Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, the Chairman, Publisher and the Chief Executive Officer of the Guardian Newspapers, Nigeria’s leading independent newspaper organization, has won the coveted Africa Travel 100 Award which recognises exceptional women in the travel and tourism sector.
Lady Maiden Alex Ibru (nee Thomopulos) was born November 20th 1949. She is a Public Affairs and Communication Consultant, Media Executive and Newspaper Proprietor.
She attended the first private boarding school, Children’s Home School Molete in Ibadan between 1958-1961 and gained admission to Queen’s School Ede, a Federal government college in 1962-1966. She proceeded to St. Teresa’s College Ibadan for her ‘A’ levels in 1967-1968 and gained admission to the Premier University of Ibadan in September 1969 and graduated in June 1972 (combined Honours, English and Theatre Studies). She holds a Master’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from the American University in Washington DC (1974).
Her role in The Guardian an independent newspaper, established for the purpose of presenting balanced coverage of events, and of promoting the best interests of Nigeria is to ensure that it owes no allegiance to no political party, ethnic community, religious or other interest group. Its primary commitment is of the integrity and sovereignty of Africa.
The Guardian is a liberal newspaper, committed to the best tradition and ideals of Republican democracy, socio-economic rights, and the principle of individual freedom, respect for human rights; equity and justice in the society.
The Guardian believes that Nigeria is a legitimate member of the international community but holds that she can best fulfil her international obligations only if her own security and integrity are assured. It is the duty of the state to ensure that less privileged citizens have reasonable and fair access to the basic necessities of life.
Lady Maiden Alex Ibru’s Chief task involves the translation of this corporate philosophy into real, measurable outcomes through the various company’s titles, helping to strengthen the newspaper in the face of attacks on its independence by military establishment. Our insistence on democratization brought the newspaper into direct conflict with the military and the newspaper was shut down twice. The Guardian continues to win recognition and public acclaim for its principles of defence of Nigeria’s democratic process, and its opposition to all forms of tyranny.
Since 1999 when she became the Chief Executive Officer the policy formulation function has entailed mobilizing the staff and providing Leadership in the direction of monitoring Nigeria’s democratic process. In the face of threats to Nigeria’s democracy, strong Leadership is required in strengthening the resolve of an independent paper.
Guardian Newspapers Limited deals with editorial functions whilst Guardian Services Limited provides support services for the newspaper company. Lady Maiden Ibru oversees both the editorial and business operations to ensure a smooth running of the organization. Our policy concerns in this regard include responsible corporate citizenship, quality assurance, staff welfare, and value creation processes.
She is a Director of several companies and Foundations but the one closest to her heart is Trinity Foundation founded by her late husband Dr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru (honorari causa). It is a philanthropic organization set up to provide financial and infrastructural support for institutions in civil society which promote democratic principles, the objectives of an open society, the common good and the equality of persons. The foundation has built and donated to the Anglican Church, an Ecumenical Centre in Agbarha-Otor, his home town in Delta State, Nigeria.
In 2007 the Greek Parliament conferred on Lady Maiden Alex Ibru the “Golden Cross of Welfare”, and in 2012 the Orthodox Pope of Alexandria, Egypt and Africa conferred the Ladyship title of “The Cross of St. Mark” on Lady Maiden Alex Ibru.
In 2014 she was given an award SP (FRN) Special Philanthropee of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, by CECP-(Nig) Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy.
Lady Maiden Alex Ibru received an award from Manchester University in recognition of her distinguished service to the society. In September 2014 she got a National award MFR (Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria), from the President of Nigeria and Commander of the Armed Forces, President Ebele Jonathan Goodluck (GCFR).
She is interested in sports, reading, debates, watching movies, dancing etc. and socialising with people from all walks of life. She is a member of several clubs like Lagos Motor Club, Ikoyi Club, Musical Society of Nigeria (Muson) to mention a few.
She is the widow of Dr. Alexander Uruemu Ibru (honorari causa) and has five children and several grandchildren.
