Issuu 187 A1

SINCE 1996

ISSUE 187

MADAM COMFORT MELAYE GOES HOME IN GRAND STYLE

ESAMA OF BENIN

CHIEF GABRIEL IGBINEDION’s TH SPECTACULAR 85 BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

© OVATION 2019

CHIEF SEGUN OSOBA’S GLORIOUS 8OTH BIRTHDAY VETERAN JOURNALIST AND POLITICIAN

PRINCE NDUKA OBAIGBENA

THISDAY PUBLISHER

CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF GOD’S GRACE

ISSN-1362-7309 Issue 187

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ESAMA OF BENIN

CHIEF GABRIEL

IGBINEDION ’ s 85 SPECTACULAR TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION Story: Michael Effiong Photo: Ken Ehimen, Segun Lawal & Family Album

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T

here is no shadow of doubt that billionaire businessman and great philanthropist, HE Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CON, CFR has been highly favoured and blessed. Growing up as an only child of his parents, he has risen from his humble beginnings to the dizzying height of becoming a global citizen.

Indeed, Chief Igbinedion believes that his existence and accomplishments in life are traceable to one source-God. Hence, he begins and ends the day with prayers. That is not all, also always kick starts his birthday celebration with thanksgiving. His faith has really shaped his attitude towards God, humanity, business and life.

As you will see in the early pages of this package, Chief Igbinedion is a serial entrepreneur who dares to thread where many others dread. He seems to always commit his ideas, inspirations and dreams into concrete reality. He told us that he knew from the get go that adventure into business meant financial freedom-and he pursued it with vigor. This led to his incursion into such sectors as auto sales, auto manufacturing, beverage manufacturing, agriculture, education and of course, aviation which brought him the most fame.

For those who don’t know, Chief Igbinedion’s Okada Air, named after his homestead, Okada, was famous for its efficiency and ability to get to destinations on time. It was a popular saying in those days that if you wanted to get anywhere on time and safely, take Okada Air. Another occasion that increased the visibility of this angel of mercy who has so much passion for philanthropy was the 1974 conferment of the Esama title on him by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo. Oba Akenzua II, The title shaped his character and personality, added an extra swagger to his steps while the official regalia sits so marvelously on his handsome and tall frame.

With that title, he became the ‘godfather” of the people of Benin Kingdom that has existed for over 800 years, he automatically became a worthy ambassador of the Kingdom. His performance of the rigorous Iyanhien ceremony which only a few Bini Chiefs had attempted in the history of the kingdom, though it affected him, was an excellent icing on the cake.

As far as birthdays go, only a select few mark it the way he does. That is the reason September 11th has become a very significant date in the House of Igbinedion and friends who identify with the Esama of Benin Kingdom. It is a day that the Esama usually steps out in all his splendor and grandeur.

The celebration over the years has grown in attendance from hundreds in those early days to thousands today, and it has been held in countries such as United States of America, United Kingdom, Jamaica and South Africa. This year, all the ceremonies were held in Benin City, Edo State.

Like he has done for over forty years, his 85th birthday attracted the upper class and the commoners from all walks of life. The two week celebration was attended by political leaders, respected monarchs, members of the diplomatic corps, business executives, members of the academia, entertainment superstars, clergymen and of course the poor and needy.

This passionate and selfless leader, who applied for and got approval to open Nigeria’s first ever private university, Igbinedion University, Okada set his 85th birthday celebration train in motion with a special prayer session at the Family Intercessory Ministries, Upper Ekenwan Road, Benin City.

The occasion which was specifically for the celebration of the birthday of Chief Igbinedion, the Romanian Consul to Edo and Delta States was so spiritually stimulating that it became an opportunity for many to give their lives to Christ.

With the Church packed to capacity, the Esama and his entourage were welcome to the House of God by the Vision Bearer of the Church, Evangelist Margaret Agbonifo and her husband, Pastor Edward Agbonifo.

They said they were excited that a man of means like

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Chief Igbinedion was coming to the house of God to flag off his celebration.

They later showered prayers on the celebrator noting that having touched lives of people in Nigeria and abroad, God’s blessings will never depart from him and his household.

The occasion was spiced up by the well-dressed Intercessory Prayer Choir, and in his typical fashion, the Esama spent time praising God and rocking to the melodious choruses of the choir to the delight of all present who were then inspired to join the jollity.

Then the flurry of visitations and congratulatory messages began to pour in. Daily, various professional and social groups poured into the imposing Igbinedion mansion located in the heart of the posh Government Reservation Area of Benin City.

The next official ceremony was the 85th Birthday Lecture by the Igbinedion University, Okada where the Esama is the Chancellor. It was a very formal and intellectually-focused ceremony that was enjoyed by the academic community. Some days later, the Senate of the University held a special session to commemorate the birthday, this occasion was held at one of the halls in the House of Igbinedion.

As the D-day began to draw near, celebrated

Nigerian began to arrive Benin, one of the early arrivals was the Alaafin of Oyo, HRM Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the close friend of the Esama of over four decades, flew into Benin in a private jet! He was joined a few days later by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

Tagged “A Milestone Unstoppable Journey“ Highly Favoured @ 85”, the next event was the Praise and Thanksgiving Mass at St Gabriel The Archangel Catholic Church.

