President Bola Tinubu; former Senate President Bukola Saraki; former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and other dignitaries, on Thursday, paid glowing tributes to the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, describing him as a trailblazer whose life and legacy continue to inspire generations.
The occasion was the public presentation of ‘The Chronicles of a Legend’, a biography documenting the life, achievements, and impact of Chief Igbinedion.
The event, held at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, attracted former governors, royal fathers, captains of industry, politicians, academics, and admirers of the 90-year-old icon.
President Tinubu, who was represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, described the Esama as “a fine and extraordinary Nigerian, a titan in business, a cultural icon, a patriot, and above all, a living legend.”
“The book we are launching today is not just a biography. It is a compendium of resilience, innovation, patriotism, and service. Chief Igbinedion saw possibilities where others saw limitations,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted Igbinedion’s role in founding Okada Air, one of Nigeria’s earliest indigenous airlines, and establishing Igbinedion University Okada, Nigeria’s first licensed private university, long before private tertiary education became the norm.
“His vision brought pride to our national identity and created jobs. He proved that knowledge must not be a privilege for the few, but a right for all who seek it,” Tinubu added.
The president also lauded Igbinedion’s role in promoting culture and tradition, noting that, “as Esama, he has built bridges between tradition and modernity, ensuring we remain rooted in our identity while marching boldly into the future.”
In his own remarks, former Anambra State governor and Labour Party chieftain, Mr. Peter Obi, decried the culture of under-celebrating exceptional Nigerians. He called for national recognition of entrepreneurs like Chief Igbinedion, who have made a lasting impact on job creation, education, and national development.
“Who is representing the Ministry of Education here? He built Nigeria’s first private university. Who is representing the Ministry of Transport? He launched the first indigenous airline. He employed 17,000 Nigerians. If this man doesn’t deserve national honours beyond what he’s received, then who does?” Obi queried.
Obi announced an annual personal endowment contribution to Igbinedion University for the next 10 years, pledging continued support for education in honour of the Esama’s legacy.
For his part, former Senate President Bukola Saraki recalled how, as a younger man, he was awed by Igbinedion’s courage to dream and execute grand ideas at a time when such feats were almost unimaginable.
“Even now, setting up a university is a major task, not to talk of 30 years ago. Yet, Chief Igbinedion dared to do what many could not. He showed us that vision, commitment, and service are what define leadership,” Saraki said.
In a deeply emotional and poetic reflection, Chief Igbinedion recounted his journey from a barefoot village boy to a global businessman, philanthropist, and patriarch. He narrated how his dreams began under oil palms and in the shadows of hardship, guided by the words of his late mother: “Always follow the good road, my son.”
“I was not born into greatness, but with every step, every coin, every prayer, I built something that would last. Okada Air wasn’t just an airline it was a statement that our people deserve to fly with pride,” he recounted.
The elder statesman reminded the audience that legacy is not in wealth, but in values passed on. “If all you leave behind is riches, then you have failed. Legacy is what you carry forward for others,” he told his children and mentees.
The keynote book review was delivered by Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University and chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities. Describing the book as “a magisterial and indispensable account,” Ezemonye said ‘The Chronicles of a Legend’ belongs in the class of works that “paint hurricanes and mark the course of great rivers through the rock of history.”
Ezemonye highlighted the Esama’s impact in entrepreneurship, nation-building, philanthropy, education, and culture, noting that his over 33 companies employ more than 17,000 people—“a feat that puts him in a league of his own.”
The 16-chapter book was published by Crossword Publishing and includes a foreword by former military president, General Ibrahim Babangida (rtd).
As the ceremony drew to a close, dignitaries and guests agreed that Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion’s legacy was not just in the institutions he built, but in the lives he touched and the doors he opened. His story, now etched in the pages of history, stands as a beacon for generations to come.
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