The Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has congratulated elder statesman, businessman, and a renowned philanthropist, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, CON, on “the momentous occasion” of his 90th birthday.
The Speaker, in a congratulatory message to Chief Igbinedion, lauded the elder statesman—the Esama of Benin Kingdom and patriarch of the famous Igbinedion family—for his contributions to nation-building.
Of particular interest, the Speaker noted, were Chief Igbinedion’s “landmark achievements and contributions in the aviation, education, health, media, manufacturing sectors, as well as your employment drive,” which “have impacted greatly towards the upliftment of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.”
“I join your family, the Igbinedions, to celebrate and pray the Almighty to continue to sustain you in good health.
“I commend your laudable achievements and contributions to nation-building, monumental developmental strides, and your philanthropic gestures towards humanity.”
Speaker Abbas prayed to God to bless and grant Chief Gabriel Igbinedion good health.
Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, CON was born on September 11, 1934. He founded the first private university in Nigeria, the Igbinedion University, Okada, the community where he hails from. He also established the Okada Air, among several of his business ventures.
As a foremost businessman, Chief Igbinedion is renowned for his philanthropic activities not just in Edo State but also in other parts of Nigeria.