By Eric Elezuo
“I was not born into greatness, but I built it with every step, every coin, every prayer…” – Chief Gabriel Igbinedion
Accomplished entrepreneur, and celebrated philanthropist, educationist and worthwhile human welfare advocate, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin, on Friday mustered his agelong influence as he drew the who’s who across all strata of the Nigerian economy and beyond including political, academic and traditional institutions, to Abuja for the launch of his biography, The Chronicles of a Legend.
A seasoned expert in various fields of life, Chief Igbinedion, who was born on September 11, 1934, has been a beacon of entrepreneurial excellence since he embraced career trajectory. He is known to have pioneered many Enterprises including the first to own a private airline; Okada Air and private university; Igbinedion University, and the book captured succinctly the path he chose to contribute to humanity even as he dive into the nonagerian periods.
The event was hosted at the Yar’Adua Centre, and better described as superlative, featured glowing tributes, cultural displays, and generational storytelling, giving guests, and members of the House of Igbinedion cause to beam with absolute joy.
One of the highlights of the book presentation were the cultural displays. Women in red velvet wrappers, beaded necklaces, and coral adornments sang and danced outside the venue in traditional songs to welcome guests.
Some of the guests joined in the dance, while others parted with cash gifts before entering the hall.
The biography, published by Crossword Publishing, chronicles Igbinedion’s journey from humble beginnings to a national figure revered for his vision in education, aviation, entrepreneurship, culture, and philanthropy.
Among the dignitaries who graced the occasion was President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
In his speech, he described Igbinedion as “A fine and extraordinary Nigerian, a titan in business, a cultural icon, a patriot, and above all, a living legend.
“This book is not just a biography; it is a compendium of resilience, innovation and service.” He praised the founding of Okada Air and Igbinedion University, noting they were “pioneering efforts when few believed in such dreams.”
The Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi; and a former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, also hailed Igbinedion’s innovative spirit.
Obi announced a 10-year personal endowment to Igbinedion University as a tribute to Esama’s lifelong support of education.
A former governor of Delta State, James Ibori, also donated the sum of N100m to the institution. According to him, N50m will be to endow a chair in the economics department, and the other N50m for the university’s development.
During his emotional speech, the celebrated icon, Igbinedion, said, “I was not born into greatness, but I built it with every step, every coin, every prayer. Legacy is not in riches, but in the values you pass on. If all you leave is wealth, you have failed.”
In his review of the book with 16 chapters, vice chancellor of Igbinedion University and chairman of the committee of vice chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, said the book which is a work of celebration that is endowed with narratives that holds life as morals for generations to come is worth reading and recommended for all.
“This book is not just history; it is literature. It paints hurricanes. It tracks rivers through rock. With over 33 companies and 17,000 employees, Esama’s legacy is measurable, and it’s monumental.”
With a foreword written by former President Ibrahim Babangida, the reviewer said the literary piece provides architecture of a masterpiece of life itself and is highly recommended in grammar with an immense historical importance that inspires and will continue to evoke academic recommendations in years to come.
Other notable guests included Dele Momodu, Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero of Kano, former Governor James Ibori, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, Acting Chairperson of Labour Party, Sen. Nenadi Usman, former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Senator, other former governors, lawmakers and ministers, traditional rulers and captains of industry.
Of noble birth, to a traditional family who founded Okada town in Benin Kingdom, Chief Igbinedion started his prolific career by selling vehicles, manufacturing soft drinks, becoming the first West African to start domestic scheduled aviation service, the Okada Airline.
Igbinedion is invested heavily in educational development at all levels, establishing the first private university in Nigeria.
IGBINEDION IS FINE AND EXTRAORDINARY NIGERIAN – PRESIDENT TINUBU
President Bola Tinubu has praised the Chief Igbinedion for his contributions to aviation, education, and cultural preservation, describing him as “a fine and extraordinary Nigerian whose life exemplifies resilience, patriotism, and visionary leadership across sectors.”
He gave compliments yesterday in Abuja during the public presentation of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography chronicling the life and legacy of the philanthropist.
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the President said the Esama is “a titan in business, a cultural icon, a patriarch, and above all, a living legend.”
PETER OBI CELEBRATES CHIEF IGBINEDION
Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, also called for deeper national recognition of individuals like Igbinedion, whose private sector accomplishments have lifted thousands out of poverty and advanced national development.
“If we truly celebrated our real heroes, this event would have been even bigger,” he said. The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections pledged a 10-year endowment to celebrate Igbinedion’s legacy, emphasising that Nigeria needs more role models in entrepreneurship and education.
THE ESAMA IS A MAN OF BOLD VISION AND UNMATCHED GENEROSITY – DR SARAKI
A one-time President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, echoed similar sentiments, describing Esama as a man of bold vision and unmatched generosity.
“To imagine someone establishing an airline, a bank, and a university 30 years ago tells you the kind of person he was.
“But beyond that, his humility and kindness stood out; he served everyone, regardless of status,” Saraki said.
In over nine decades, the Esama of Benin has shown character in impacting humanity, creating notable firsts, and enhancing the standard of living of Nigerians.
