President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday evening extended his condolences to the family of Olorogun Michael Ibru, who passed away on Tuesday, aged 85.

A statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, read: “President Buhari equally commiserates with the Government and people of Delta State and the Urhobos in particular on the passage of their illustrious son and patriarch of the Ibru family.

“The President joins them in mourning an accomplished businessman whose edifying role in the corporate world and private sector in Nigeria would continue to inspire generations to come.

“President Buhari believes that Michael Ibru will be long remembered for his hard work and dedication to entrepreneurship, which opened doors of opportunities to many Nigerians and associates who came in contact with his investments in the banking, aviation, tourism and manufacturing sectors.

“The President urges members of his family and all who mourn Olorogun Ibru to honour his memory by constantly upholding the values of selfless-service, inter-ethnic harmony, knowledge and perseverance, which he passionately promoted through his successful career in the private sector.

The President prays that God Almighty will grant his soul eternal rest.”

Also, Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday expressed deep sadness over the death of Olorogun Michael Ibru.

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 immortalised themselves before bidding goodbye to this plane of existence. His likes are rare. He shall be sorely missed.”

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.

•Photo shows late Olorogun Michael Ibru.

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