SINCE the pronouncement of his death, several categories of Nigerians had made comments about what the publisher of The Guardian newspaper, Alex Ibru, means and stands for, especially with the setting up of the paper often referred to as the flagship of Nigerian journalism.Over the years, the newspaper, which started with a humble beginning but with a vision of attaining a global brand, has risen to be one of the best in Africa, if not the very best.With the death of the initiator of the project and considering that the publication is a reference point in the media industry, some top marketing communications experts have expressed their shock of the passing of Alex Ibru and the vacuum he has left behind in Nigeria's media landscape.Aremo Taiwo Alimi (former Director-General, Voice of Nigeria): Alex, yours was a fulfilled life. You promoted an enduring synergy between print and electronic media and you insisted that The Guardian must devote space to quality broadcasting and preservation of our values, culture and tradition. Your support through The Guardian to LTV/LWT between 1980 to 1985 was a survival pillar. It is not how much many do not know about Alex as how wrong they are in what they think they know about Alex. Till we meet again.Raymond Dokpesi (Chairman, Daar Communication): We as a nation have lost a quintessential gentleman, a patriot, a fighter for the freedom and conscience of the nation. Chief Ibru gave the private media industry in Nigeria the leadership in representing and defending truth in the face of all adversities. He demonstrated the fact that no sacrifice and drive is too high to be paid to defend the people of this country. May his soul rest in peace!Alhaji Lateef Jakande (former Managing Director, Daily Times): A tragic loss. May Alex rest in perfect peace!Nduka Obaigbena (Publisher, ThisDay): A great bird has flown. Rest in peace!Aremo Segun Osoba (former Managing Director , Daily Times): Alex, Alex, your other name is fortitude. With fortitude you confronted assassins; with fortitude you faced threat of death with courage; with fortitude, you bore the pains and agony of your last days with fearlessness. To all around you including my wife, Beere Aderinsola and children, you left a lesson until your last breath in courage in adversity and will power. Rest, rest and rest forever!Kenny Ogungbe (CEO, Kenny's Music): The entire human race lost a giant agent of change. As a broadcast journalist, I will remember the total change you brought about in journalism via print. May God grant you eternal rest!Tony Onyima (MD, The Sun newspaper): The media and Nigeria has lost a gentleman and philanthropist. He was a very good boss and manager of men. May God accept his soul!Kabir Yusuf (Publisher, Daily Trust): We have lost a pioneer in the profession. May God strengthen his family!Dare Babarinsa: He changed the media and through that change how Nigerians view themselves. May his soul rest in peace!
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