Similarly, Chief Igbinedion's donation to Niger State for its sports develop­ment was warmly accepted by the authorities of that state. In response Chief Igbinedion was honoured with a meritorious award in 1990. The bestowal of awards to Chief Igbinedion in honour of his philanthropic disposition and general goodwill to the society around him, was one of the ways to express candid gratitude. In 1992 the Northern Institute of Management and Technology, Kano, awarded Chief Igbinedion an Honourary Higher Diploma Award in Tourism. Similarly, a goodwill gesture was shown to the Esama by some other higher institutions in the country including the Universities of Nigeria, Nsukka, Calabar, Benin and Ekpoma. In this category also were the awards by Nigerian Institute of Sales Management, Aba, which named Chief Igbinedion the Businessman of the Year 1992, and the award by the Health Care Group, Ikeja, in the same year.

Chief Igbinedion conferred with Doctor of Law Degree, University of Benin

Some organisations demonstrate their appreciation of Chief Igbinedion's kindness by further committing him in one way or the other such as appointing him as their patron. The Bendel State Farmers' Front, named Chief Igbinedion their Grand Patron in 1990, because of his "forthright approach to farming" and his immeasurable successes in other fields of endeavour. In like manner, the Pan­African Reconciliation Council appointed Chief Igbinedion as one of their patrons after he so successfully organised the first observance in Africa of the birthday of late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. the apostle of non-violent change and international reconciliation who was assassinated in the United States of America on April 4, 1968. His son, Martin Luther King III was the special guest of honour at the Igbinedion Education Centre, graced by His Eminence Alhaji Dasuki, The Sultan of Sokoto, The Alafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, Royal Fathers, Traditional Chiefs and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, led by Jamaica's High Commissioner, His Excellency Honourable Dudley Thompson Q.c. and American Ambassador Honourable Walter Carrington.

Reference has been made to the gratitude expressed by the authorities of various institutions Chief Igbinedion visited in the United States between 1988 and 1989. At the Jackson State University, Mississippi, in 1988, the President of the University, James B. Hefner, commented handsomely on the endowment of a chair at the School of Business Studies of the University. Moreover Hefner identified another pleasant quality in Chief Igbinedion namely, that of ensuring the proper training of his children. Inter alia, he said:

"The honourable Chief Igbinedion has had three sons to matriculate at Jackson State University. His son Lucky who was recently elected Mayor in Bendel State graduated with an MBA degree in 1983. His son Charles is currently pursuing a master's degree in industrial technology at the University and his son Bright received a bachelor's degree in Political Science and is graduating today with a masters degree in political science".

The reference to the family of Chief Igbinedion was a significant gesture on
the part of the President of the Jackson State University. It showed that Chief Igbinedion invested in the welfare of his children through education. This value for education therefore explains his selfless donation towards its development. Moreover, it showed that Chief Igbinedion is a successful family man, and in business he is kind at heart, hence his inclination towards philanthropy.

Dr. Hefner also spoke extensively on other aspects of Chief Igbinedion's life. Describing Chief Igbinedion as a man of great vision with unusually high level of business intelligence, Dr. Hefner deeply appreciated the Esama's "prolific concern about and endless devotion to the problems of the under-privileged ... ."6
Chief Igbinedion, a gentleman of fine character, has done so much for humanity within so short a time of his life. He has enhanced admirably the position of humanity, particularly the black race. Chief Igbinedion instituted in Jamaica, African Language Trust Fund and the Montego Bay Exchange Visit Programme to Nigeria for students. A man of valour he turned his native place of birth, Okada, from a solitary habitation to a modern swinging and lively urban town with modern facilities.
For all these rare qualities, Chief Igbinedion has been honoured, and he is to be consulted on major developments in the University, the first African to be so honoured. The University Board and Council presented a Golden Plaque to the Esama to mark his appointment to the Board.
At Rust College, Chief Igbinedion's pleasant qualities were even more prominently displayed and noticeable. Apart from gaining an Honourary Doctoral Degree in Law, Chief Igbinedion was named Africa's man of the year
1988 by the Editorial Board of the famous American based African World News Magazine. Equally significant was the presentation of the key of Freedom to enter Holly Springs to the Esama of Benin by the Mayor of Holly Springs, Dadne Brown.
In honouring Chief Igbinedion, the President of Rust College, Dr. William McMillan noted that the honourary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Law was awarded to Chief Igbinedion in recognition of his "humanitarian contribution to society, especially in the areas of education, health and world peace." He observed further that "honouring Chief Igbinedion was one that we've looked forward to for a long time," and that, "the institution was particularly pleased because that was the first time that they'd been privileged to honour one of us that's a non-American." Moreover, Dr. McMillan added:

