Makinde attends Igbinedion’s 90th birthday celebration

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday, attended the 90th birthday dinner of the Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion, in Benin, Edo state.

Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barr. Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Lawal, was among the dignitaries at the Igbinedion Education, centre.

The event also had in attendance traditional rulers, politicians, clergies, parishioners, friends and well-wishers of the patriarch.

The Governor will also be present for Esama’s birthday thanksgiving, which is scheduled for tomorrow at Saint Gabriel, the ArchAngel Catholic Church.

The celebrant, according to him, is a distinguished entrepreneur who has contributed immensely to the development of human capital in Edo, Nigeria, and beyond.”

The Governor equally praised Chief Igbenedion’s “landmark achievements and contributions in the aviation, education, health, media, manufacturing, and employment drive,” all of which “have impacted greatly towards the upliftment of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole.”

He 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.