NewsDirect Publisher, Ibiyemi, Gets Posthumous Award

An oil and gas services company, Solewant Group, is set to confer a posthumous award on NewsDirect Media Group’s Founding Publisher, Dr Samuel Ibiyemi, for his contribution to developmental journalism in the oil and gas sector.

Dr Ibiyemi, a former editor at the Nigerian Tribune and defunct Financial Standard, founded the Nigerian NewsDirect newspaper in 2010. A well-respected energy economist, media entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Ibiyemi made his mark in the oil and gas industry, distinguishing himself by churning out quality reports for the industry.

His expertise and commitment to development earned him membership in various committees and organisations, such as the Nigeria Gas Association (NGA) and the technical drafting committee of the PIB (now PIA 2020).

In a letter addressed to the family, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Solewant Group, Mr Solomon Ewanehi, noted that the company has deemed it worthy of the Late Ibiyemi to be recognised for his invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

“The Late Ibiyemi is sorely missed. He was a champion of local content and supported many companies like ours when little or nobody was paying attention to us.”

The NewsDirect Founding Publisher will be honoured at the Annual Energy Summit hosted by Solewant Group on November 29, 2024, at the company’s Industrial park in Port Harcourt.

Themed “Pioneering Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development in Africa,” the event is expected to draw a diverse audience, including key figures from the Presidency, National Assembly members, cabinet ministers, petroleum ministers, and representatives from global and African energy companies.