UPU chief urges FG to award Michael Ibru posthumous GCON

Considering his great achievements in business and philanthropy, the Federal Government should confer a posthumous Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) award on the late Olorogun Michael Ibru.

This was the submission of the President of Urhobo Progress Union (UPU), Apapa Branch, Mr. Ovie Oghenekaro, at an event organised by importers and traders in honour of the late business mogul in Ibru Yard, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos yesterday.

According to Oghenekaro, Michael Ibru achieved a lot in the business world, even earlier than others, who have bagged the title.

The UPU maintained: “He should be given GCON award. If some businessmen like Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola, Jim Ovia and others have been bestowed such awards, Michael Ibru deserved more of such, especially as he came before all of them. He was in business for over 60 years, employing thousands of Nigerians. So, he quite deserved it and more. He was a great businessman.

Oghenekaro also said his demise had been felt greatly in the Urhobo community as he bequeathed to it a great legacy.

He prayed for unity in his family, urging his children to emulate their father’s footsteps and surpass him in the business world.

“I pray we can emulate him and the children should emulate their father and take his business empire higher,” he counselled.

The event had in attendance the importers and exporters of IM33, who honored the late icon with their different cultural dances and also presented his portrait to the children and grandchildren.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Niyi Ajisogun, paid a glowing tribute to the great industrialist, who provided means of livelihood to their families.

“Olorogun Michael Ibru, our landlord was an honourable man to behold. He laid great legacies for his children, relations and even those he did not know personally and never met, which we are enjoying today. One of such is this company, which puts food on our tables.

“His impact is felt both nationally and internationally. The nation has lost one of its nation builders,” Ajisogun said.