Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar, describes the demise of Olorogun Michael Ibru as painful and a great loss not only to the family but to the entire Urhobo nation, Delta State, Niger Delta region, the business community and the entire nation.
In a statement issued in Abuja Thursday, 9 September, 2016 by his Media Office, the former Vice President says Nigeria lost a very disciplined, honest, patriotic and incorruptible statesman who promoted the culture of integrity and moral uprightness in business, private and public life
“Olorogun Michael Ibru was a rare breed who was in every way an enigma whose life and person is difficult to describe in one breath as he was one of the few that actually defined the veritable Nigerian entrepreneurial spirit. His contributions to the growth of commerce and industry in Nigeria remain indelible,” Atiku says.
The Turaki Adamawa says the late Ibru was an epitome of integrity and a trail blazer in business who founded the famous Ibru Organisation in 1956 that grew into a conglomerate with interests in shipping, agriculture, aviation, banking, brewery as well as oil and gas.
According to Atiku, late Olorogun Michael Ibru was a leading indigenous entrepreneur who pioneered the strong belief that indigenous entrepreneurs can also excel and compete with foreign partners adding that he competed with foreign entrepreneurs and distinguished himself as a businessman.
“Olorogun Michael Ibru was an outstanding businessman with a good heart, a philanthropist, grassroots organiser and community leader who gained the respect, trust and love of the people.”
Commiserating with the family, Atiku says though Chief Ibru will be sorely missed by all and sundry whose lives he affected in many several ways, he urges the family and the entire people of Delta state who mourn the demise to take solace in the fact that his was a life of great accomplishments and indelible footprints in the sands of time.
He also urges members of his family to stand strong and united as they mourn their father because he lived a worthy and fulfilled life.
