Former Delta State Governor, James Ibori announced a ₦100 million donation to Igbinedion University, Okada, during the launch of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography celebrating the life of Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin Kingdom, on Thursday at the Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.
Citing Nigeria’s economic challenges, Ibori remarked, “I would have done more, but the economy is bad,” while pledging the funds to support the university’s growth.
The event, attended by dignitaries including President Bola Tinubu (represented by SGF George Akume), former Senate President Bukola Saraki, and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, honored Igbinedion’s contributions to education, aviation, and philanthropy.
Ibori, reflecting on his personal ties with the Esama, praised Igbinedion’s establishment of Nigeria’s first private university and his broader impact on education. “He’s a father to all of us. Esama has built schools and a university—what else can a man do for humanity? It’s now our turn,” Ibori said.
The ₦100 million donation aims to bolster Igbinedion University’s academic and infrastructural development, reinforcing its role as a pioneer in private tertiary education.
The biography, reviewed by Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, highlights Igbinedion’s legacy across 33 companies employing over 17,000 people and his trailblazing ventures like Okada Air.
President Tinubu lauded Igbinedion as a “living legend” whose vision in education and culture continues to inspire, while Obi called for national recognition of such entrepreneurs.
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