Issue 187 A3

SPECIAL PRAYERS AT FAMILY INTERCESSORY MINISTRIES

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion & his wife, Lady Cherry Igbinedion

Pastor Edward Agbonifo, Evangelist (Mrs.) Margaret Agbonifo with Chief Gabriel Igbinedion

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, Pastor Agbonifo with Traditonal rullers as they dance

The Family Intercessary Ministries cultural dance

A Bishop praying for Chief Igbinedion

Lady Cherry Igbinedion with Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Agbonifo

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Evangelist Margaret Agbonifo preaching the word

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion & his wife Lady Cherry Igbinedion with Evangelist Mrs. Margaret Agbonifo

Apostle Henry Osasere, Apst. Ogbonmwan Godpower with Archbishop Akhigbe Solomon

Dr. W. O. Osadiaye, Chairman, Dewosco & Bini Chief

Chief Igbinedion and guests enjoying a saxophone performance of Pastor Enoch Agbonifo

Pastor Edward Agbonifo, Evangelist Margaret with Bishop Segun Bamidele

Sir Gabriel & Lady Cherry

Okada Igbinedion, Sir Gabriel, Lady Cherry, Prof. & Mrs Tes Sorae with Apostle W. O. Osadiaye

At 6am on September 11, 2019, the expansive Igbinedion Mansion on Okada Avenue was bursting in its seams as hundreds of guests defied the elements to attend the Interdenominational Morning Dew Service.

It was an occasion to show the glory of God in the Esama’s life and the event as it has been done for years now was attended by Christian leaders from different churches.

The ceremony featured Rev. (Dr.) Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, President, National Baptist Convention and President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Evangelist Margaret Agbonifo, Rev. B.O. Ekhator, JP, Pastor of the House of Igbinedion and Snr. Pastor Chika Stephen, Resident Pastor, God’s Historic Chapel while Ven. Osazee Usuanlele and Rev. Dr. Olu Aibinuomo coordinated proceedings.The lively ceremony took off

with performances by different praise team choirs which provided a soothing background for the arrival of guests.

It was Rev. Blessed Ighiwi who made the call to worship, reading Psalm 145 1-10. This was followed by the opening hymn, Blessed Assurance. In the course of the ceremony, there were special ministrations by Promised Land Chorale from Akwa-Ibom State, Excel Choral Group Choir: St Paul Catholic Church, Jesus Breed Ministry Choir and Kings Bible Church Choir.

That was not all, Rev. Father Chima Okosisi stirred the atmosphere with his saxophone performance where he belted out popular choruses, Amenze Igbinedion was also superlative with her special birthday and then famous gospeller, Sammy Okposo shock the venue to its foundation with his praise jams. His medley of

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion & his wife Lady Cherry Igbinedion

personal aand popular tracks were enjoyed by all.

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi took centre stage to pour encomiums on the Esama, whom he described as a detribalized Nigerian and father of the nation. He then presented a wonderful art work to the Esama and family.

After the service, guests were treated to a sumptuous reception at various sections of the compound, every type of food and all many of choice drinks were served and everyone went home with smiles of satisfaction on their faces.

Speaking Exclusively to OVATION on her husband, The Esama’s Jamaican wife of 42 years, Lady Cherry Igbinedion said she has greatly admired him for his love, care, compassion and unflinching attention to his family. Adding “You are indeed a husband in a million”

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Hon. Charles Igbinedion, Pastor (Mrs.) Angela Igbinedion & Okada Igbinedion

Chief Igbinedion's sons

Bini Chiefs

Deacon & Deaconess V. E. Agenmonwen

Archbishop Aikhigbe Solomon

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Prof. & Mrs. Tes Sorae with Hon. & Mrs Charles Igbinedion

VISIT TO NEW CATHEDRAL

Cathedral Church project in Okada

Most Rev. Augustine Akubueze praying for the Okada Church project

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion during his speech

Celebrant and his entourage

Dr. W.O. Osadiaye, Apostle Okpebholo with Prof. Tes Sorae

Okada Catholic Church women

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CONGRATULATORY VISIT BY VARIOUS GROUPS

A portrate picture presented by Prof. Chevalier & Lady Austin Omoigberale

Chief Igbinedion, his son Hon. Charles & family with in-laws, The Osagiedes

Board of Trustees of Igbinedion University

The Great Christian Festival Organisers with Esama

Edo State Peace Ambasadors

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Chief Gabriel Igbinedion receiving a birthday Card from Franklyn Eigbodion, State Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria, Edo State

The great Christian festival Benin

Peace Corps of Nigeria

The Lion of Okada, Chief Igbinedion

Christian Group with Esama

A portrait picture presented to celebrant by Prof. & Mrs. Tes Sorae of The great Christian festival, Benin

The Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Benin, Edo State

Emo- Mose Group (Alaghadaho)

