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– Former president Jonathan, ex-Vice president Atiku and former governor Uzor-Kalu, react to the death of Olorogun Michael Ibru


– Jonathan describes Ibru as a successful businessman who blazed the trail for significant local entrepreneurship


– Atiku says late Ibru was a rare breed, while Kalu says the business genius contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria


Former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, former Vice president Atiku Abubakar and eminent industrialist and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Kalu, yesterday, September 8, expressed their sadness over the death of Olorogun Michael Ibru.


The trio paid tributes to the late Ibru, who passed on this week at the age of 85.


Olorogun Michael Ibru dies at 86

Olorogun Michael Ibru dies at 86


While Jonathan described him as a successful businessman who blazed the trail for significant local entrepreneurship, Atiku said late Ibru was a rare breed who pioneered the strong belief that indigenous entrepreneurs can also excel and compete with foreign partners.


READ ALSO: President Buhari mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru


Jonathan mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru

Jonathan mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru


On his part, Kalu said Ibru contributed immensely to the social, economic and political development of Nigeria, The Sun reports.


He said that the late entrepreneur impacted lives positively through his vast business empire.


In a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Prince Kunle Oyewumi, Kalu said: “He was a source of inspiration not only to his peers but also the younger generation who looked up to him in their business pursuits


“Despite his accomplishments in life, he never looked down on anyone regardless of age, social and economic differences. Olorogun Ibru’s memories will linger forever in the minds of Nigerians as he was well-known for his humanitarian gestures. We will surely miss him.”


READ ALSO: Army set to deploy 10,000 soldiers in Niger Delta



Kalu urged Delta state government to immortalise the late elder statesman by naming a landmark project in his name, as he commiserated with the Urhobo nation.


The former governor tasked the Ibru family to uphold the exemplary qualities of their late patriarch, adding that the late business icon will be remembered for creating job opportunities and wealth for the people.


Orji Uzor kalu mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru

Orji Uzor kalu mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru


He prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and also give his family the fortitude to bear the sad loss.


In his tribute, Jonathan said Ibru led an exemplary life of humility, despite his vast resources.


He said: “He was a model entrepreneur who grew a local enterprise into a conglomerate that became the envy of even the multinationals. In the areas where he operated, be it fishing, construction or transportation, he blazed a trail in organizational and corporate leadership. His renowned acumen in business management has become an indispensable guide to serious minded entrepreneurs. He was also a cultural icon and historic figure who not only passionately embraced the custom and traditions of his people, but also committed so much towards ensuring the ascendancy of the Urhobo rich cultural heritage.” 


Atiku Abubakar mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru

Atiku Abubakar mourns Olorogun Michael Ibru


In a statement by his Media Office, Atiku said: “Ibru was a leading indigenous entrepreneur who pioneered the strong belief that indigenous entrepreneurs can also excel and compete with foreign partners.”


He added that he competed with foreign entrepreneurs and distinguished himself as a businessman.


Business genius and the patriarch of the Ibru dynasty, Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirevbe Ibru, died at the age of 85 on Tuesday, September 6.


His death came as a surprise because he had fully recovered from his sickness. Indeed, he was expected home from the United States. His wife Cecilia broke the news: “He died early this morning in Maryland, United States of America. He had been sick for sometime. And just when we thought he was recovering, he died.”


She told The Guardian at their Queens Drive home, Ikoyi, that though it was a long time she saw her husband physically, “we always communicated on Skype. He was looking much better and I was expecting his return.


“To hear that he passed on was a shocker to me. He was a great man. For him to have passed on now, we believe it is God’s time. He is a genius of our time. He was a pioneer in so many fields. That is why he was known as ‘Fisherman of Nigeria.’ He knew fish was so needed and he made it available to the ordinary man. He was the pioneer for 20 years in the fishing business before it got crowded by unscrupulous people.”





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