GOVERNOR OKPEBHOLO CELEBRATES CHIEF IGBINEDION AT 92, HAILS LEGACY OF SERVICE AND NATION-BUILDING
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has commended Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, as the distinguished businessman and philanthropist marks his 92nd birthday, recognising his life-long commitment to using personal success as a vehicle for public good.
In a message to mark the event, the Governor said: “It is with immense joy and profound gratitude to Almighty God that I felicitate with you, our esteemed father, illustrious son of Edo State, and distinguished philanthropist, on the joyous occasion of your 92nd birthday.”
The Governor described Chief Igbinedion’s trajectory—spanning business, aviation, education, broadcasting, and community infrastructure—as a testament to faith, vision, and unwavering dedication to uplifting society.
“At 92, we celebrate not merely longevity, but an extraordinary legacy of faith, vision, enterprise, service, and generosity,” Governor Okpebholo said of the Edo business icon, whose influence extends well beyond the state into national development discourse.
For five decades, Igbinedion has channelled resources into education, healthcare infrastructure, community development and humanitarian interventions—investments that the Governor framed as reflective of a deeper commitment to measuring success beyond personal gain. Governor Okpebholo stressed that “true greatness is not measured only by what we achieve, but also by the institutions we build, the opportunities we create, the lives we touch, and the positive legacy we leave for generations yet unborn.”
The Edo State Governor particularly highlighted what he identified as Chief Igbinedion’s most significant achievement: the breadth of human lives touched across decades. “The number of lives you have touched and transformed” represents perhaps his greatest contribution, Governor Okpebholo noted, adding that “as an illustrious and highly respected son of Edo, your contributions to humanity have transcended your immediate community and brought immense honour and distinction to Edo State and Nigeria.”
The felicitation referenced Igbinedion’s sustained investments across multiple development sectors. “Your investments and interventions in education, healthcare, infrastructure, community development, religion, security, and humanitarian causes reflect a deep commitment to using success as an instrument for the advancement of society,” the Governor stated.
At a time when questions about wealth, responsibility, and national development shape public conversation, Igbinedion’s example—anchoring business success to education, healthcare, and institutional development—offers a counterpoint worth noting.
The Governor concluded with a personal note, wishing Igbinedion “continued good health, renewed strength, peace, and many more years of purposeful living.”
Signed:
Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele
The Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State.
Friday, September 11,2026
