehicle through which he did his massive philanthropy, giving support to the poor and the needy. He was also the founder of the Ibru Centre which promotes ecumenism and religious harmony.
He was minister of Internal Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and member of the highest Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) from 1993 to 1995. As minister, he introduced far-reaching reforms in the management of Nigeria’s prisons and the Immigration Service.
He left the Sani Abacha-led government on principle, after which an attempt was made on his life, allegedly on the orders of the ruling junta. The case on that attempted murder is still in court.
He received D.Litt honoris causa of the University of Port Harcourt.
In a statement last night, the management of this newspaper described him as ‘A man extremely passionate about Nigeria and a compassionate promoter of the joy of humanity, Ibru’s philanthropy, his outstanding entrepreneurship, contributions to the development of the mass media in Nigeria and commitment to selfless service stood him out all through his life.”
The Publisher who begged his editor for such a favour as featuring a photograph from a family (the publisher)’s event, Alex Ibru was so humble it embarrassed. He could not even be likened to TIME’s Harry Luce, who was very involved as a journalist and publisher in his Lucepapers and was very opinionated but still conceded his employees, editors, and reporters alike that he was one Pope whom they his College of Cardinals, should never deem infallible.
Alex Ibru largely treated his journalists as the Pontiff to his Altar Server. “You are the experts, do it your way,” he always said.
In deed, he never wanted anything other than to serve Nigerians. “The Guardian is the voice of the people,” he told his editors, recently as though writing his epitaph. “It belongs to Nigerians and it’s a public trust.”
Source: The Guardian, 21st November 2011.
Alex Ibru’s passage painful, shocking, say Uduaghan, Ajimobi
EDITOR
GOVERNOR Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State and his Oyo State counterpart, Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday expressed shock at the death of Mr. Alex Ibru.
Reacting to the news of the publisher’s death, Uduaghan said it was not only shocking but also painful, given his pedigree and capacity, especially in the private sector.
According to the governor, Alex Ibru was a man of many parts who excelled wherever he found himself, leaving behind trails of credibility and integrity.
“I am shocked and pained by this death. A man of humility, credibility and high integrity has passed on,” he stated.
Uduaghan noted that the late Ibru was a pride to the Urhobo and Delta State, who promoted peace and unity of Nigeria particularly with the Ibru Centre, an international ecumenical centre founded by him to enhance inter and intra-religious affairs.
Besides, he said that Ibru established The Guardian, which has become the flagship of the Nigerian media, and revolutionised the industry with the
injection of the academia into the media, thereby compelling the intelligentsias to play part of the critical role of the watchdog of the society.
The governor also recalled Ibru’s tenure as minister of Internal Affairs, stressing that in spite of the public office, Ibru did not interfere even when The Guardian was critical of the government he was serving.
According to him, this was ‘an exceptional mark of integrity and discipline on the part of the late publisher.”
He condoled the Ibru family, The Guardian and the friends and colleagues, urging them to take solace in the fact that Alex Ibru lived a peaceful and fulfilled life.
On his part, Ajimobi said that with Alex Ibru’s passage, the commune of patriots was fasting thinning out.
Ajimobi, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, recalled Ibru’s patriotism, his sterling devotion to Nigeria’s togetherness and what he called Ibru’s stellar forthrightness.
Source: The Guardian, 21st November 2011.