ASABA- It was indeed an epoch making event Tuesday at the country home of Ibru family, Agbarha-Otor as over 500 people gathered at the university to celebrate the late Iconic Olorogun Dr. Michael Ibru.
The event, which took place at a popular place called ‘The Pillars’ at the country home of the Ibru family, had in attendance, Olorogun Goodie Ibru (late Michael Ibru elder brother), the children of Michael Ibru, Osio, Tejiro, Mamemo, Oboden Ibru and other family members, a former member of parliament in Ghana and Minister of Information, Hon. Fritz Baffour, friends and well-wishers from all walks of life.
Speaking at the unveiling of the statue of late Olorogun Dr. Michael Ibru, the Co-Founder and President of MCIU, Dr. Cecilia Ibru, noted that her late husband’s humility, Olorogun Ibru was deserving, taking a Biblical injunction to explain the rationale behind his humility in 1Peter 5 vs 5 which says ” The Lord resist the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
She noted that her husband was a visionary leader who established the Ibru organization of which Olorogun F. Ibru, worked closely with him (Olorogun Michael) as his Personal Assistant, pointing that the Ibru organization came to fruition under this partnership.
She said ” It is under this partnership that the Ibru organization, Ibru Sea Foods, Oceanic Bank Group, Osadebe Fishing Company, River Estate, Apapa Trawlers, The Guardian Press, Aero Contractors, Ikeja Hotel, Ibafor Sports Complex, Ibru Merchandise, Super-bru and many others.
” He was a very diligent man who took whatever he wanted and pursued it diligently. He was an Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, OFR, the Otota of Agbarha kingdoms, a philanthropist and a host of many other achievements during his lifetime.
While recalling with nostalgia her husbands selfless service to humanity, the president said : ” I could remember vividly in London at one time; how my husband gave out the last money we have in house to a person in need and how my daughter came calling, saying, ‘ Mummy do you know that daddy has given out our last money in the house, and I asked her what did daddy tell you when you asked why he did that and she said my husband (her father) told her not to worry because more will come’.”
She averred that to their greatest surprise within the week of that extension of generosity which she noted knew no bounds, they received thousands of dollars from different quarters, even as she called on all to give generously to those in need, saying with utmost conviction, ” It is in giving that we receive”.
In a brief remark, Prof. Anthony Akila, while welcoming guests at the occasion, noted that the erection and unveiling of the statute of Olorogun Michael Ibru, was a clear indication that the late Icon did so much for humanity and as such deserved to be immortalized.
On his part, Prof. Policarp Chigbu, who spoke glowingly of the late Ibru, stated: ” We are gathered here today to commentate a distinguished Nigerian who has made a lot of impact in Nigeria and the world at large.
” We thank God for the enablement granted Olorogun Michael Ibru, while he lived on earth and we all know that he did so many good things too numerous to recount. It is our humble prayer that God would accept his soul. Amen.”
While commending Cecilia Ibru for keeping the ideals and legacies of her husband, Policarp prayed that God would continue to give her the strength and courage to ensure sustainability of her late husband’s legacies.
The high point of the event was the unveiling of the statue and prayers over the statue by Bishop Cyril Oduteme, musical rendition by Urhobo Women, cultural display amongst other side attractions.
