5th September, 2024
By Jethro Ibileke
The Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, Professor Lawrence Ezemonye, has described the proprietor of the institution, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a beacon of wisdom and a pillar of strength for the pursuit of academic excellence and societal progress in Nigeria.
He stated this on Wednesday at the Birthday Lecture organized by the University to mark the 90th birthday ceremony of the Benin-based philanthropist.
The lectured titled: Synoptic Narrative of a Legendary Entrepreneur, was delivered by Dr. Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan (SAN).
Ezemonye noted that the lecture was not just a celebration of a milestone in years and commemoration of a legacy of Chief Igbinedion’s, vision, but also marks the University’s 25 years of phenomenal existence.
He said: “The The significance of this year’s Birthday Lecture lies in the fact that it is happening at the same time that the University is celebrating its 25 years of phenomenal existence.
“Therefore, today’s lecture is not just a celebration of a milestone in years but a commemoration of a legacy of leadership, vision, and dedication that has profoundly shaped our great university in the last 25 years.
“Our esteemed Honourable Chancellor has been more than a Chancellor to us, and has been a beacon of wisdom, a pillar of strength, and a guiding light in our shared pursuit of academic excellence and societal progress.”
The guest lecturer, Dr. Charles Uwensuyi-Edosomwan, described the Esama as a great man of limitless and unfathomable girth.
“He is totally unafraid of any difficulties and does not succumb to them if they stand in the way of his objectives.
“For bravery and fearlessness, the Esama is overdosed where ordinary men would want to tread cautiously.
“To recount the story of the Esama, one must realize that indeed he grew and became one of the mightiest trees in the forest that once sprouted as a small shoot,” Uwensuyi-Edosomwan said.
In his goodwill message, the Chancellor of the institution, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, noted that the occasion was not just a personal milestone but a testament to the collective efforts and achievements of the entire university community.
The Esama who was represented by his son, former Governor Lucky Igbinedion, stated that the establishment of the University in 1999 was born out of his heartfelt desire to bequeath to future generation of Nigerians high quality education run with uninterrupted calendar.
He said: “This also aligns with the need at the time to accelerate the production of high level manpower required to galvanize the socio-political and economic development of our dear country.
“Since inception, the University has continued to record remarkable successes in the areas of teaching and research, capacity building and innovation.
“The University has produced high quality graduates in different fields of human endeavours who are contributing their quota to national and global development.”