Nigeria, May 22 -- After decades at the helm of Silverbird Group, founder Ben Murray-Bruce has stepped down.

The former senator representing Bayelsa East Senatorial District, launched Silverbird in 1980 after returning to Nigeria with a N20,000 loan obtained from his family.

The entertainment outfit is responsible for organising the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) and Mr Nigeria pageants.

Its business divisions also include Silverbird Properties, Silverbird Film Distribution, Silverbird Communications, Silverbird Cinemas, Silverbird Production, and Dream Magic Studios.

In a recent outing, Mr Murray-Bruce recounted how the 1983 military coup that ousted former President Shehu Shagari crippled his once-thriving concert promotion b...