The memory of the founder of The Guardian Newspaper, Dr. Alex Uruemu Ibru, was rekindled at the weekend as the Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Agbarha-Otor, Ughelli North Council, Delta State, which he established, and prominent Nigerians honored his memory and contributions to humanity and Nigeria
Special lectures, thanksgiving services, memorial intercessions, and awards ceremonies were held in honor of the memory and legacies of the business and media icon.
The week-long memorial activities began on Monday, November 20, with visits to some important personalities and birthday wishes to Lady Maiden Ibru, his wife.
On Wednesday, a special fasting and prayer session was held for the entire Ibru family, and a special hospital visitation and evangelism to the orphanage/hospital, picnic for youths and general sanitation on Thursday and Friday.
The main event, which held on Saturday and yesterday at the St. Peter’s Chapel, Ibru Centre, was attended by leaders of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, members of the academia, management and staff of Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (MCIU), traditional institutions and distinguished personalities from within and outside Delta State.
The leaders in attendance included the Archbishop of the Province of the Niger and Bishop Diocese of Awka, Most Rev Alexander Ibezim; Bishop, Diocese of Asaba, Rt Rev Kingsley Obuh; Bishop, Diocese of Sapele, Rt. Rev Blessing Erifeta; Ven Rex Kanu; His Royal Majesty, Richard Oghenewogaga Ebele Okorefe, the Ovie of Agbarha-Otor; and Ven Ernest Onuoha.
Others are Ven Aaron and Mrs. Florence Ajoku; Vice Chancellor, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Prof Ibiyinka Fuwape; Dr Promise Okagwam; Olorogun Joseph Ebasa; Chief Lawrence Onyeche; Divisional Police Officer, B Division Divisional Headquarters, Agbarha-Otor, T.N. Kolo, among others.
In his opening remarks, the Rector of Ibru International Ecumenical Centre, Ven Stephen Wolemonwu, said: “Alex Ibru believed in God, he believed in his fellow man, he believed in helping the poor, he believed in the Anglican Church, he believed in Agbarha-Otor, he believed in our nation, he believed in religious tolerance, in ecumenism and interfaith relationship, he believed not only in himself but in ‘us’ and in ‘we.’”
The guest lecturer, Ven. Ernest Onuoha, in his presentation, titled ‘The Marks in the Sands of Time: Creating Lasting Legacies in a Challenged World’ described the late Ibru as a visionary leader, saying: “He left marks in the sands of time. The story of the Ibru Centre is the story of the man, Dr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru, a rare gift to humanity.”
Guardian
