Ben Murray-Bruce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Murray-Bruce
OON
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|---|---|
| Senator for Bayelsa East | |
| In office 9 June 2015 – 9 June 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Clever Ikisikpo |
| Succeeded by | Biobarakuma Degi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 18 February 1956 Lagos, British Nigeria (now in Lagos State, Nigeria) |
| Political party | Peoples Democratic Party |
| Spouse |
Evelyn Murray-Bruce
(m. 1980; died 2021) |
| Children | 4 |
| Alma mater |
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| Occupation |
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| Known for | Silverbird Group |
| Website |
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Benedict Murray-Bruce (born on February 18, 1956) is a well-known Nigerian businessman and politician. He is famous for starting the Silverbird Group, a big entertainment company. Ben Murray-Bruce was also a Senator for the Bayelsa East area in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, from 2015 to 2019. He is a member of the People's Democratic Party.
Contents
About Ben Murray-Bruce
Early Life and Education
Ben Murray-Bruce was born in Lagos, Nigeria. His parents, Mullighan and Margaret Murray-Bruce, were from Akassa, Bayelsa State. They were of Ijaw heritage. His family name, Murray-Bruce, has Scottish roots.
He went to primary school at Our Lady of Apostles in Yaba, Lagos. Later, he attended St Gregory College in Obalende. After that, he traveled to the United States to study. He earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Southern California 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.
His Career Journey
Early Public Roles
Ben Murray-Bruce has held several important public jobs. From 1999 to 2003, he was the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority. Before starting Silverbird Group, he helped organize beauty pageants. He promoted the Miss Universe Nigeria Pageant in 1983. He also promoted the Miss Intercontinental Pageant from 1986 to 1994. Since 1986, he has been involved with the annual Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria Pageant.
Today, he is a member of several important boards. These include the National Arts Theatre, the Nigerian Film Corporation, and the Federal Films Censors Board. He also serves on the National Film Distribution Company and the Nigerian Anti-Piracy Action Committee.
Getting into Show Business
Ben Murray-Bruce once said he got into show business "by accident." He loved entertainment, so he and his wife started Silverbird Magazine in 1980. They got a loan from his father to begin. Later, Ben also started promoting music concerts.
His Time in Politics
In 2011, Ben Murray-Bruce tried to become the governor of Bayelsa State. However, he was not chosen by his party, the People's Democratic Party. On October 27, 2014, he announced he wanted to become a Senator. He aimed to represent the Bayelsa East Senatorial District. He ran under the People's Democratic Party and won the election.
Public Speaking
Ben Murray-Bruce is also a public speaker. He has spoken at many events both in Nigeria and other countries. For example, in January 2018, he spoke at the first Nigerian American Business Forum in Tampa, Florida. He shared the stage with other important people. These included politicians and leaders like Senator Mohammed Shaaba Lafiagi 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)
