His Monumental Contribution to Education And Human Development
The provision of qualitative education has been an obsession for Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion since his years of adolescence till this day. The sense of mission was no doubt informed by the fact that his own education was …read more
View Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, Lady Cherry Igbinedion in a procession at the first convocation of the Igbinedion University
As he graciously marks his 89th birthday on 11th September, 2023, this iconic personality, often referred to as the Esama of Benin Kingdom, urges us to reflect upon a legacy studded with exceptional achievements.
In the heart of the ancient land of Benin, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion has been a towering figure throughout his life. As he graciously marks his 89th birthday on 11th September, this iconic personality, often referred to as the Esama of Benin Kingdom, invites us to reflect upon a legacy studded with exceptional achievements. A philanthropist, entrepreneur, and visionary, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion has not only transformed his community but has also left an indelible mark on Nigeria as a whole.
A legacy of philanthropy
Chief Igbinedion’s life has been characterised by a profound dedication to uplifting the lives of others. His philanthropic endeavors are legendary, touching countless lives across the nation and beyond. He has established several organisations, including the Gabriel Igbinedion Education Foundation, which provides scholarships and educational support to thousands of financially disadvantaged students. Through his generosity, he has made education accessible to those who would otherwise never have had the opportunity to learn, empowering them with knowledge and hope for a better future. He has one time or the other funded full surgery for the underprivileged at Igbinedion education center.
A Glimpse Into Esama's 89th Birthday Bash
The Biography of Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion
The life's journey of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion started in the small farming village of Okada, in the present Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, on 11th September, 1934.
“The Heavens,” as Shakespeare would say, “did not blaze forth his birth,” for his parents, though of proud and noble heritage were of humble beginnings. He was born to the late Josiah Agharagbon Oviawe Igbinedion and Madam Okunozee (nee Ihaza) a descendant of the Royal House of Usen.
It is no easy task to render an exhaustive account of Chief Igbinedion’s conquest on the global business arena.
However, it is pertinent to say “The Chief’s numerous companies have over the years had interest in diverse areas such as aviation, radio and television broadcasting, banking, salt manufacturing, crude oil exploration, solid minerals, soft drinks bottling, real estate, fruit and fish farming, palm oil production, petroleum and gas marketing, shipping, haulage, road transport, confectionery and hospitality, among many others.” but perhaps one of his greatest legacies will be the pioneering of Mid Motors (Nig.) Limited in 1968, the first indigenous motor assembly plant in Nigeria.
Igbinedion as Traditional Chief and Family Man
The ESAMA of Benin: As part of his greatest achievements in life, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion was bestowed on April 5th 1974 with the title of the Esama of Benin Kingdom by the Uku Akpolokpolo, Omo N'Oba N'Edo Akenzua II The Oba of Benin. ...read on
Igbinedion and Society at large
This subject investigates the assessment of Chief Igbinedion by the society in which he operates having dealt extensively on him and his contributions to societal development. Indeed, reference has been made to his worldwide philanthropic gestures and his colossal business empire from which derives the milk of his insurmountable kindness. But who is Sir (Chiet) Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion and what has been his relevance to society? A glance at a part of the citation read on him by the University of Calabar during the award in January 1992 would perhaps provide some answer to this question.
Igbinedion: The Philosophical Perspective
Chief Igbinedion's entire adult life has been characterized by actions governed by a philosophy of a peculiar circumstance.
Igbinedion and Philantropism
One conspicuous aspect of the life of Chief Igbinedion that can be said to have made him unique amongst all of his counterparts in Nigeria and outside is his rather consistent policy of giving to those in need. Rogets Thesaurus once defined philanthropism "as altruism, humanism, arianism, universal benevolence, cosmopolitanism, utilitarianism, the greatest happiness of the greatest number commonwealth, public welfare socialism, communism, patriotism, civism, nationalism, love of country, public spirit, chivalry, generosity.
Honoring the Honorable; Chief Igbinedion Wins Awards
In 1989, it was the turn of the Nigeria Police Force, Bendel State Command, to appreciate his kindness. The then Commissioner of Police, Lawrence Chenbap, received on behalf of his command two motor vehicles donated by the Esama. Chenbap was particularly grateful to Chief Igbinedion for his "magnanimous generosity which had come at a time of economic distress for most Nigerians".4 Bendel, Niger, and Imo state governments which benefited from the goodwill of Chief Igbinedion were no less appreciative.
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
L-R: Lady Cherry Igbinedion, Chief Sir G. O. Igbinedion, Martin Luther King lll and HEH Walter Carrington, Former US Ambassador to Nigeria at the Igbinedion Education Centre for Africa’s First Observance of the Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr.
Nelson Mandela Congratulating The Esama @ 70
Sir Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion being congratulated by Nobel Laureate Dr. Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa,
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Igbinedion Donates 10 Churches to Mark 77th Birthday in 2013
It was one month long of activities marking the 77th birthday of HIS EXCELLENCY SIR CHIEF DR. G. O. IGBINEDION (CON, LLD, D.LITT, GCKB),
Esama of Benin Kingdom,
Honorable Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada,
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Romania to Edo and Delta States of Nigeria,
Chairman Okada Group of Companies.
Thanksgiving Service
The thanksgiving service was beamed live via Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Independent Television (ITV), Africa Independent Television (AIT) and a few other Television Stations.
CAN President Ministered
Rev Ayo Oritsejafor, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other notable men of GOD officiated the ceremony.
