President Goodluck Jonathan and other prominent Nigerians rejoice with Jimoh Ibrahim who recently marked his 45th birthday

His expansive residence in Victoria Garden City, VGC, Lagos, proved too  small for the crowd. They came from everywhere, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and even abroad. The occasion was the 45th birthday ceremony of Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim, group managing director of Global Fleet Group, which took place on Friday, February 24, 2012.

That day’s ceremony, had begun with an open air service conducted by Johnson Kalejaiye, the officiating cleric for the celebration.  He prayed God to continue to bestow His wisdom on the chief celebrant. He also urged Ibrahim to continue his good work to humanity and always put Christ first in everything he does. Those in attendance also had their own share of the  ecclesiastical admonition. They were told to emulate the lifestyle of Ibrahim. “At 45, Apostle Jimoh Ibrahim has affected many lives and I advise you to always bear in mind that success in life is not about class, rather its about Christ,” he said.

Many of those who came or sent goodwill messages were very effusive with words. President Goodluck Jonathan also sent a message full of kind words. Jonathan congratulated Ibrahim on all his efforts and doggedness towards capacity building in the country. “This is to extend my special congratulations on this happy milestone. It must be stated that this event is not just a celebration of birthday but indeed a celebration of a life of industry and fulfillment in various endeavours which has impacted positively on national development. It is my fervent prayer that God Almighty will continue to shower His blessings on you and your family and you will continue to impact on human development,” the President said.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also congratulated Ibrahim on his 45th birthday anniversary and admonished him to continue the good and philanthropic work he has been doing in the country. “Dear Jimoh, it is a great honour that I write to congratulate you on the occasion of your 45th birthday... This is a significant milestone and I join your family and friends in celebrating a life of a remarkable achievement.  You have over the years shown your sheer business acumen and doggedness in service. This is a means to thank you for your contribution in your own country and as you attain the age of 45, I thank God Almighty for the gift of good health and numerous other blessings that he has bestowed on you,” the former President said.

He also encouraged Ibrahim to look back on his past achievements while at the same time look forward with the spirit of optimism to attain new heights. Obasanjo, who said he would have personally graced the occasion but for his new African Union and ECOWAS role to lead election observers to Senegal’s presidential election from February 20 to March 6, said he believed Ibrahim would continue to play active role to impact on Nigerian economy.

The celebrant was full of appreciation for those who made out time to celebrate with him. Ibrahim was born in Igbotako, Okitipupa area of Ondo State. He studied law at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, where he earned the degree of Bachelor of laws, LLB. Subsequently, he obtained the degree of Master of Public Administration, MPA, also from Obafemi Awolowo University. Later, he attended Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA, graduating with a combined Master of laws, LLM, and Masters in International Taxation degree.