Ben Murray-Bruce facts for kids

Benedict Murray-Bruce is a well-known Nigerian businessman and politician. He was born on February 18, 1956. He is famous for starting the Silverbird Group, a big company involved in entertainment and media.

Ben Murray-Bruce was a member of the People's Democratic Party. In March 2015, he was elected to the Senate of Nigeria. He represented the Bayelsa East Senatorial District in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, until June 2019.

Early Life and Education

Ben Murray-Bruce was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His parents, Mullighan and Margaret Murray-Bruce, were from Akassa, Bayelsa State. His family name, Murray-Bruce, comes from Scotland.

He went to primary school at Our Lady of Apostles in Yaba, Lagos. Later, he attended St Gregory College in Obalende, where he earned his West African School Certificate. After that, he traveled to the United States to study at the University of Southern California. He earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing in 1979.

Personal Life

Ben Murray-Bruce was married to Evelyn Murray-Bruce for 41 years. Sadly, Evelyn passed away on March 20, 2021, after a battle with cancer.

Career Highlights

Starting in Public Service

Ben Murray-Bruce has held several important public roles. From 1999 to 2003, he served as the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority. This is a major television network in Nigeria.

Before he started the Silverbird Group, he was involved in beauty pageants. He organized the Miss Universe Nigeria Pageant in 1983. He also promoted the Miss Intercontinental Pageant from 1986 to 1994. Since 1986, he has continued to promote the yearly Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant.

He is also a member of several important boards. These include the Board of the National Arts Theatre, the Nigerian Film Corporation, and the Federal Films Censors Board. He is also part of the National Film Distribution Company and the Nigerian Anti-Piracy Action Committee.

Journey into Show Business

Ben Murray-Bruce once said in an interview that he got into show business "by accident." He and his wife were very passionate about entertainment. In 1980, they started a magazine called Silverbird Magazine with a loan from his father. This magazine is no longer published. Later, Ben also began organizing concerts.

His Time in Politics

In 2011, Ben Murray-Bruce tried to become the governor of Bayelsa State. However, he was not chosen to run for the position by his party, the People's Democratic Party.

On October 27, 2014, Ben announced that he wanted to represent the Bayelsa East Senatorial District in the National Assembly. He ran under the People's Democratic Party and won the election.

Inspiring Others Through Speaking

Ben Murray-Bruce has given speeches at many events, both in Nigeria and around the world. In January 2018, he spoke at the first Nigerian American Business Forum in Tampa, Florida. He shared the stage with other important people, including politicians and leaders. Some of these figures were Senator Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi, media expert Biodun Shobanjo, and former governor Peter Obi.

Awards and Recognition

Ben Murray-Bruce has received many awards for his work:

• "Showbiz Icon of the Year Award" (2005)
• ""Top Ten" Significant Nigerian Businessmen Award" (2006)
• "Life Achiever Award" (2006)
• "Champion for Nation Building Award" (2007)
• "Excellent Personality Award" (2009)
• "Officer of the Order of the Niger" (2014)