(ii) IGBINEDION AND NIGERIA

Obviously, the concept marked a unique dimension in the history of philanthropy in Nigeria hence it also aroused some controversy. Why should the Esama simply feed, free of charge, countless number of frustrated youths, school drop-outs and the unemployed rather than engage them in meaningful income earning exercise in his vast business empire? Adherents to this school of thought base their argument on the adage that it is better and more dignifying to teach one how to fish than to provide him with fish at request. It has often been said that modern trends dictate a give and take arrangement which usually underlines the philosophy of "to whom much is given, much is also expected". What therefore was the Esama's principal objective in the soup kitchen endeavour?

Chief Igbinedion himself did not share the belief that the less fortunate must of necessity have to work for him before qualifying for his kindness. According to him:

"If you ask them to work for you in order to feed them, then it is no longer a help. It means you are trying to enslave them. I cannot ask them to work to feed them. I have farms at Okada where I produce crops for the kitchen. If you want to give somebody something free, you need not make him labour for it."

On the principle of "to whom much is given, much is expected" the Esama did not expect any favours in return. He insists: "I donate as a response to divine appeal to my conscience,... the soup kitchen is a spiritual fulfilment of that significant relevation and there are no other strings attached.”
In any case, the Esama's immediate objective of providing food for the society's under-privileged was successful. The venue of the kitchen was usually over-crowded well before the official opening time of 12 noon daily; and young persons were always on hand to ensure that there were no left overs. Evidence of the success story is in the testimony of some of those who participated. A beneficiary, Kingsley Omosigho, confessed "we have been eating regularly and we are impressed by his kindness...."

Another one, Amos Gbagi, admitted:
"Chief Igbinedion has tried to help us the jobless. I am a regular beneficiary of the soup kitchen," and yet another beneficiary, Monday Jokpen, disclosed, "we rely on Igbinedion's Soup Kitchen to remain in society."
One fact remains conspicuous in the soup kitchen episode, and that is Chief Igbinedion's determination to alleviate the sufferings of the man in the street in as many ways as he can possibly imagine. He has single-handedly brought modern living conditions to the formerly rural environment of his home town Okada. He has, on various instances, contributed to government projects through numerous donations, and assisted needy individuals by way of employment or outright gifts including scholarship awards. Then came the turn of the unemployed or unemployable or the unfortunate in society whose faith in life had bowed virtually before the excruciating impact of the barren and endless Nigeria's Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP). To those in the last group, the soup kitchen, if nothing else, was most welcome, and Chief Igbinedion's endeavour in this respect was not only most timely, but also most appropriate and wholesome.

Another notable philanthropic gesture of the Esama in the decade ending 1990 was his handsome donation to the University of Benin to complete the Faculty of Law block at the Ugbowo campus of the University. And in 1991, on an appeal from the National Council of Nigerian Women's Societies, Edo/Delta Chapter, Chief Igbinedion graciously sponsored the participation of the Council's Secretary at the International Council of Women Conference held in Bangkok, Thailand in 1991.

The Esama's philanthropic gestures are not confined to his home base, Bendel or Edo/Delta States, or to national organisations with branches based in the state. He also frequently went outside to honour the invitations from the other States of the Federation. For instance, in June 1986 Chief Igbinedion donated one million naira to the fund for the Cross River State Industrial and Rural Development. A few months earlier, in March 1986, at the launching of the Niger State Sports Foundation Appeal Fund, the Esama of Benin had made a contribution of N1 million. Also in Niger State, Chief Igbinedion donated N5 million for the establishment of Nnamdi Azikiwe Centre as a mark of respect for Nigeria's elder statesman and first Nigerian Governor General, and President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The occasion was chaired by General Ibrahim Babangida. While making his donation, Chief Igbinedion observed in his usual patriotic manner, that he was not better favoured than anyone else by the stern economic situation in the country, but that he felt obliged to make his humble contribution as a practical demonstration of his love and concern for Nigeria and Nigerians. He also made a donation of a similar amount to the Plateau State Government, at a ceremony chaired by General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria's Head of State (1967-1975).

Chief Igbinedion has also donated towards sports development. He was the highest donor to the Olympic Appeal Fund in 1984 and donated N200,000 to Imo State Government towards the completion of the new Imo State Stadium for handball competition. He had earlier contributed one million naira to the Imo State airport construction effort. He has also sponsored the Okada Hard Court International Tennis Championships and Ogbe and Okada hard court competitions which amounted to millions of naira. Chief Igbinedion also provided N1 million to the Centre for Rural Development of the University of Nigeria Secondary School Hostel. He contributed large sums of money to the Universities of Ilorin, Jos and the Mount Carmel Secondary School, Ikare, Ondo State.

In 1992, Chief Igbinedion was invited for another launching this time, at Aba in Abia State, by the Nigerian Institute of Sales Management, where he donated N50,000. Since then he has responded to appeals for donations too numerous to record here. Every passing day brings more appeals, yet the Esama is undaunted. He is always willing to give and share part of what he is endowed with, with the less privileged.

Only recently, in April 1994, Chief Igbinedion volunteered to build a students' hostel at the Edo State University, Ekpoma, to alleviate their accommodation problem. The State Government whose responsibility it is to provide amongst other things, such accommodation for the students was only too pleased to accept the Esama's offer and to thank him for his gesture.

IGBINEDION AND OKADA

IGBINEDION AND NIGERIA

IGBINEDION AND THE WORLD

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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