Okowa Mourns Ibru

By Dipo Olowookere

Delta State Governor, Mr Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed sadness and immense feeling of great national loss over the death of Olorogun Michael Christopher Ibru, patriarch of Ibru dynasty and Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneur on Tuesday at the age of 86.

In a statement issued in Asaba on Tuesday, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, the Governor described the deceased as one of Nigeria’s foremost industrialists.

He said late Ibru was an epitome of integrity in business who founded the famous Ibru Organization in 1956, recalling how the Ibru Organization has grown into a multi-billion-dollar conglomerate with interests in shipping, agriculture, aviation, banking, brewery as well as oil and gas.

“On behalf of my family, the Government and people of Delta State, I extend my sincere condolences to the entire Ibru dynasty of Agbarha-Otor, the Urhobo nation and Nigerians on the passage of the beloved, urbane, cerebral and quintessential businessman and industrialist whose contributions to the growth of commerce and industry in Nigeria remains indelible.

“Olorogun Michael Ibru was an accomplished businessman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community leader who built the Ibru dynasty to command the respect, trust and love of the entire country,” the statement read in part.

The Governor further added, “because of the successes recorded by the Ibru Orgainzation in many areas, many Nigerians were encouraged to delve into several business interests which no doubt has contributed immensely to the growth of commerce in industry in Nigeria.  As a state, we also recall with immense gratitude the role played by the late Olorogun Michael Ibru in the creation of our beloved Delta State. The Urhobo Nation and indeed Deltans have lost a great man who was indeed a pride to Deltans. ”

“I therefore urge all who mourn the demise of Olorogun Michael Ibru to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments in which we give thanks to the Almighty God for the indelible footprints of his achievements in the sands of time.

“We join the family in mourning the great industrialist who will be long remembered and celebrated for his worthy contribution to the growth and development of his fatherland in several areas,” Mr Okowa said.