William Shakespeare said: “Some men are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them”. Evidently, Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion is a great man but was not born great nor have greatness thrust upon him. September 11 every year has, for a long time, been a memorable day for this renowned Benin Chief, the Esama of Benin, to celebrate his birthday with pomp and grandeur. Born in the once remote town of Okada in 1934, the Esama of Benin has become a man of many parts.
There are numerous appellations his admirers use to qualify Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion: Chief, Philanthropist, Industrialist, Billionaire, Business Mongul, among many others. As a chief, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion holds the prestigious title of Esama of Benin Kingdom. The Esama title is especially reserved for a man of influence, affluence and of great wealth. It is therefore not surprising that the Esama of Benin, for many years, usually uses about a month, from August to September, to mark and celebrate his birthday, sometimes in different continents with entourage and climaxing the event at his palatial Garden of Eden in Benin City.
As an Industrialist, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion is synonymous with job creation and establishing numerous business enterprises. He established Canada Dry, Okada Airline, Mid Motors, O&G Bakery, among others. Because of uncertainties of business climate in Nigeria, some of these companies have folded up. But the dream of this great Edo man to create thousands of jobs for humanity did not fold up.
Henry Van Dyke said: “There is a loftier ambition than merely to stand high in the world. It is to stoop down and lift mankind a little higher”. Undaunted to make life better, especially for Nigerians, Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion has established numerous business organisations that continue to lift humanity and put food on the tables of its workers. Among them are, in the field of Education, Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City; Igbinedion University, Okada, and Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada. These institutions have trained thousands of young men and women who are making giant strides in various fields of human endeavours. Igbinedion University Teaching Hospital, Okada, not only provides quality health care for the people but this hospital, courtesy of the benevolence of Chief Igbinedion, has treated thousands of people, especially rural dwellers and the indigent pro bono.
The Esama of Benin, the Legend, also believes in the power of the media in information dissemination. He owns Independent Television (ITV) and Independent Radio, Benin City, Abuja and Lagos. Through these media outfits, Chief Igbinedion has kept the public informed, educated and entertained. If other Nigerian billionaires would emulate Chief Igbinedion in the area of job creation, the issue of youth unemployment and restiveness would reduce drastically.
As a Philanthropist and Colossus, Chief Igbinedion is known to have donated millions of naira and dollars to worthy causes, religious organizations, African liberation movements, among others. For example, when the military junta of General Muhammadu Buhari came to power in 1983, his Tribunal jailed former defunct Bendel State Governor, Professor Ambrose Alli 100 years for allegedly misappropriating N983,000.00 for road project. Professor Alli languished in jail as there was nobody to offset the amount. But someone came to his rescue. Who? The great billionaire, Esama of Benin, also known as Exemption, Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion did. He made a payment of one million naira for the release of Professor Ambrose Alli.
Let us be clear on this: one million naira in 1983 is not what it is in 2024. As a matter of fact, the ratio of a dollar to naira then was $1=N0.724. So, do the maths and know its equivalent today to appreciate the gesture of the Esama of the ‘Universe.’
In one of his speeches on the occasion of his 70th birthday, Sir, Chief, Dr. Igbinedion prayed for long life. Twenty years after, the Esama is not only alive but healthy. God is indeed faithful. He has not only blessed Sir Igbinedion with long life, good health and riches but has graciously given him children, grand children and great grand children who are making remarkable strides in various facets of endeavours. His offsprings have and are still holding important positions within and outside the shores of Nigeria. They include two-time Governor of Edo State, a Local Government Council Chairman, Managing Director, Nigeria Airport Authority, member of Edo State House of Assembly, Commissioner, among others.
Chief Igbinedion has built bridges of camaraderie among people far and near in all walks of life. On his yearly birthday celebrations, the creme de la creme are usually associated with this man of inestimable value, the Lion of Okada, the pride of Edo State, God has indeed blessed Sir Igbinedion. Like him or hate him, Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion has been a blessing to mankind. History will be kind to him. His impact and footprints will stand the test of time. Chief Igbinedion is a global icon that has used his wealth, influence and connection to put Edo State on a global reckoning, ipso facto, brought massive development to his home town, Okada, Edo State, and Nigeria.
As Chief Igbinedion, CFR, steps into the age of nonagenarian, I doubt if he would have wished for a better life. Happy birthday, Sir, Chief, Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom. May your years on earth continue to lengthen and be in good health.
Uwadia, an administrator/columnist, writes from Benin City, the Edo State capital
