(vi) IGBINEDION ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Chief Igbinedion's pursuit of philosophy transcends his own personal belief in and understanding of life; it involves the study, appreciation, commemoration and commendation, of the lives and times of great men. The Igbinedion Education Centre joined the many countries of the world in 1994 to mark the observance of Dr. Martin Luther King day which officially began in 1986 through the struggles of his wife, Mrs. Coretta Scott King in the United States. On that occasion Chief Igbinedion spoke as follows:

"Today, we join the Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and fellow countrymen in saluting our fallen heroes during our nation's Remembrance Day, we also remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the greatest African/American advocate of peace of the 20th Century as we observe his birthday anniversary under the theme "World Peace, Love and Justice".

We of the Igbinedion Education Centre, Nigeria, West Africa are glad to be associated with the now established annual observance of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Born some 65 years ago, the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., continues to grow stronger by the day, even though his flesh had been cut down in 1968 by the very violence against which he stood all through his physical life.

In marking this occasion, we of the Igbinedion Education Centre may be subjected to investigations of varying dimensions. Could it be that we are honouring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. simply because of his colour and race, or that we are observing this day in our determination to keep alive the principles for which Dr. King lived and died? Some may take the first as our reason, others may choose the second; while others still may regard both as equally important in our decision taking process.

Permit me to say as Chairman of the Board of Governors of this great institution, Igbinedion Education Centre, we are not observing this day simply because of the colour of Dr. Martin Luther King; neither are we here because of his racial origins, Dr. King was an advocate of multi-culturalism. Rather we are observing this occasion in recognition of our belief in the principles for which he stood; principles of non-violent social change and conflict resolution; principles that condemn poverty, ignorance and racism in their entirety; principles which preach mutual understanding in our societal relationships. More than anything else, these principles are of relevance to our Nigeria of today, for its very survival and continued progress.

It is hardly possible to speak meaningfully of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., without reference to some of his personal pronouncements or those of his admirers. But the need for brevity would not allow me to do this here. Nevertheless, we must admit that; the King holiday presents the opportunity for us to renew our commitment to Dr. King's dream of achieving racial harmony, cultural tolerance, and equality of economic opportunity. His vision must be our vision. His principles must be our guide. His hope must be the hope of our Youth. From all indications Dr King Jr. "lived and died in the fight to remind us of what is the greatest struggle in our lives in the present day... how to close the gap between our words and our deeds." Moreover, the King holiday gives us all, including our leaders of tomorrow "the opportunity to establish new friendships, develop greater appreciation for the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and build bridges of mutual respect and understanding"; for as King himself once observed;

"We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." This occasion is being marked

in the spirit of this dictum.

Observing the Martin Luther King day confirms Chief Igbinedion as a visionary person with a strong belief in peace, love, justice and equality with the law. It is a continuation of his philosophy of life, which has been markedly displayed in his approach to problems at local and national levels. Chief Igbinedion, as has been mentioned, is a philanthropist and an advocate of peace, justice and better life for the less privileged. At the international level, he is also an adherent to the philosophy of love and equality among all men. He contributed, it will be recalled, to the liberation of South Africa from the apartheid doctrine through his handsome donations. During his visits to the United States in 1988 and 1989, he was an ambassador of peace and progress carrying the message of goodwill from Nigeria.

(i) IGBINEION ON THE CONCEPT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR

(ii) IGBINEDION ON CHIEFTAINCY TITLE AND NATIONAL UNITY

(iii) IGBINEDION - OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER

(iv) IGBINEDION ON NIGERIA AND THE DIASPORA

(v) IGBINEDION ON NIGERIA AND CHRISTIANITY

(vi) IGBINEDION ON DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

(vii) IGBINEDION ON LIVING TO WIN IN LIFE AND BUSINESS

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