(iii) IGBINEDION AND THE WORLD

Chief Igbinedion's philanthropic spirit transcends the boundaries of Nigeria. His gesture outside Nigeria fulfils his philanthropic objectives of ensuring the continuation of his policy of assisting the less privileged to attain life's objectives. That is why his donations go for the promotion of education at both individual and institutional levels and the upliftment in the living standards of the generality of the people.

One of his early outings was at the Jackson State University, Mississippi in the United States of America - in 1988. He was honoured by President Hefner, on the occasion of the graduation ceremony of his son Bright Aiyamenkhue Igbinedion and the Esama donated $350,000 (three hundred and fifty thousand dollars), to endow a chair in Business Studies at the University.

At Rust College, Holly Springs, Mississippi, he endowed a chair in Computer Science at the Institution with $250,000 (two hundred and fifty thousand dollars). Additionally, he pledged $25,000 (twenty five thousand dollars) to the College choir with an invitation to visit Nigeria as and when convenient. At Rust College, the Esama's kindness and philanthropism as usual won the day.

His ability to give so freely without hesitation stunned his hosts so marvellously that a few comments invariably flowed out of some of them. Dadne Brown, the Mayor of Holly Springs could not help admitting publicly at a dinner hosted by Chief Igbinedion for his guests, that "...I have never seen anything like this in my life before..." Another observer at the occasion remarked "...It may not be a misplaced belief that the money the Chief generously gave spoke just as loudly as his silvery smiles. 'Money talks', they say, and it may have talked well at Rust."

Before long, the news had gone round the entire city of Holly Springs that a Nigerian chief was at Rust College and that the visitor was astonishingly generous in his philanthropy. His unselfish display of wealth and easy disposition to the philosophy of sharing with the less fortunate brought many more of his hosts at Rust irresistibly close to him, evoking glamorous comments in his favour. Mayor Dadne Brown granted Chief Igbinedion the Freedom to the Citizenship of Holly Springs, Mississippi by presenting him a key to the city. And another of his hosts noted:

Chief Igbinedion has not come to Rust to evince his potency in money. He has not come to dramatize the glitter of African chieftaincy. The chief has come to the college in a genuine and humble spirit of African Black American brotherhood. He is the beneficiary of 'reciprocal tolerance', an accolade of the old saying 'the good that men do lives after them'.

The President and publisher of the reputable African World News, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, Mohammed Sillah, had this to say in respect of the Esama whom he described as a man of nourished vision and courage:

"   unlike other millionaires in the Third World, particularly Africa,
this distinguished citizen of West Africa's most populous and propitious nation who hailed from a very humble beginning in the small village of Okada in Nigeria, has become an asset to a needy world... Sharing his blessings with the needy as well as the privileged."

Describing Chief Igbinedion as a man with a high sense of modesty, sincerity, honesty, patriotism and committment to his nation and continent, Mohammed Sillah attributed these qualities to the success story of the great philanthropist.
Comments on and appreciation of the Esama's sojourn to Rust College can hardly be complete without the views of Dr. William McMillan, the President of Rust College and chief host of the occasion. The College President had this to say:

"His celebrated life as a philanthropist, humanitarian and businessman has made him to be recognised not only on the continent of Africa, but in the Caribbean Island of Jamaica, and the United States of America. He is one who has lived a creed."

This leads to Chief Igbinedion's trip to Montego Bay, Jamaica. With his usual philanthropic gesture, Chief Igbinedion established a Trust Fund in Jamaica for research into African languages in recognition of the historical links between Jamaica and Africa through the Prime Minister of Jamaica, His Excellency The Right Honourable Edward Seaga, and the Minister of Aviation, Transport and Public Utilities, Honourable Chief Peamel Charles. During his visit to Montego Bay he donated to Mount St. Alvernia High School for the setting-up of a modern library. The Mayor of Montego Bay granted Chief Igbinedion, the Key and Freedom to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

His Excellency Honourable Edward Seaga Prime Minister of Jamaica receiving a Benin Ebony carving from Sir Gabriel Igbinedion. The Esama of Benin Kingdom

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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