Royal Ambassador, Benin, Edo State

Chief with members of Baptist Men's Fellowship led by Hon. Dewari George

Celebrant with Pastor Felix Omobude

ABC Micro-Finance Bank officials led by Mr. A. Egbochionye

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Valda Felix-Emore

Hope Udegbe, Ehi Aghedo with Praise Igbinosun

Mr. Joshua & Mrs. Nitioleta Mazzeo & their chidren

Osahon Egharevba, Daniel Igbodaro, Joy Momoh with Fortunate Okafor

Sharon Afeisume, Uyinwen with Queesley Ikott

Chief Igbinedion with his daughter Hon. Omosede Igbinedion

Chief Joseph Idehen with Celebant

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VISIT T O B AP T IST AM B ASSAD O RS

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion arrive The Nigerian Baptist Church, Benin

Esama inspecting a guard of honour

Nigerian Baptist Church Ambassadors

ACP David Osuani, Barr. Alfred Iyamu with Rev’d Frank Ezele

Rev’d Osahon Igbinidu, President Edo Baptist Conference of the Nigeria Baptist Convention

Hon. Dr. Dawari George with Cannon Ayobami Ayokunle

Chief Igbinedion with Royal Ambassadors of Nigerian Baptist Convention

Esama showing off his gift

Cross section of Ambassadors

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ALAAFIN OF OYO ARRIVES

Barr. Mike Igbinedion receiving Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Adeyemi & his entourage

Barr. Mike Igbinedion with Alaafin of Oyo & entourage at the Benin Airport

Friends Forever: Chief Igbinedion exchanging pleasantries with long-time friend, Alaafin of Oyo

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Alaafin of Oyo & his Olori

Alaafin arriving House of Igbinedion

MEGA THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT

ST. GABRIEL THE ARCHANGEL CATHOLIC CHURCH

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Knights mount guard of honour for Sir Gabriel & Lady Cherry

Former President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Erelu Ojuolape Ojora with Chief Gabriel Igbinedion

Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, Sir. Gabriel Igbinedion, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Erelu Ojuolape & The Otunba Adekunle Ojora

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Sir. Gabriel Igbinedion, Lady Cherry Igbinedion, The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba (Dr.) Victor Adesimbo Ademefun Kiladejo, Jilo III, Lady Mabel Amadi & Mr. Bright Igbinedion

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi & his Olori

Chief Ezekiel Ainabe, Senator Ibrahim Mantu, Dr. Ebele Goodluck Jonathan & Chief Aremu Olusegun Obasanjo

Sir Gabriel, Lady Cherry, Chief Lucky Igbinedion & Mr. Bright Igbinedion Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande

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Mr. Bright Igbinedion, Hon. Charles Igbinedion, Mrs. Angela & Dr. Fred Igbinedion

She continued: “Since your installation as the Esama of Benin Kingdom by His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo. Oba Akenzua II and your elevation to the Ekhaemwen N’Ore Chieftaincy, I have watched you serve three Kings of the Benin Kingdom with forthrightness and dignity, always defending and projecting the noble and high values of the Benin Traditional Institution. You have expressed your appreciation of the Arts and Culture of your Bini people by

taking it to every corner of the world, including Jamaica.

"As you continue to do God’s will in your life, please take sometime to sit back, relax and truly enjoy the rest of your life with your family and friends at 85” For his eldest son, Former Edo State Governor, Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, he thanked God for His Exceptional grace in the life of his dear dad. “I am pleased to have you as dad and pillar of support.

Dr. Fred Igbinedion & Barr. Mike Igbinedion

Oba Ademola Ademiluyi & Oba Fayemi Johnson Olu

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo & Sir Victor Uwaifo

“85 years studded with formidable achievements and outreach is indeed a milestone worthy of the most colourful celebration. Words certainly fail me in an attempt to describe you.

You are more than an enigma. So many things I have learnt from you, discipline, dedication and hardwork are some which have guided me till date.”

Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki who attended the 85th Birthday Morning Dew Service with his deputy, Hon. Phillip Shuaibu noted that Chief Igbinedion has been a pride to Edo State with his personification of its rich cultural heritage and graceful carriage.

He added “For over six decades,

you have provided jobs, sustenance and support to numerous individuals and families in Edo State and Nigeria.

You have continued to inspire us through your values of hard work, charity, benevolence, unity and love” An elated Chief Igbinedion told us that he was grateful to God for allowing him reach this advanced age in excellent health and for blessing him with children, grand children and great grand children.

The ever gracefully dressed businessman was asked what else he wants from God, he replied "Nothing.

He has blessed me specially since birth, all I want to be doing is to spend the rest of my life thanking and praising Him."

R-l: Agbon Igbinedion, eldest daughter, Barr. (Mrs.) Mabel Amadi with nephew

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