Dr. Cromwell Osamaro Ibie is a professional economist and a retired civil servant. He wrote several books, newspaper, and magazine articles on the categorical and hypothetical imperatives of societal economic management. contemporary economic management methodology at various national and international seminars, symposia, conferences, and study groups, in addition to participating in drawing up economic and industrial policies for the Nigerian public sector under the Obasanjo-Yaradua regime.

He served as a Federal Government appointee on the governing council of the University of Benin between 1985 and 1997. In 1992, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Institute of Administrative Management of Nigeria (FIAMN) and recognized as a Certified and Distinguished Administrator (CDA). Marlborough University, Hawaii, U.S.A. Awarded him a doctorate degree-Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD).

While in the terra incognita of retirement, he refused to limit his interest to academic pursuits. He served as Chairman and Director of several companies in the private sector, on account of his unconcealed contempt for dirigisme. He was Chairman/Director of Efehi Promotions Limited in Lagos, Odin Biscuits Manufacturing Company Limited in Benin City, Odin Clemencio Motors, Benin City, AEG Nigeria Limited, Lagos, and Chairman of the largest Shipping Agency in Nigeria, Gulf Agency and Shipping (GAC) Nigeria Limited, and Nigerian Fishing Nets Limited, the biggest in West Africa, Director, Continental Iron and Steel Company Limited and Eureka Metals Limited.

Member, Commission of Enquiry on Currency Exchange in the South Eastern State, 1968 – 1970; former Nigeria’s Representative, Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organisation, 1976 – 1980; former Nigeria’s Representative, UN Industrial Development Organisation; member, Benin Club; member, Benin Recreation Club; member, Lawn Tennis Club; member, Ikoyi Club; member, Vanderbilt Racquet Club, London.

Born September 29, 1934, in Benin City, Bendel State, Dr. Cromwell Osamaro Ibie had his Primary and Secondary education in Moslem School, Benin City, 1941 – 1948 and Niger College, Benin City, 1949 – 1953 respectively. Worked as Clerical Officer from 1954 – 1958 and as Executive Officer from 1959 – 1960 in the Federal Department of Marketing and Exports and proceeded to further his tertiary education at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, University of London, 1960 – 1963, where he obtained honours degrees in Economics, specializing in Public and Business Finance.

He returned to the Federal Public Service in 1963 as Assistant Secretary, Senior Assistant Secretary in 1965, Principal Assistant Secretary in 1967, and promoted Under-Secretary in 1969, Deputy Secretary in 1971, Deputy Permanent Secretary in 1973, and appointed Permanent Secretary in 1975. While in the public service, he served at the Federal Ministries of Finance, Industries and Transport, and the Cabinet Office, and retired on the 31st of March 1980 as Federal Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Transport at the age of 45, not because he was tired or suffered ill-health but for the decline in societal mores, values, and standards. Government had become too ugly and sour for his taste.

Cromwell’s visionary leadership and commitment to social justice earned him widespread recognition and respect in the philanthropic community. Despite his considerable wealth, Cromwell maintained a modest lifestyle, preferring to invest his resources where they are most needed. The businesses he set up in Bendel State was majorly to support his local community and creating employment opportunities for the teeming youths. His dedication to making the world a better place serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the transformative power of philanthropy in creating positive change.

He hosted the Cromwell Ibie Open Tennis Championship as an initiative to help promote healthy lifestyle and rewarded participants with financial benefits. Cromwell throughout his lifetime sponsored over 150 people (friends, family, and community people) through their education up to tertiary level. He helped countless number of people establish businesses and mentored and sponsored a notable figure who eventually became a governor of a state in Nigeria.

Today we launch the Cromwell & Lilian Ibie Foundation in honour of these most distinguished people and hope to touch lives positively through this platform.