Iduozee Efe Paul, Benin
As the birthday of the Esama of Benin Kingdom draws near, eminent personalities from the social, political, business, military and the academic community are full of praises for the founder of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion as he clocks 87. His birthday comes up September 11, 2021.
Stating reasons why the honour event was organized, the Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye on behalf of staff and students, said the lecture is part of activities to celebrate the institution’s founder and Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.
Prof. Ezemonye said the octogenarian’s contributions to national development is immeasurable particularly, in the business, education and health sectors of the country.
He made the statements at a birthday lecture organized by the institution in honour of her founder and chancellor, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion in Okada, Edo State.
He said: “The annual celebration of our honourable chancellor’s birthday remains relevant as it seeks not only to acknowledge and appreciate the pioneering spirit of a man of large heart whose great vision gave birth to the pioneer private university 22 years ago but also to use the forum to enunciate strategic and policy discourses germane to national development, especially in the education sector.”
Responding, the chancellor of Igbinedion University Okada (IUO) and Esama of Benin Kingdom Chief Gabriel Igbinedion expressed appreciation to the institution and his guests for the honour.
Those who graced the occasion include the minister of Science Technology and Innovation, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and former governor of Edo State, Chief Lucky Igbinedion praised the Octogenarian, whom they described as a blessing to Edo State and Nigeria.
Highlight of the event was the official unveiling of the Buratai Centre for Contemporary Security Affairs at Igbinedion University by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin and former chief of Army Staff, Amb. (Gen). Tukur Buratai.
In his speech, the Edo State government, represented by the permanent secretary, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Cooperative and Employment, Joel Edionwe, urged the producers to brand their products very well to enable the state government know the products exported from the state.
Governor Obaseki said this would enable government plan properly for the producers and the farmers in the state. He also appealed to them to vaccinate themselves to enable them carry out their job effectively. He assured them that the vaccine is safe.
In her address, the Trade Promotion Advisor of NEPC, Benin Export Assistance Office, Mrs. Ngozi Ibe, said the workshop was tailored to address the issues affecting both the farmers and processors.