Olorogun Michael Ibru who died at 85
on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, was unarguably one of the most successful
Nigerian entrepreneurs of his generation. His footsteps are visible in many
areas of the country’s economy. Starting from the age of 26 when he quit paid
employment and went into private business, he became a pioneer who made the
Ibru family successful in the ventures they entered into. What was outstanding
in Michael Ibru’s business strides was the boldness with which he ventured into
uncharted sectors that placed him at great advantage with his competitors.
Besides the fishing business which he dominated in the years following
Nigeria’s independence with the signature, Ibru Fish, Michael Ibru was able to
build a series of businesses that eventually grew into what became known as the
Ibru Organisation. Olorogun Michael Ibru Olorogun Michael Ibru For the
challenges he faced and the strides he made, it is notable that the late Ibru
was rarely mentioned in squalid stories or squabbles that became the lot of
many others faced with the kind of challenges that came his way. This culture
of sound business ethics undoubtedly played a major role in positioning him and
the siblings he groomed as good contacts for several foreign investors who
sought out the Ibru’s as business partners. Michael Ibru also set a good
example for many Nigerians in the way he mentored his siblings and children. As
the eldest of the seven children of his parents, he became a role model,
encourager, and facilitator to his younger brothers, all of whom rose to become
icons in their different spheres of business activities. It is perhaps to his
credit that the Ibru name spread to several areas of endeavour. In fishing,
hospitality, tourism, aviation, publishing, automobile distribution, banking
and even to the spiritual matters of enriching the souls the Ibru name, indeed,
became a flagship. This was because one man made the sacrifices and focused
with great discipline and self effacement, the nurturing of a family business
conglomerate that is unique not just in Nigeria but the African continent. This
culture of family solidarity as demonstrated by Michael Ibru is worthy of
emulation for other entrepreneurs. We need strong family values. Michael Ibru’s
ability to create and nurture the Ibru brand towers above the usual fare of
family infighting and struggles to grab wealth built by deceased family
members. It is even more outstanding in this era of total breakdown of family
values due to increasing poverty, whereby children murder their parents and
parents sell their children, sometimes for peanuts. We celebrate Ibru, not
because of his wealth, but for his exemplary leadership qualities and wealth as
well as personal conduct, which we recommend to Nigerians.We wish him eternal
rest in the Lord.
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