The Rise and Rise Profile of Compassionate Businessman Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende

Name a more compassionate businessman than Ibrahim Dende. We’ll wait. Without any exaggeration, Ibrahim Egungbohun, better known as IBD Dende, is the biggest promoter of humanitarian ventures in Ogun State, bar none. And you know the good thing about this philanthropist businessman—he never made noise about his many acts of kindness. He speaks less and does more. His humility is one of his Omoluabi traits. Did you know that IBD Dende singlehandedly rescued a boy named Falola Abideen, who was on the verge of joining his ancestors, by sponsoring his medical procedure at the highly-rated Babcock Teaching Hospital? Abideen’s story was a pathetic one. A boy from a humble background. Probably under the influence of some strange forces, Abideen unknowingly drank some substances suspected to be harmful chemicals. And his life took a dramatic turn. His digestive system was damaged. Abideen’s life was in danger. Out of desperation, his family cried out for help. And IBD Dende stepped in, and the rest is history. After a medical surgery that set IBD Dende’s bank balance back several millions of naira, Abideen’s health was restored. Unlike before, he’s able to feed through his mouth without any medical aid. That’s one of many silent humanitarian gestures by IBD Dende. There are no special features or stories in the media about this newsworthy humanitarian stride. It is just an act of love for humanity by a man who is genuinely interested in contributing his quota to the development and well-being of his people. But this is not a one-of-a-kind thing.

Apart from his large heart, also worth noting are IBD Dende’s business exploits in the Nigerian business landscape. This successful businessman is one of the biggest private employers of labour in Ogun State. And that’s one area no one is giving him credit for. IBD Dende is wealthy enough to live anywhere in the world. And run his businesses from any corner of the world. But his patriotism and love for his community are greater than his gains. IBD Dende lives and mingles among his people. As Chairman of IBD Group, he has injected a human face policy into his business operations. He’s not the only way to make profits alone. No, he’s more interested in impacting his community. That’s the drive behind his many businesses, mostly located in his zone and home state. Described as one of the drivers of the local economy, IBD Dende has been actively involved in job creation and spurring economic growth. Under his guidance, IBD Group of Companies, a conglomerate he founded, has prospered. IBD Dende’s conglomerate, comprising subsidiaries such as IBD-Impex, IBD Quarry & Mining, IBD Farms, and IBD Hotels, the hospitality arm of the group, continues to play leading roles in the development of the local economy, particularly in the area of bridging the unemployment gap in Nigeria. And that’s not all; most of IBD Dende’s businesses are designed to boost the local economy. IBD Dende’s goals include the eradication of poverty through job creation. For him, charity begins at home. He’s not shy about saying his people come first. For instance, his luxury hotel, IBD Hotels, located in Ilaro and Abeokuta, employs hundreds of people who are mostly from his beloved Yewa land. The same principles of human capital development apply to all his other businesses, including his palm oil production company, Auto Mart, and others. It’s a business model built on humanity first. IBD Dende’s profile has continued to soar despite spirited efforts by his many adversaries to dim his light. But like a tree planted by the river, he has continued to bear fruit. And he’s compassionate enough to spread his wealth among his people. A law-abiding citizen, IBD Dende, a licensed clearing and forward agent, has covered himself in glory. Playing according to the rules, IBD Dende operates in absolute compliance with all requirements in the import and export industry.

In addition, IBD Dende’s pet project, The Ibrahim Dende Foundation, under the guidance of his wife, Omolara Dende, has raised the philanthropy bar in Ogun State. Incorporated in 2011, the IBD Foundation has developed a reputation for compassion and genuineness. Ably led by Omolara Dende, the Chief Executive Officer and CEO, the IBD Foundation has carried out several humanitarian programmes, such as entrepreneurial and skill acquisition initiatives, talent shows aimed at discovering raw talents in need of some fine-tuning, scholarship programmes, community projects, and so much more. There’s also a football academy owned by IBD Dende. The IBD Foundation’s areas of mandate include human capital development, economic development, entrepreneurial development, and community development. It is therefore befitting to say that IBD Dende has done well for himself and his community.