Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, a foremost businessman and philanthropist is the chairman of IBD Impex Ltd, IBD Hotels, and so many other investment ventures, including a charity foundation.
Alhaji Ibrahim Dende stands as a shining example of hard work, generosity, and dedication to community development. He embodies the belief that being a giver is a matter of character, not background. His benevolence has touched the lives of countless individuals, making him a beacon of hope in Yewaland (his hometown) and other regions of the nation.
In this post, we will learn all there is to know about his life, family, career, business, and his philanthropic nature.
IBD Dende’s Early Life, Family and Education
Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun, popularly known as IBD Dende, was born on March 3, 1970, in Ilaro, a town in the Yewa region of Ogun State. He is a native of Yewaland, a sub-ethnic group of the Yoruba people.
He attended St. John Anglican Primary School and Community High School, both in Ebute Igbooro, for his basic education. However, due to the loss of his parents at a young age, he had to drop out of school after completing Form 3.
IBD Dende, a family man, is married to Alhaja Mrs Omolara Dende, with whom he shares two children and has adopted several others. The couple actively engages in philanthropy through the IBD Foundation, focusing on community development in Yewa land. Despite religious differences, the couple, devout Muslim and Christian, is happily married with two children.
Career and Business Ventures
IBD Dende started his career in the field of clearing and forwarding, working as an apprentice under Alhaji Akeem Adigun (SOCOPAO), a renowned agent in the industry. He now operates his own clearing and forwarding company, IBD Impex Limited, which operates in Lagos, Apapa, and Seme border.
He is also the owner of IBD International Hotel and IBD Dende Royal Hotel, two of the most luxurious hotels in Ogun State. In addition, he explores quarry and mining, palm oil production, and agriculture with IBD Dende Palm Oil Limited. He is also a real estate developer who has invested in the construction and management of residential and commercial properties in Nigeria. His business portfolio further includes automobile sales through IBD Dende Motors Limited
In 2011, IBD Dende founded the IBD Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to human capital development, economic empowerment, and community projects in Yewa land. The foundation sponsors educational scholarships, healthcare services, sports, and infrastructural development.
IBD Dende also owns Juvenile FC, a club that focuses on nurturing young football talents. At 54, Ibrahim Egungbohun is not just a successful entrepreneur but a football enthusiast dedicated to nurturing young talents. His efforts have propelled many players to international recognition.
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Controversies and Allegations Surrounding Him
In 2023, a viral video depicted a heated argument at the Seme border, where IBD Dende clashed with a customs officer. Threats and claims of connections to top customs officials sparked public outrage. In 2018, he faced arrest by the Nigerian Custom for alleged gun running, though he was later released.
Recently, IBD Dende has been implicated in smuggling allegations. An undercover investigation by FIJ revealed that he had been involved in the smuggling of turkey, rice, and ammunition from the Benin Republic into Nigeria.
Following the investigation, it was reported that Dende had temporarily suspended his smuggling activities. More than 50 trucks of turkey were allegedly smuggled into Nigeria every week through IBD Dende’s network alone. It was also revealed that Dende is not the only one involved, but there is indeed an ‘Inumidun Squad’, “99.9% of whom are smugglers.”
A legal battle has ensued between IBD Dende and the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ). Dende’s lawyers have demanded N500 million in damages and a retraction of the undercover investigation.
Conclusion
IBD Dende is a prominent figure in Nigeria, known for his business ventures and philanthropic efforts. However, his recent involvement in smuggling allegations has brought him under scrutiny. As the legal proceedings unfold, the full extent of his activities and their implications will become clearer.