In a world where resilience and beauty intertwine, we find inspiration in the life of Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion, who is a lawyer, politician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
A true embodiment of grace and hard work, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion was born on 6 May 1981 into the family of The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion.
Hon. Omosede Igbinedion attended the Igbinedion Education Centre in Benin City, Edo State, where she sat for and passed the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 1998. She thereafter moved to the United Kingdom where she studied Law at the University of Kent and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in 2003. In 2005, she obtained a Master’s degree in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Westminster. Thereafter, she returned to Nigeria and attended the Nigerian Law School at Victoria Island, Lagos, after which she was called to bar in 2007.
With dreams as vast as the horizon, she has navigated life’s challenges with unwavering determination. From an early age, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion demonstrated an innate curiosity and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Her academic journey was marked by excellence, paving the way for a future where her intellect and work ethic would shine. Despite facing obstacles, she embraced challenges as opportunities for growth.
In the professional arena, Omosede Igbinedion has carved a niche for herself through tireless dedication. Her career trajectory reflects a commitment to not just meeting expectations but exceeding them. Colleagues admire her for the way she seamlessly balances compassion with competence, creating an environment where success is a collective achievement.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Hon Omosede is a beacon of positivity and kindness. Her philanthropic efforts have touched the lives of many, demonstrating that true beauty lies in the ability to uplift others. Whether through mentorship programmes or charitable initiatives, she uses her success as a platform to empower those around her.
Despite the demands of her multifaceted life, Omosede radiates elegance. Her sense of style mirrors the sophistication with which she approaches every aspect of her life. Yet, it is the resilience in her eyes that captivates hearts — a testament to the strength she carries within.
In 2015, Hon. Igbinedion ran on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and was elected into the House of Representatives to represent the Ovia Federal Constituency consisting of Ovia North-East and Ovia South-West Local Government Areas of Edo State. She was the youngest female member of the 8th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Her legislative interest include women and children advocacy, poverty alleviation, education, and Niger Delta. During her term, she was the Deputy Chairman House Services in the House of Representatives and a member of the Local Content, Aviation, Downstream Petroleum, FCT, Judiciary, Rural Development, and Women in Parliament committees of the House.
A very congenial, benign, benevolent and pleasant personality, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion’s articulation of issues while in the House of Representatives was remarkable as she spoke with so much precision and logical exactitude. Her advocacy in the House of Representatives bordered mostly on widows, vulnerable young girls and poor women. She appeared to be the lone voice in the House for gender-related issues.
Late last year, news emerged that Hon. Igbinedion was joining the Edo 2024 governorship race under the platform of the PDP.
It was gathered that some chieftains of the party from across the three senatorial districts of the state approached the former lawmaker to woo her to join the race.
“Barr. Omosede Igbinedion needs no introduction to political dynamics in Edo State. She is the scion of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin and has served in the House of Representatives between 2015 and 2019. Barr. Igbinedion has remained a strong member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State,” one of the PDP elders was quoted as saying.
“We do not care if outgoing Governor, Godwin Obaseki is from Edo South as Igbinedion but who can win the election for our party. The governor himself did not support power rotation in the last presidential election. He supported Atiku.
“Barr. Igbinedion is our best choice of winning the governorship election. We are going to force her into the race. We will mobilise and pay for her nomination form,” the person said.
Hon. Igbinedion is always reaching out to the poorest of the poor through her foundation, solving problems and saving lives and applying law as an instrument of social engineering.
An advocate for the girl-child who has won the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Award for Role Model to the Girl Child, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion’s advocacy programmes on gender-related issues have touched the lives of many and given hope to the hopeless.
Proudly Edo, Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion is also passionate about the Nigerian youth whose interest she has advocated for some years now.
While in the House of Representatives, she executed many empowerment programmes for members of her constituency targeting women and youths in fulfilment of her campaign promises.
Hon. Omosede Gabriella Igbinedion gave out financial assistance to 150 female farmers, 150 sewing machines to equip those in the clothing and tailoring business, and 31 motorbikes to ease transportation and provide supplementary income for the beneficiaries. She also launched various training programmes to provide prerequisite knowledge for a profitable business venture and self-employment. All the beneficiaries were carefully selected from several requests made by these members of her constituency to her office. She used the opportunity to interact with them and assured them of more qualitative and effective representation through legislation at the federal level. She also promised to ensure the dividends of democracy got to them by improving their living standard through executing her plans and projects.
Furthermore, Hon. Igbinedion has touched the lives of so many persons, including the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Ughogua Community in Ovia North. Over time, she has made herself a part of the IDP camps, reaching out to them with relief materials and other social amenities.
Hon. Omosede Igbinedion is a lover of all, especially the children, and has pledged that she would not stop her goodwill and pro-activeness to all.
She was the first lawmaker in Edo State to bring the Speaker of the House of Representatives to help and work with the people of her constituency, making Ovia a household name in the Green Chamber.
On the career path, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion has distinguished herself as an investment lawyer, playing a prominent role in investment portfolios all around the world.
At the home front, she is a family delight, a doting mother to her Prince Charming son and a friend to all members of her family.
For her good works, Hon. Omosede Igbinedion was given an Award of Excellence by the Student Union Government (SUG) of the University of Benin, Edo State. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) also gave her an award. These awards were as a result of her immense contribution to the development of the Nigerian youths.
As we celebrate the achievements of this remarkable woman, we are inspired by her journey. Hon Omosede Igbinedion is not just a symbol of beauty and hard work; she is a living testament to the extraordinary heights one can reach when grace and grit walk hand in hand.
