Why I Refused To Sell Independent Newspaper-Ibori

Former Governor of Delta State, and Publisher of the Independent newspaper, Chief James Ibori has explained why he refused to sell the premises hosting his newspaper company in Lagos.
Ibori, who addressed hos workers during the annual thanksgiving service organised by the Christian fellowship of the organisation recently said a politician brought a young man who indicated interest in the property.
“I asked the man how I may help him and he said it is about my property at Ogba and I told him it is not for sale,” Ibori relayed. The former Governor continued that, “I said to him I don’t know the actual number of staff that works there but nationwide I know it is about 100 or more, that is what gives me joy. If you buy the place and I chase everyone working there to the streets, would you be able to sleep at night?”
The Publisher however assured the workforce that the newspaper is one thing that gives him joy and he cannot afford to throw them into the streets because of money.
“What gives me joy is not how well or not well the company is doing. What gives me joy is the opportunity for people working here to feed their families,” he said.
Commending the efforts of the organisers of the event, he stated further that, “It is good that many of you here believe in the power of prayer. I got the wind of this event and I committed myself to attending. Coming here and seeing this elaborate event I thank God for you all.”
“I recognise this is a special gathering for God and I believe every one of you believe in the power of God. I myself I am a testimony of what God can do. Never underrate anybody because being a creature of God the person might be your helper tomorrow.
“I thank you all for your prayer for the survival of this entity called the Independent Newspapers Limited. This is a new day, the business model for business has changed and we need to change as well,” he said.
Ministering at the event tagged ‘He Has Done Great Things,’ Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos chapter, Rev. Alexander Bamgbola asked the workers to renew their dedication to God.
Reading from Psalms 127:1, he noted that except the Lord builds the house those that build labour in vain. He also read from Hebrews 3:4 and said every house is built by men but God is the builder of all things.
Bamgbola, a former Vice President of the world’s sixth largest bank stationed in the United States of America also said “Life is turn by turn. Where is the Drum magazine of the 60s and the rest? Where are the papers of the 80s, the Concord and others? Life is turn by turn, let us stand out and allow God to build our lives.”
He added that, “The press is under attack everywhere in the world and it is the savior of democracy, therefore let us do our work as unto the Lord.”
In his own comment, Managing Director of the Independent newspaper, Mr. Ade Ogidan, the event was divinely organized. “Actually I would say that this program has been providentially scripted. I say this because the organisers might not be aware of the importance of today in the sense that the Lord has decided to deliver us from all the challenges.
“I can say that the company has come through various tribulations and I am happy to note that during our difficult time, God provided a shoulder for us to lean on and it is exemplified by the robust support from our Publisher. He is a great man of understanding and God will see that our publisher reaps the fruits of his labour. I will prefer that the company continues to move on than to throw people in the labour market.”