Lady Maiden Alex Ibru is the Chairman, Publisher and the Chief Executive Officer of the Guardian Newspapers. She is a Public Affairs and Communication Consultant, Media Executive and Newspaper Proprietor.

Lady Maiden Alex Ibru graduated from the Premier University of Ibadan in 1972 and holds a Master’s degree in Communications and Media Studies from the American University of 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 any 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 fulfill 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 companies’ 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.

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 Ibru (honarari 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 howntown 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.

Lady Ibru is very passionate about education and has privately financed scholarships for brilliant but indigent students in both secondary and tertiary institutions. She is a quiet philanthropist.

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).