Goodie, last of Ibru brothers reveals family’s untold story

…set to launch a revolutionary Nigerian family business book

 

For decades, the Ibru name has been synonymous with business success, influence, and one of Nigeria’s most remarkable family dynasties.

However, behind the rise of the empire is a story few people have heard. Now, the last surviving Ibru brother shares a rare firsthand account of the family’s journey, from humble beginnings and bold ambitions to the values, sacrifices, and defining moments that shaped generations.

The Ibru story: an account of a pioneering Nigerian business family, a sweeping, deeply researched book about one of Nigeria’s most influential business dynasties and the extraordinary individuals who shaped it, is set for release.

The book authored by Mike Awoyinfa, a renowned journalist and biographer, reveals the details behind the rise of the Ibrus led by the towering legacy of Michael Ibru, visionary entrepreneur, pioneer of Nigeria’s frozen fish industry, and founder of the Ibru organisation.

From a family of five brothers and two sisters to one of Nigeria’s most influential indigenous business dynasties, “The Ibru Story” chronicles how the Ibru family transformed modest beginnings into a business empire that helped shape the country’s private sector.

Goodie Ibru, speaking during a media parley ahead of the launch, businessman and former Nigerian Stock Exchange president, said commissioning the book was both a family obligation and a historical responsibility.

“My late eldest brother, Michael Ibru, ought to have written this book. As the last of the five brothers alive, I felt it was my family duty and a great historical responsibility to commission an authoritative account of the Ibru business family’s contribution to Nigeria’s enterprise culture,” he said.

According to Goodie, the book goes beyond recounting the family’s achievements to highlight the importance of entrepreneurship, wealth creation, and economic development.

He explained that the family’s businesses, which started with limited capital but strong teamwork and business insight, eventually created tens of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly across Nigeria and in neighbouring African countries.

“The Ibru Story is not only about the Ibru family and their business exploits.

“It is about the spirit of enterprise and its role in wealth creation and taking people out of poverty,” he said.

Besides, he emphasised that the family’s experience demonstrates that determined entrepreneurs can build businesses capable of transforming lives and supporting national economic growth.

Goodie encouraged young Nigerians to embrace entrepreneurship, saying many successful businesses begin with setbacks.

Recalling the early years of the family business, he said Michael Ibru lost all his initial capital during the first year of operations in 1956 before rebuilding the business.

Awoyinfa described the project as one of the most significant biographies of a Nigerian business family, stating that the story combines business history with personal experiences that reveal the human side of entrepreneurship.

“The whole Ibru story is a great story. Everything you want in journalism is in the Ibru story. You have human angle stories, business, architecture and enterprise,” he said.

Paul Igbinoba, chairman, organising committee, disclosed that the Ibru story explores enterprise, risk-taking, innovation, family unity, rivalry, politics, philanthropy, faith and the human costs of success.

“More than a family biography, The Ibru story is a compelling study of indigenous entrepreneurship in a challenging environment.

“It offers timeless lessons on leadership, resilience, succession and nation-building. Besides, it offers an opportunity to revisit the Ibru brand and its contribution to Nigeria’s enterprise culture,” he noted.

The book traces how five brothers and two sisters built what organisers described as Nigeria’s first indigenous business conglomerate, exploring leadership, innovation, family relationships, philanthropy and nation-building through interviews and historical accounts.

The launch, scheduled for July 22, will be chaired by Olusegun Obasanjo, former president of Nigeria; Godini Darah will review the book, while the governors of Delta and Lagos states are expected be special guests of honour.