Alex Ibru, publisher of the Nigerian Guardian newspaper, has died. His memorial services will begin on December 14, 2011. He has been lauded as a pioneer in the industry., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.
Alex Ibru’s burial rites begin today
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Nigerian Guardian
From Collins Olayinka, Abosede Musari , Karls Tsokar ( Abuja), Seye Olumide , Tunde Akinola, Joe Adiorho and Gbenga Salau (Lagos) News
Dr. Alex Uruemu Ibru, Founder, Chairman and Publisher of Guardian Newspapers Limited, who died on Sunday, November 20, 2011 in Lagos begins his final journey to eternity today, more eminent persons and organizations have continued to pay him tributes.
Former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku and the former Anambra State Governor Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife described the Ibru as a great patriot and an icon of the newspapers publishing industry.
The funeral events which hold in both Lagos and Delta State begin today with a Service of Songs at Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island. This will be followed tomorrow by a Commendation Service. The Lagos events will be rounded off on Thursday with a Lying-in-State at the Rutam House, headquarters of Guardian Newspapers Limited, from where the body will depart for the airport en-route Agbarha-Otor in Delta State.
The programme continues on Friday, December 16, 2011 with a Service of Songs at the Ibru Centre, Agbarha-Otor. On Saturday, December 17, 2011, there will be a Lying-in-State at the Ibru Centre, followed by the Funeral Service, at the All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli.
Interment at the Ibru Centre follows after the funeral service.
The funeral programme ends on Sunday, December 18, 2011 with an Outing Service at the All Saints Cathedral, Ughelli, Delta State.
Speaking at Alex Ibru’s Ikoyi residence yesterday Anyaoku added: “I think he has left a legacy that the country should take pride in and any occasion for recognising or perpetuating his legacy is very welcome.”
Ezeife also called on Nigerians and the management of The Guardian, to keep the memory of the late publisher alive through the preservation of his legacy.
The former governor’s call is contained in his comments in the condolence register opened at the Abuja office of The Guardian.
“Alex must not die. He must not, if The Guardian lives and maintains its lofty standards. It is the responsibility of the management, the workforce and the readership to keep The Guardian and therefore, Alex, alive”, he said.
In the same vein, Governor Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo State has commiserated with the late publisher’s family, and The Guardian Newspapers.
Speaking at the Ikoyi, Lagos residence of the late publisher yesterday, Mimiko described the late Ibru as an industrious person who led a good life and gave God a place in his lifetime.
“I look at him, the business empire he left behind, like I said, is a testimony to his industry. He started early in life but The Guardian will stand as a lasting testimony to his industry and more importantly, at a time in a man’s life, a man must acknowledge the grace of God.
Also, extolling the late publisher, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Dr. Olu Onagoruwa said that Ibru was an exceptional man and a caring younger brother.
According to Onagoruwa, whose condolence letter was signed by Dapo Onagoruwa, his admiration for Ibru stemmed from his observation of him as a God-fearing man, who was faithful to his humanitarian principles.
“In my book A Rebel in Abacha’s Government, in chapter nine, I wrote about the closure of The Guardian Newspaper and the courage in which it spoke out against lawlessness and oppression, even while Alex was a serving minister in that government. That was a profound example of Aleco’s dedication to truth and humanitarian values,” Onagoruwa said.
The senator representing Delta Central Senatorial district in the National Assembly on the platform of the Democratic Peoples Party (DPP), Mr. Pius Ewherido, said that Ibru’s death was a huge loss to the Urhobo nation in particular and Nigeria in general.
In a condolence letter by Chevron which was signed by the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. O. A. Odumabo, the company said the death of Ibru was a significant loss to the nation’s media industry and indeed the country because he made a truly outstanding contribution to press freedom and democracy and had continued to live up to the inspiring motto of The Guardian, “Conscience Nurtured by Truth.”
In another letter of condolence from Globacom by the Group Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Mohamed Jameel, the company described the late Ibru as not just a successful businessman and celebrated publisher but an extremely distinguished nationalist, philanthropist with uncommon humility.
“His high sense of discipline and entrepreneurial acumen gave birth to the journalistic legacy he has bequeathed the country. I am pleased to note that the imprimatur he gave to the editorial team of The Guardian ensured that the stable has remained the flagship publication in the country,” Jameel said.
Also, the Africa Network of Peace and Justice (ANPeJ) said he was an icon and mentor who was ahead of his time.
In a letter, President/Lead Consultant of ANPeJ, Dr. Nick Idoko, said: “As we commiserate with all of you professionals at The Guardian, including Mr. Ibru’s immediate family members, we remind you that everyone dies but not all live their lives for history. Mr Ibru lived for history and history will be very kind to him.”
Author of this article: From Collins Olayinka, Abosede Musari , Karls Tsokar ( Abuja), Seye Olumide , Tunde Akinola, Joe Adiorho and Gbenga Salau (Lagos)
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