It was sombre, yet colourful and inspiring, as family, friends and well-wishers gathered in Lagos yesterday at the Evening of Tributes in honour of the late Dr Alexander Aristotelis Thomopulos.

Thomopulos, who recently passed on at 78, was a man of many parts to many who relished the fond memories he etched in their minds. Quite unanimous to all was his stern discipline and forthrightness that masked his kindness, humour, and humanitarian spirit.

The sonorous night of beautiful hymns, readings and moving tributes, held at the waterfront of the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Lagos, had in attendance dignitaries, among whom were members of the Alex-Ibru family, led by the Publisher of The Guardian Newspapers, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru; Mrs Philomena Awosika; Kate Eyitayo; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba and his wife, Beere; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Sam Amuka; Gen. Ike Nwachukwu; his wife, Mrs Gwen Nwachukwu; Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi; his wife, Folasadeand Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.

Others include: J.K. Randle; Mrs Ataba Ato-Joseph; Dr Eyimofe Atake; Mrs Dorothy Atake; Tosin Adefope; Dr Charles Hammond; Yeye Otunba Adetola Hassan; Funsho Taiwo; Mr and Mrs Chris Okeke; Temi Harriman; Mr Abi and Mrs Ete Ayida; Col. D. J. Binitie (Rtd) and Mrs Joyce Binitie; Archbishop Nicodemus (Dimitrios Totkas) and Dr Reuben Abati.

Thomopulos was a U.S.-trained technocrat and environmental scientist with a knack for fine detail, strategy, deep thinking, innovation, and philanthropy across various sectors, including science, policy, hospitality and media.

Before his foray to The Guardian in 2010, Thomopulos worked at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino in Victoria Island, Lagos. He had a six-year stint at The Rutam House headquarters of The Guardian Newspapers, where he combined administrative discipline and visionary leadership as the Chief Operating Officer. He helped reposition the newspaper in terms of content and commercial viability, and laid the foundation for its digital age.

Opening the floodgate of tributes, a next-door neighbour and childhood friend, Rodney Hecksher, described Thomopulos as a very gentle, quiet, discreet and private person. “He was more of a listener than a talker, very confident of himself.

“We grew up together in Sapele. Our parents knew each other. They are Greeks, we are Kelts, his father was Greek, married to Itsekiri, while my father was Irish, married to Urhobo. We were close. He lives next door to me and used to call me ‘buddy’. He enjoyed good jokes and would always laugh when I cracked a joke. He was a good man. Generous, helpful and would give philosophical advice where he couldn’t help,” he said.

In another eulogy, the immediate past Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Mr Martins Oloja, said the deceased was extolled for his authenticity.

Oloja described Thomopulos as an authentic person who was frank and sincere, though easily misunderstood. “I came to the head office in 2012, and I met Dr; Many people might not like his authenticity, frankness and sincerity in the discharge of his duties as an operating officer,” he said.

Oloja recalled instances of Thomopulos demonstrating administrative dexterity in turning difficult corners and salvaging potential crises. He described him as technically sound, patient, thorough and rarely given to emotions.

Thomopulos’ daughter, Shade Alexandra, expressed sadness at his passing, saying that their time together mattered deeply, thoughassured that he is resting in the most beautiful place.

Represented at the occasion by the Chief Executive Officer of The Guardian Newspapers, Mr Toke Alex-Ibru, Alexandra said: “Dear dad, it is too hard to believe you are gone, but it gives me peace knowing you are in the most beautiful place. I will hold on to what we shared and carry it with me always. May you rest peacefully,” she stated.

Giving the vote of thanks, his nephew, Mr Toke Alex-Ibru, appreciated everyone for coming to honour his uncle, saying he was truly a great man, and they all had a personal relationship with him, adding that he would be greatly missed.The service of songs had seven readings taken by Mr Martins Oloja, Anita Ibru, Mrs Uvie Peile, Mr Theo Caiafas, Mr Kofi Duncan, Mrs Oz Awani, and Professor Omatete.