The family of the late publisher of NewsDirect Samuel Ibiyemi has confirmed his death at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo.
His wife and children described him in a statement made available to Qed.ng on Wednesday as a great Ife prince who was humility personified.
“With deep sorrow in our hearts and total submission to the will of God, we announce the death, of our father, uncle and Publisher of Nigerian NewsDirect, Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi, which sad event occurred on July 4, 2023 at Babcock University Teaching Hospital, Ilisan-Remo after a brief illness. He was aged 56,” the statement said.
“We had thought that a beautiful and loving soul that the great Ife Prince was would be with us for a long while, but it has pleased the Almighty God, the unquestionable one to take him home for a deserved rest.
“Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, was a thoroughbred journalist, a servant of God and had even started out in life as a soldier with Nigerian Air Force before veering into journalism.
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“He established Nigerian NewsDirect about 13 years ago and the paper has continued to be one of the leading newspapers in the country contributing to the expansion of the socio-economic development of the nation.
“Aside being a loving father and very caring boss to his staff and younger colleagues, Dr Ibiyemi was humility personified and a cheerful giver.
“He was no doubt a colossus of some sort who bestrode the media world during his lifetime.”
The family added that Ibiyemi planted Great Grace Apostolic Church, Gasline, Sango-Ota about four years ago and was the presiding minister until his death.
