Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has congratulated the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Dr. Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, on his 92nd birthday, describing the renowned businessman and philanthropist as a symbol of service, enterprise and nation-building.
In a goodwill message issued on Friday, September 11, 2026, the Governor expressed gratitude to God for Igbinedion’s life and his enduring contributions to Edo State and Nigeria.
Governor Okpebholo, according to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Patrick Akhere Ebojele, described the birthday celebration as an opportunity to honour not just the elder statesman’s longevity but also his decades of impact across various sectors.
“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 said.
Okpebholo noted that Igbinedion’s remarkable journey in business, aviation, education, broadcasting and community development had demonstrated vision, faith and a sustained commitment to improving society.
“At 92, we celebrate not merely longevity, but an extraordinary legacy of faith, vision, enterprise, service, and generosity,” the Governor stated.
He particularly commended the octogenarian’s investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, community development and humanitarian initiatives, saying they reflected a philosophy of using personal success to advance the wider society.
According to the Governor, Igbinedion’s greatest achievement may be found in the number of people whose lives have been positively affected by his interventions over several decades.
“The number of lives you have touched and transformed” represents perhaps his greatest contribution, Okpebholo said, adding that Igbinedion’s impact had “transcended your immediate community and brought immense honour and distinction to Edo State and Nigeria.”
The Governor further highlighted Igbinedion’s contributions to religion, security and other humanitarian causes, describing them as evidence of his commitment to public good.
“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,” he said.
Okpebholo also stressed that enduring greatness should be measured by the institutions individuals build, opportunities they create and lives they positively influence.
“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,” he said.
The Governor wished Chief Igbinedion continued good health, renewed strength, peace and many more years of purposeful living.
