President Bola Tinubu has praised the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, for his contributions to aviation, education, and cultural preservation, describing him as “a fine and extraordinary Nigerian whose life exemplifies resilience, patriotism, and visionary leadership across sectors.”
   
He gave compliments yesterday in Abuja during the public presentation of The Chronicles of a Legend, a biography chronicling the life and legacy of the philanthropist.
   
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the President said the Esama is “a titan in business, a cultural icon, a patriarch, and above all, a living legend.”

In his remarks, former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, called for deeper national recognition of individuals like Igbinedion, whose private sector accomplishments have lifted thousands out of poverty and advanced national development.
 
“If we truly celebrated our real heroes, this event would have been even bigger,” he said.  The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections pledged a 10-year endowment to celebrate Igbinedion’s legacy, emphasising that Nigeria needs more role models in entrepreneurship and education.
 
Also speaking, one-time President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, echoed similar sentiments, describing Esama as a man of bold vision and unmatched generosity.
   
“To imagine someone establishing an airline, a bank, and a university 30 years ago tells you the kind of person he was,” he said. 
 
“But beyond that, his humility and kindness stood out; he served everyone, regardless of status,” Saraki added.