The Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and the Namibia Ambassador to Nigeria, Humphrey Geiseb, have lauded the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir (Chief) Dr. Osawaru Gabriel Igbinedion, for his contributions to the progress and development of Nigeria and the Africa continent.
Obaseki, who received the Ambassador and his wife, Lena, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital, said the Esama of Benin, who recently celebrated his 89th birthday, exploits across various sectors, has created new frontiers that opened limitless opportunities for Edo people, Nigerians and Africans.
Commending the envoy for honouring the illustrious Benin son, Obaseki noted, “We thank you and your beautiful wife for honouring our illustrious son, the Esama of Benin Kingdom on the occasion of his 89th birthday celebration.
“We thank and appreciate you and also acknowledge that personalities can also drive our diplomacy as this is what Chief Igbinedion is helping us to do in this continent and country in particular. We pray God gives him good health and long life, and next year as we celebrate him at 90, you will be here to celebrate with him.”
The Namibian Ambassador, on his part, commended the governor for creating a business friendly environment for investors in the state, noting that the country will partner with the state to drive growth and development in both regions.
He said, “We are looking forward to returning again and again given that there is more connectivity between Abuja and Benin City.”
Geiseb said the visit to the state, apart from strengthening the relationship between Edo State and Namibia and sharing free ideas where opportunities exist for investments, is to attend the 89th Birthday celebration of the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion.
