… a commemoration of legacy of leadership, vision, dedication
The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Professor Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye has lauded the Founder and Honourable Chancellor of IUO, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s commitment to education, research, entrepreneurship, community service and philanthropy, noting that it has inspired many to strive for greater heights and to work tirelessly towards the betterment of Nigeria and the world at large.
Prof. Ezemonye made the statement in his welcome address at the 90th Birthday Lecture in honour of His Excellency, Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, on Wednesday, September 4, at the Igbinedion University Okada, Edo State.
The event was organised to celebrate the remarkable life and achievements of the esteemed Founder and Honourable Chancellor of IUO on the occasion of his 90th birthday.
The Vice-Chancellor stated that the significance of this year’s Birthday Lecture lies in the fact that it is happening at the same time that the University is celebrating its 25 years of phenomenal existence.
“Therefore, today’s lecture is not just a celebration of a milestone in years but a commemoration of a legacy of leadership, vision, and dedication that has profoundly shaped our great university in the last 25 years. Our esteemed Honourable Chancellor has been more than a Chancellor to us, and has been a beacon of wisdom, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light in our shared pursuit of academic excellence and societal progress,” Prof. Ezemonye said.
“Since inception in 1999, our Honourable Chancellor has been instrumental in expanding the university’s programmes, fostering research initiatives, improving infrastructure, repositioning the Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital (IUTH), and promoting inclusivity, amongst others.
“Under his visionary leadership, the University has not only grown in size but in stature, becoming a symbol of innovation, creativity, integrity, excellence, and scholarship both within our nation and beyond, with a track record of producing future-ready graduates,” he added.
It is noteworthy to state that IUO has continued to achieve remarkable successes in teaching, research, capacity building, innovative studies, and the production of exceptional graduates who are contributing their quota to national and global development. The growth trajectory witnessed has been driven by a culture of innovation, creativity, adaptability, digital literacy, technological fluency, and relentless commitment of the Board of Regents, Governing Council, Senate, staff, and students.
Notably, IUO’s robust internationalization profile and partnerships across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and indeed all around the globe provide opportunities for staff and student exchanges, joint research and training, joint grant applications, etc., thus enriching the university’s pedagogical profile.
Prof. Ezemonye further expressed his gratitude to Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, for his visionary leadership and support, and to the Deputy Chancellor, His Excellency, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion and members of Council for their unwavering efforts in guiding the university towards sustainable growth.
He equally thanked IUO management, faculty, and staff for their unflinching support and solidarity.
“Let us remember that we are all part of a legacy that our Honourable Chancellor has helped to build – a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come,” he emphasized.
In his goodwill message, the Honourable Chancellor, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion who was ably represented by the Deputy Chancellor, Chief Dr. Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, said the occasion is not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts and achievements of the entire university community.
“The establishment of Igbinedion University in 1999, the first private sector-led intervention in university education in Nigeria, was born out of my heartfelt desire to bequeath to the future generations of Nigerians high-quality education run with uninterrupted calendar.
“This also aligns with the need at the time to accelerate the production of high-level manpower required to galvanize the socio-political and economic development of our dear country,” the Esama said.
“As I reflect on the years gone by, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the progress we have made together. Our university has grown in leaps and bounds, thanks to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students. Each one of you has played a crucial role in shaping the success story of our university,” he added.
“Looking ahead, I am excited about the future possibilities that lie before us. Our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service remains unwavering. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of knowledge and innovation, ensuring that our university remains a beacon for advancing knowledge and creating opportunities.
“As we celebrate today, let us also renew our commitment to our shared goals and aspirations. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and make a positive impact on society,” he emphasised.
While delivering the 90″ Birthday Lecture titled: “Synoptic Narrative of a Legendary Entrepreneur at 90”, the distinguished Guest Speaker, Dr. Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, SAN, said the Esama is indeed a great man of limitless and unfathomable girth.
According to the Guest Speaker, the Esama is totally unafraid of any difficulties and does not succumb to them if they stand in the way of his objectives, adding that for bravery and fearlessness, the Esama is overdosed where ordinary men would want to tread cautiously.
“The Esama of Benin, you have lived your nonagenarian life of Ninety years in trimesters of thirty each. Your first thirty-1934 to 1964, you lived it under celestial auspices and auguries of your nativity. Within this trimester, with self-belief and an outsized determination to better yourself, you became a man who had readied himself for great big things.
“In your second thirty years-1964 to 1994, you exploded yourself to the world as Exemption, the Esama of Benin, a Business mogul, a giant African, a true big man, a father to the fatherless, a husband to the widows, a man of deep faith and service to God and Man. It was a trimester of building an endearing legacy,” the Guest Speaker narrated.
“Now in your third thirty years of your nonagenarian life, you have consolidated yourself in all things positive, extended yourself in the service of God and humanity. You have become a real Icon for all the good that is possible in man.
“Indeed, you have in your third trimester gifted the world with IGBINEDIONISM, encompassing a philosophy of positivity, self-belief and self-improvement, wealth creation, self-love and love for others, and faith in God,” Uwensuyi-Edosomwan extolled.
