Unic Press UK: Nigerian media and entertainment franchise, Silverbird Group, which was shut down by order of a Court of Justice, will be reopened, says its chairman cum founder, Ben Murray-Bruce.
1-I have been on an international flight and have only just landed. The situation is being resolved and things will be back to normal.
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 23, 2016
2-In 36 years, Silverbird has grown and like any body, it will face challenges. Tough times dont last. But we, as tough people, outlast them
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 23, 2016
4-Though the road ahead may be tough, I accept responsibility for ensuring we find the light at the end of the tunnel and emerge from it.
— Ben Murray-Bruce (@benmurraybruce) June 23, 2016
Silverbird Group was shut down by Nigeria’s Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) sequel to an order from a Court of Justice apropos of debts of circa 11 billion Naira (€34mn / $38mn). The Group’s radio station known as Silverbird Rhythm 93.7 FM, Silverbird TV, Silverbird Cinemas, Silverbird Shopping Malls, in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Abuja, were closed down.
About the Silverbird Group
Silverbird Group: “Silverbird Group is a diversified multi-media company with holdings in Radio, Television, Real Estate, and Cinemas. Mr. Ben Murray-Bruce, a renowned businessman, politician, public figure and advocate for the people, founded Silverbird Group in 1980, and the company is today one of the largest media entertainment companies in Africa.
“The company is a leader in innovation, and has earned an international reputation. Silverbird’s Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) brand produced the first and only black African Miss World in 2001, and Silverbird carved a niche as a ground-breaking company by building the first international standard mall and Cineplex in Nigeria, the Silverbird Galleria, which paved the way for other malls in the country.
“Since opening its doors in 2004, Silverbird Galleria has revolutionized the shopping experience in Nigeria and, indeed, West Africa. With other malls operated by the company mushrooming across the country, Silverbird has become one of the most recognizable shopping mall brands. Millions of people each year seek out the dynamic and fine shopping environment uniquely offered by Silverbird Malls.
“In addition, Silverbird revolutionized FM Radio in Nigeria in 1997 when it set up Rhythm 93.7 FM, initially in Lagos and then across the country. Silverbird also reinvented the cinema culture with theatres spanning Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Accra, Ghana. The company plans to acquire additional Cinema sites in Nigeria and Ghana, beginning in 2013.
“From pageants to radio to television to malls to its Man of the Year event, the Silverbird brand is an icon in the entertainment world. The company consists of the following:
“Silverbird Communications, which comprises Rhythm FM and Silverbird Television;
Silverbird Productions, which produces the MBGN pageant, Mr. Nigeria Contest and the Man of the Year Awards; Silverbird Malls comprises Silverbird Galleria, Lagos, Silverbird Entertainment Centre, Abuja, and Silverbird Showtime, Port Harcourt; Silverbird Cinemas is currently the largest cinema chain in West Africa with more than 50 screens in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Accra, Ghana; Silverbird Properties serves as management contractors for large, multi-faceted development projects comprising malls, hotels, convention centres and theme parks. Silverbird Properties currently operates mainly in Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states, where the company is constructing, and will manage, the Ibom Tropicana Entertainment Centre, Uyo, and the Riverview Mall, Yenegoa, for the Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa state governments respectively.”
