By FESTUS AHON

THE remains of Dr Alex Uruemu Ibru, publisher of the Guardian Newspapers and one-time minister of internal affairs, were, yesterday, committed to mother earth at the Ibru Ecumenical Centre amidst tears, wailing, eulogies and  tributes.

The body was lowered into the tomb the deceased himself prepared at the Chapelry of the Ibru Centre at 2:10 p.m.  Before then, the body, which lay in state at 8:30a.m. at the centre, was driven to the All Saints Cathedral Church, Ughelli in a black Mercedez Benz wagon ML 400 marked “Alex Ibru” for a funeral service at 11:15 a.m.

Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Revd Nicholas Okoh, in a sermon at the funeral service, entitled, “Dr Alex Ibru, a servant-leader”, said the value of life was in its application in things they do, describing the deceased as an inspirational leader.

Okoh insisted that death was a common denominator to all; “both the rich and the poor”, adding that the world was a passing phase. He held that “whenever death strikes, it gives us all the opportunity to evaluate our relationship with God.”

According to him, death was a gateway in the life of Jesus Christ.  “Death is a gateway to eternity with God.” Saying that it was important to take a decision in life, he told the church audience to be prepared to meet with their God.

The cleric quoted Ibru as describing himself as God’s treasurer, in one of his meetings with bishops and insisted that “whatever we have is a gift from God.” Okoh said the Ibru Centre, sponsored by the deceased, was promoting spirituality as envisioned by him.

The Anglican primate, in the emotionally laden sermon, said Ibru’s kind of leadership was the one needed at all levels of governance in the country, disclosing that the deceased reached out to the society through his NGO, the Trinity Foundation, SHE. He explained that SHE stands for spirituality, health and education.

While urging the people to pray for the survival of the things Ibru left behind, he said the deceased left a legacy of good leadership for the family and Nigerians.

From left; Tive Ibru, Maiden Ibru and Toke Ibru at the burial service of Late Dr Alex Ibru in Delta State.

Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan, in his remarks at the funeral service, expressed condolence to the Ibru family on behalf of the state Government and people of the state.

He prayed God to look after the people Ibru left behind. Uduaghan noted the name of the Ibrus was synonymous with fish, hotels, newspapers, among other businesses.

The governor held that the deceased was a successful businessman, adding that he was   a great man.  He maintained that Ibru was a good man, noting that it was painful he died at 66.

Fielding questions from newsmen, prominent Nigerians including former governor of Edo State, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun; industry captain, Mr Gamaliel Onosode; Senator Pius Ewherido, Senator James Manager; Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo; Dr Akpo Mudiaga-Odje; Chief Fred Majemite; Mr Sunny Onosueke and nephew, Olorogun Oscar Ibru, described his death as a colossal loss to the nation.

To Odigie-Oyegun, the deceased’s death was a colossal loss, because Ibru was a man of excellence.

He urged Nigerians to emulate the things that marked Ibru out as a great Nigerian. Onosode said Ibru was an extra-ordinary person in terms of humility and commitment to the things he believed in.

Onosede said the late publisher impacted on the society with his work and general lifestyle and urged the Urhobo people to uphold his great works for productive unity of the people.

Ewherido said the death of Ibru was a big blow to the Urhobo nation, describing him as a trail blazer in the media industry and a great industrialist.

Manager said it was sad that a great personality died at 66, lamenting that it was a great loss to Deltans and Nigerians as a whole. Aguariavwodo prayed God to help the immediate family in its moment of grief.

Mudiaga-Odje said Ibru’s death was a colossal loss to the Urhobo nation, pointing out that as minister, he did not collect salary from the Federal Government.

Majemite and Onosueke told the Urhobo nation to give a posthumous award to Ibru.  Oscar Ibru  thanked all those who graced the burial ceremony.

He said his uncle  lived well and loved God