On that day, The Esama, who stepped out in style in an all-white outfit accompanied by his wife, Lady Cherry, left his mansion in a horse-drawn carriage escorted by horsemen dressed in smart red and black uniforms.

While the carriage cruised gingerly through the streets, residents had lined both sides of the road, cheering and clapping, he therefore arrived the Church, which he personally built and donated, in great style.

The Esama and lovely wife were met on arrival by worthy brother Knights. They mounted a guard of honour through which the Esama and wife marched through into the bowels of the hallowed Church building.

His Excellency Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Igbinedion, in his full regalia as Esama of Benin in 1974

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Chief on a public awareness marketing tour

Chief on a public awareness marketing tour

Commissioning of Canada Dry Factory on Sapele Road, Benin City in 197

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Chief as youngman with foreign partners, late Chief R. O. IzeIyamu & others

The suave businessman

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It was a popular saying in those days that if you wanted to get anywhere on time and safely, take Okada Air

”

The Esama, Sir Chief Gabriel Igbinedion & H.E. Lady Cherry Igbinedion during the inspection of Okada Aircraft

Officials of Aer Lingus welcoming Sir Gabriel & Lady Cherry Igbinedion

Lady Cherry, Kenrick Thompson, Pa Omorogbe & Chief Gabriel Igbinedion inside the Boeing 747

The event began in earnest with the processional hymn and then it quickly took shape. Such activities as the Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist and gospel acclamation took place while five children of the Esama were also invited to read Bible passages and they did it with precession.

It was in the midst of the service that two of Nigeria’s former Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan arrived. Jonathan’s arrival was particular interesting as the congregation erupted in cheers and there was a din for minutes.

The event was also attended by close friends of the Igbinedions such as, boardroom titan, The Otunba Adekunle Ojora and wife, The Erelu Ojuolape Ojora, HRM Oba Lamidi Adeyemi Chief Ezekiel Ainabe,

Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Senator Matthew Uroghide,Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Prof. Victor Uwaifo, Chief Johnson Fasawe, Mr. Akin Olateru, Chief Mike Oghiadome, Hon. EJ Agbonayinma as well as many traditional rulers and top chiefs.

Indeed, the heavy downpour did not dampen the enthusiasm of the congregation or the guests, and this was exhibited during the thanksgiving session where they all danced with glee.

President Olusegun Obasanjo in his remarks praised the Esama for his contribution to God’s kingdom and his commitment to helping humanity.

According to him “We thank God for your exemplary leadership and salute your contributions to the development of our dear country. At 85, you can

certainly look back with satisfaction on a life of notable achievements.

President Goodluck Jonathan described the Esama as not just a tree of hope but a mountain of shield and a totem of success and glory. Then added “May your heart of benevolence and dedicated years of service rebound unto more years of grace.”

The occasion was enlivened by Olumide Dada, whose solo performance was sensational, and Amenze Igbinedion, daughter of the Esama rendered a wondrous birthday song titled “Uwese Baba” that stirred the congregation into applause. The event was rounded off with the recessional hymn aptly titled “Thank You”.

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Dr. Martin Luther-King Jnr. with Chief, Mr. S.I. Omorogbe, Prince K.B. Omatseye & Mr. Chrsitopher Aivbonaye & other guests at the airport

WHEN DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JNR. VISITED IGBINEDION EDUCATION CENTRE

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Prince K. B. Omatseye, His Eminence Sultan Of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibarhim Dasuki, Alhaji Otokiti & Alhaji Galadima, The Galadima of Bornu

Lady Cherry Igbinedion welcoming Martin Luther King (Jnr) Esama's mansion

Bright Igbinedion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. & Mike Igbinedion

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion presenting a gift to Martin Luther King (Jnr)

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Mrs. Mabel Igbinedion (Eldest daughter of Chief Igbinedion presenting a gift to Martin Luther King (Jnr)

. . . ES AM A M EE T S M AND ELA

Sir Gabriel Igbinedion & President Nelson Mandela

Chencellor IUO, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, Lady Cherry & Dr. Mandela

Chencellor IUO, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion with Dr. Nelson Mandela at his conferrment with a honorary Doctorate Degree in Johannesburg, South Africa

Sir Gabriel, Fred & H.E Lucky Igbinedion with President Nelson Mandela

President Nelson Mandela with Bright Igbinedion

Prince Abubakar Audu, Bright, Chief, President Nelson Mandela, Prof. Aina, Mike & Lady Cherry

H.E. Eki Igbinedion, President Nelson Mandela & Barr. (Mrs.) Mina Igbinedion

Chencellor IUO, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, Prof. Olu Aina, Dr. Mandela & Bright Igbinedion

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A VISIT TO WINNIE MANDELA

H.E. Winnie Mandela, Bright Igbinedion & Mrs. Mina Igbinedion,

H.E. Winnie Mandela & Mrs. Omosede Igbinedion

H.E. Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, H.E. Winnie Mandela & H.E. Lady Cherry Igbinedion

H.E. Winnie Mandela & H.E. Lady Cherry Igbinedion

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H.E. Winnie Mandela

H.E. Winnie Mandela & H.E. Lady Cherry Igbinedion with daughters

HONOUR WELL DESERVED

The Esama himself

Chief G.O. Igbinedion The First Southerner to be turbaned with the title Ngwang Tarok of Langtang by HRH, The Ponzhi of Langtang

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