He promoted independence ' Adesina

As Nigerians continue to mourn the late businessman and The Guardian publisher, Chief Alex Ibru, the Editor of the newspaper, Mr. Debo Adesina, bares his mind on the deceased in an interview with KUNLE FALAYI.How would you describe Chief Alex Ibru'He was a publisher who left a legacy of independence in the company. I owe my position as the editor of The Guardian to the merit-driven disposition of Chief Alex Ibru. We are extremely sad because we have lost a publisher like no other. He was a man who allowed journalists to do their jobs as professionals. In fact, that is one of the trade secrets of The Guardian. Although he was a very successful man, he submitted himself to the wills of the professionals in all of his businesses.How did he impact on your career'I could write a book about that. I came to The Guardian at a very young age. I came straight from the university, did my youth service and joined the company. I have never worked anywhere else in my life. Less than four years after I joined The Guardian, I rose to become an editor. That is the extent to which merit and the culture of excellence was allowed by him. I was made the editor of African Guardian at the age of 27 and editor of The Guardian at the age of 33 and the deputy editor-in-chief afterwards. He did not know me from anywhere; all he knew was my work. Ibru was that kind of person. He was always about merit.How was your personal relationship with him'Chief Ibru treated me like a son. He handled me with a fatherly disposition that one could wish for from ones father. He was a father-figure to every other employee who was young enough to be his children. He had a large spirit and loved everybody.What would be the impact of his death on the newspaper'We are extremely sad about our publishers demise. We miss our publisher and chairman very much. Emotionally, we are disturbed, but it would not stand in the way of the companys advancement.As far as the job is concerned, the greatest tribute we can pay him is for us to take The Guardian to a much higher level than he left it; and that is exactly what we would do. He has already taught us the values that would keep the company going. Because of the words he spoke to us and the kindness he showed us, the company he left behind would continue to grow from strength to strength.
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