Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over the death of the patriarch of the Ibru Dynasty, Olorogun Michael Christopher Onajirevbe Ibru, at the age of 85 years.
Saraki in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja, described the late Ibru as a colossus and trailblazer, who impacted humanity tremendously and positively.
He said: “Olorogun Ibru, as he was fondly called, was a pioneer of great repute who contributed immensely in entrenching private entrepreneurship and business development in Nigeria.
“Simply put, he was a trailblazer in the art of running successful business and transforming local concerns into internal brands. He started small, grew great and became an undisputed reference point in the nation’s business firmament and beyond.
“He was a businessman, philanthropist, educationist and community leader whose unassuming and humble lifestyle often belied his immense achievement, great wisdom and uncommon managerial acumen. He practically transformed Agbarha-Otor, his hometown with several development projects.
“I can say that he is one of the phenomenal personalities in our time who successfully immortalized themselves before bidding goodbye to this plane of existence. His likes are rare. He shall be sorely missed,” he lamented.
Saraki further commiserated with the Ibru family, the people and Government of Delta State and all Nigerians over the sad and irreparable loss.
He urged the immediate family of the deceased and those that love him to take solace in the fact that the “Fisherman of Nigeria” spent his life meritoriously in the service of God and humanity. He prayed God to grant the soul of the late patriarch eternal life.
