NO single write-up can adequately capture the life and times of Alexander Uruemu Ibru, former Minister of Internal Affairs, founder and publisher of this newspaper, and a first class entrepreneur. This much is being attested to by Nigerians who in droves, have been commiserating with his family since Sunday, November 20, 2011 when he passed on. His death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill in his family, business circle and Nigeria as a whole,Alex Ibru, who gave up the struggle for life at age 66, was many things to many people. But all are united in the judgment that he was humble, principled, hardworking and God-fearing. The combination of these factors, along with a quantum of divine favour made him a most successful businessman who brought decency and decorum into his endeavours. It was hardly surprising that he had become a millionaire at age 27, and had established a myth upon himself as an astute businessman.The divine touch on Alex Ibru reflected on his refusal to let his achievement and wealth get into his head. Imbued with extraordinary maturity at every level of his life, he spent more time worrying about the purpose of his creation and blessing; and how he could best fulfill this. He surrounded himself with men and women much older, and experienced than himself, and blended easily with them.In pursuit of spiritual fulfillment, he expended huge resources ' financial and material ' in ecumenism, theological research and in helping his friends and associates. In the process, he met and touched positively, the lives of many Nigerians in all spheres of life.Perhaps the greatest impact he made on humanity is through the establishment of The Guardian, as a newspaper of record and as a formidable instrument to promote the virtues of freedom and democracy ' ideals with which the individual and the society can achieve optimum development. Perhaps more than any other publisher in these parts, Alex Ibru gave unfettered freedom to journalists to practise their profession, a fact that undoubtedly endeared the paper to a good proportion of Nigerians and the international community.Alex Ibru was born on March 1, 1945 into the famous family of Chief Epete Ibru of Agbarha-Otor in today's Delta State; consisting of five brothers and two sisters. For decades, the Ibru family has been synonymous with many successful businesses in the country, largely on account of the resilience and enterprise of the brothers. Alex Ibru, though the youngest of the brothers, kept up the tradition of excellence and even surpassed it in many respects.He attended Yaba Methodist Primary School (1951-1957), Ibadan Grammar School (1958-1960), Igbobi College Yaba (1960-1963) and the University of Trent, Formerly Trent Polytechnic (1967-1970) graduating in Business Economics. He worked briefly in the family business under the tutelage of his mentor and elder brother and patriarch, Olorogun Michael Ibru. Alex Ibru then launched out on his own, becoming 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. Essentially, 'The Guardian is an independent newspaper, established for the purpose of presenting balanced coverage of events and promoting the best interests of Nigeria. It owes allegiance to no political party, ethnic community, religious or other interest group. Its primary commitment is to the integrity and sovereignty of the federation of Nigerians, and beyond that, to the unity and sovereignty of Africa.' The newspaper established itself and became the flagship of the Nigerian press.To further his philanthropic disposition, Alex Ibru set up Trinity Foundation and, as chairman, used it as a vehicle to give support to the poor. He also founded the Ibru Centre, to promote ecumenism and religious harmony.As Minister of Internal Affairs and member of the highest government authority at the time - the Provisional Ruling Council (1993-1995) ' he introduced far-reaching reforms in the management of Nigeria's prison and immigration services. Rather than collect salary as minister, Alex Ibru directed that the money be used to augment the feeding and care of prisoners.He voluntarily disengaged from the Gen. Sani Abacha government, after which he was attacked by gunmen, and nearly assassinated, but for providence. In the process, he lost an eye and two fingers. He spent months in hospitals in the United States and Britain. The incident only propelled him to greater humanity ' enhancing activities, as he declared publicly that he had forgiven his assailants, whoever they were. He expressed no interest in the trial of his alleged assailants who were discharged for want of diligent prosecution.The fact that he mixed with much older friends is a statement on his broad frame of mind and forward-looking psyche. And his kindness showed from the fact that he brought people into a business in which he was already established. He always showed concern for his friends in distress and never relaxed until they got succour. He was a natural giver who did not expect anything in return.Alex Ibru trusted his employees in The Guardian and gave them free hand. The burden of trust on the staffers propelled them to pursue excellence; but in real terms, Alex Ibru had himself prepared the vision of the newspaper. It was clear that he had a passion for the newspaper, much beyond what he had for any of his other businesses. He kept reminding the staffers that the newspaper was an institution, the voice of the people that should be made to survive, no matter the situation.In a subtle manner, Alex Ibru was an activist of sort. He formed the Association of Mineral Oil States (AMOS) as a pressure group for the Gen. Ibrahim Babangida-led government at the time, to bring positive change to the Niger Delta region. The association became the precursor of OMPADEC that has now metamorphosed into NDDC. Also, he supported the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) materially and otherwise, again to protect the rights and freedom of the ordinary Nigerian who otherwise had no means to protect himself.Alex Ibru had an uncanny strength of character to withstand psychologically inflicted pain, such as when The Guardian was proscribed for about a year; or when arsonists attempted to set the company on fire. In all adversity, he remained steadfast and never showed anger against the person(s) perceived to be behind it.Alex Ibru's lifestyle was an epitome of simplicity, in dressing, speaking and in deeds. He brought grace, simplicity and humility to business, life and philanthropy. He built great institutions and allowed men to fulfill themselves and become great in the exercise of their talents. And he deserves to be commended to Nigerians, particularly the leaders, on how to build institutions.
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