The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony and Reception in honour of Olorogun Michael C. O. Ibru was held on the 8th of April 2023 in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The event was organised to commemorate the legacy of the late Michael Ibru, a renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to the Nigerian and global business communities. The event was attended by family members, friends, business associates, and dignitaries from Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony, organised by the Nubian Jak Community Trust (NJCT), a commemorative plaque and sculpture scheme focused on memorialising the historic contributions of Black and minority ethnic people, was hosted by Dr Jak Beula, who served as the Master of Ceremonies. 

The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer by The Reverend Canon Dr William Taylor. The Worshipful Mayor Cllr David Linsey then delivered the Welcome Address, expressing gratitude to everyone present and highlighting the importance of Olorogun Michael Ibru’s contribution to society.

Mr Obaro Ibru, a member of the Ibru family, delivered a touching tribute in memory of his late father. His Excellency Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the Nigerian High Commissioner for the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, represented by Mrs ‘Remi Onasanya, was invited to deliver a tribute. Olorogun Ejiro Ughwujabo, National President of Urhobo Progress Union, United Kingdom, also paid tribute to honour Olorogun Michael Ibru’s contributions to the Urhobo community.

Other attendees who paid tribute to Olorogun Michael Ibru at the unveiling ceremony include The Rt Hon Felicity Buchan, MP for Kensington; Emma Dent Coad, Cllr. Joana Gardener and Cllr. Dori Schmetterling speaking on behalf of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

The ceremony concluded with a Closing Address by Mr Mamemo Ibru, who thanked everyone for honouring his late father. Then, Miss Francesca Chiejina sang the Nigerian National Anthem, after which the Plaque was unveiled by Dr Mrs Cecilia Ibru and The Worshipful Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Guests were thereafter chaperoned to a reception venue at The Dorchester The Right Reverend Bishop Michael Steele delivered a Prayer of Thanks, after which Olorogun Nero Ughwujabo, Senior Strategy Adviser at the Prince’s Trust, delivered a speech on Olorogun Michael Ibru’s impact on the Nigerian business community.

Dr Jak Beula delivered the closing remarks and a vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to everyone who attended the event and contributed to its success.

The Plaque Unveiling Ceremony and Reception in honour of Olorogun Michael Ibru was a fitting tribute to a man who made significant contributions to the Nigerian and global business communities. The event successfully brought together family members, friends, business associates, and dignitaries to celebrate Michael Ibru’s life and legacy.