We are breaking a record today, but rightly so, because the person that we honour with this Doctor of Philosophy in Law Degree is a world citizen, who has lent himself, his resources, his encouragement and his talent to the development of all segments of our world.7
At Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma, Chief Igbinedion was similarly treated to and honoured with warm words. His life as a Christian and a philanthropist constituted the main theme of the Oral Roberts welcome address and Chief himself addressed Oral Roberts University community on Christianity in Nigeria. Like in Rust College, Chief Igbinedion was respectfully treated at Oral Roberts; the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law marked the zenith of his visit.

Oral Roberts confering the Doctor of Law Degree on Chief Igbinedion, Looking on is Dr. William W. Jernigan of Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA

Oral Roberts confers with Chief Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin and the most Rev. Archibishop Benson Idahosa, of Church of God Mission Int.

Academic Awards

Professional Awards

Other Awards and Honours

The Ngwang Tarok of Langtang

The Balogun Tayase of Oshogbo

Dr. Hefner also spoke extensively on other aspects of Chief Igbinedion's life. Describing Chief Igbinedion as a man of great vision with unusually high level of business intelligence, Dr. Hefner deeply appreciated the Esama's "prolific concern about and endless devotion to the problems of the under-privileged.

Chief Igbinedion, a gentleman of fine character, has done so much for humanity within so short a time of his life. He has enhanced admirably the position of humanity, particularly the black race. Chief Igbinedion instituted in Jamaica, African Language Trust Fund and the Montego Bay Exchange Visit Programme to Nigeria for students. A man of valour he turned his native place of birth, Okada, from a solitary habitation to a modern swinging and lively urban town with modern facilities.

For all these rare qualities, Chief Igbinedion has been honoured, and he is to be consulted on major developments in the University, the first African to be so honoured. The University Board and Council presented a Golden Plaque to the Esama to mark his appointment to the Board.

At Rust College, Chief Igbinedion's pleasant qualities were even more prominently displayed and noticeable. Apart from gaining an Honourary Doctoral Degree in Law, Chief Igbinedion was named Africa's man of the year 1988 by the Editorial Board of the famous American based African World News Magazine. Equally significant was the presentation of the key of Freedom to enter Holly Springs to the Esama of Benin by the Mayor of Holly Springs, Dadne Brown.

In honouring Chief Igbinedion, the President of Rust College, Dr. William McMillan noted that the honourary degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Law was awarded to Chief Igbinedion in recognition of his "humanitarian contribution to society, especially in the areas of education, health and world peace." He observed further that "honouring Chief Igbinedion was one that we've looked forward to for a long time," and that, "the institution was particularly pleased because that was the first time that they'd been privileged to honour one of us that's a non-American." Moreover, Dr. McMillan added:

We are breaking a record today, but rightly so, because the person that we honour with this Doctor of Philosophy in Law Degree is a world citizen, who has lent himself, his resources, his encouragement and his talent to the development of all segments of our world.

At Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma, Chief Igbinedion was similarly treated to and honoured with warm words. His life as a Christian and a philanthropist constituted the main theme of the Oral Roberts welcome address and Chief himself addressed Oral Roberts University community on Christianity in Nigeria. Like in Rust College, Chief Igbinedion was respectfully treated at Oral Roberts; the Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law marked the zenith of his visit.

CONCLUSION

This website has attempted to unfold Chief Osawaru Igbinedion from the cradle to manhood and from a humble beginning to a position of enermous affluence...READ ON