About the Ibru family, one of the richest in Nigeria

The Ibru family are the ones behind the Ibru Organization which was established in 1956. The organization is one of the largest conglomerates in the country with over 10,000 employees.

The organization has diversified business interests which include shipping, agriculture, aviation, banking as well as oil and gas.

The founder of the Ibru Organization is Michael Ibru. Prior to founding the organization he worked at the United Africa Company from 1951 to 1956 before partnering with an Englishman Jimmy Large to form the Laibru General Trading Company

In 1957, Ibru began distributing frozen fish in Nigeria, he was a pioneer in this business. He would later form the Ibru Sea Foods, a company through which he imported frozen fish and sold them using the back of truck. The business grew and he was able to partner with a prominent Japanese firm.

Over time, Ibru expanded his business to vehicle transportation, distribution and fruit growing, brewing, construction and petroleum distribution.

Some other prominent members of the Ibru family include Michael’s eldest son Olorogun Oskar Ibru, Alex Ibru, Felix Ibru, Oboden Ibru and Cecilia Ibru

Alex Ibru is the chairman of Rutam Motors and he was an ex-minister of Internal Affairs between 1993 and 1995. Felix Ibru was a former governor of Delta State. Prior to becoming governor he was the founder of an architectural firm. Cecilia was the former Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Oceanic Bank.