Chronicles of a Legend: Igbinedion’s legacy celebrated in new book, varsity gets donations

Chief Gabriel Igbinedion with family and friends at the book launch Photo credit: Ben Osei / Facebook

… a compendium of determination.

It was an afternoon of glowing tributes, cultural grace, and generational storytelling as the House of Igbinedion presented “The Chronicles of a Legend,” a biography of the Esama of the Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Igbinedion.

The event, hosted at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drew Nigeria’s political, academic, and traditional elite.

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.”

Reviewing the book, the Vice Chancellor of the Igbinidion University, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, praised the Esama’s legacy.

“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.”

Other notable guests included Dele Momodu, Emir Aminu Ado-Bayero of Kano, former Governor James Ibori, and many others.