The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbenedion, last weekend played host to media executives as countdown to his 90th birthday celebration.
The Esama, who was in high spirit, said he created time to be in the midst of journalists before his celebration kicked off in earnest, given his respect for media practitioners, which is why he had been a part of the Nigerian media family.
The Esama, who went down memory lane, said he had always looked out for the interest of members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Edo State, just as he enjoined them to always balance their stories and stick to the truth no matter the circumstances.
The Esama also revealed that over 80 ambassadors of different countries and over 200 traditional rulers across Nigeria have indicated interest to grace his birthday celebration on September 11, this year and to felicitate him.
In his remarks, the chairman of the NUJ, Edo State chapter, Comrade Festus Alenkhe, thanked the Esama for creating time to host journalists as part of activities heralding his 90th birthday anniversary and wished him many more years of celebration with the presentation of a card gift.
Guests were on the dance floor with the Esama who displayed scintillating dancing steps to the admiration of all.
Journalists were treated to sumptuous meals and drinks. The climax of the celebration was the presentation of N50,000 gift price to the best female and male dancers, respectively, by the Esama.
