Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, were among dignitaries who attended the interdenominational service to mark the 85th Birthday anniversary of Chief
Gabriel Igbinedion, which held in Benin on Wednesday.
Speaking to journalists after the service, Obaseki extolled the leadership qualities and the contributions of Chief Igbinedion to humanity.
He said Igbinedion had made great impact in the lives of many, both in the state and beyond.
“We are proud of our father who has represented the state well both in this country and abroad.
“He is first in many areas and a great entrepreneur, a Diplomat and the first to establish a private University in Nigeria, 20 years ago.
“We thank God for his life and what he represents and we pray for God to keep him for us so we can draw from his wisdom and life as an entrepreneur.’’
Earlier in the service, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, said God is generous and will not withhold his blessings from his children.
In his message entitled: “Thanking God for all things and facing the future with confidence,’’ he said God blesses his people, irrespective of age,
He, therefore, called on the congregation to continue to bless and thank God always.
Other guests that graced the occasion include the Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shaibu, Secretary to the Edo Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, and the Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, Mr Frank Okiye.
They also included a former Governor of Edo Mr Lucky Igbinedion, former IGP, Solomon Arase, and the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Felix Omobude, among others.
