Ben Murray-Bruce is a Nigerian who is prominent for roles as politician, businessman, entrepreneur, author and activist. 

Amongst many Nigerians, Ben Murray-Bruce is most prominent as a politician but in reality, his success is most attributable to years of active impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry. In fact, he is lauded for having set up cinema houses across Nigeria, hence taking the country’s cinema scene to a more prominent level.

Ben is the originator and chairman of the Silverbird Group. Notably, the Silverbird Group is the holding company for several prominent Nigerian franchises including Silver Film Distribution, Silverbird Television, Most Beautiful in Nigeria and Rhythm FM. 

This post is a biography of Ben Murray-Bruce and by reading it further, you’re certain to find out many of the things you may want to know about the Nigerian politician cum entertainment mogul. 

Family Background

Ben Murray-Bruce was born into a family in Akassa (Bayelsa state) on 18th of February, 1956. He is the son of Margaret (mother) and Mullighan (father) Murray-Bruce.

Educational Background

Ben Bruce was first schooled in Our Lady of Apostles Primary School in Yaba, Lagos state. At the end of his basic education, he was further schooled in St Gregory College, Obalende. Upon graduation from the said college, Ben Bruce relocated to the United States where he was schooled in the University of South California. He graduated from the said U.S. University in 1979 with a BSc. in Marketing. 

Professional Career

Ben Bruce is believed to have hand a long stint of professional career which he began in the Nigerian public service. In 1999, he was elevated to the position of Director General at the Nigerian Television Authority. He served in this position for a 4-year period which ended in 2003. 

Besides serving in the public service, Ben Bruce has recorded remarkable years of presence in the Nigerian entertainment industry. His genesis in the entertainment industry was marked by the establishment of the extinct Silverbird magazine. Notably, Ben co-established the magazine alongside his wife in 1980. 

Ben eventually diversified into the promotion of concerts and this (diversification) happens to have earned him remarkable success.

He is notable for having promoted the pageantry “Miss Universe Nigeria” in 1983. Also, between 1986 and 1994, he served as the promoter of the Miss Intercontinental Pageant. In 1986, he initiated the yearly Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageantry which is still in vibrant existence. 

Political Career

Ben Bruce’s political career began in 2011 when the successful businessman contested in PDP’s primary election ahead of the jostle for Bayelsa state’s gubernatorial seat. Ben unfortunately lost at the primary election but in 2015, he re-ignited his political ambition but at that time, he did not jostle for Bayelsa’s gubernatorial seat.

He indeed contested (on the platform of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP,) for Bayelsa East Senatorial Zone and came out victorious. 

Memberships

Ben Murray-Bruce is an honourable member of various associations as listed below:

1. National Film Distribution Company (NFDC)
2. Federal Films Censors Board (FFCB)
3. Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC)
4. Nigerian Anti-Piracy Action Committee (NAPAC)
5. Board of National Arts Theatre (BNT)

Marriage

Ben Murray-Bruce is the husband of Evelyn Murray-Bruce. The couple are happily endowed with four offspring. 

Awards

Ben Murray-Bruce is a holder of several meritorious awards as listed below:

1. Showbiz Icon of the Year Award (2005)
2. Top Ten Significant Nigerian Businessman Award (2006)
3. Life Achiever Award (2006)
4. Champion for Nation Building Award (2007)
5. Excellent Personality Award (2009)
6. Officer of the Order of the Niger (2014)

Conclusion

Ben Murray-Bruce is undeniably one of the prominent business moguls in the Nigerian entertainment industry but we don’t have any veritable record of his net worth at the moment.