A review of Assin Godstime’s book, Igbinedion: The Man from Okada by Dr Philip O. Ekiugbo.
ASSIN Godstime’s book, Igbinedion: The Man from Okada, published by Pen-Digital Nigeria Publishers, Benin-City, focuses on the Esama of Benin, Chief (Dr) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion. The Esama of Benin is an accomplished man. He is perhaps the only entrepreneur of his generation still much talked about today. He is ranked among the 20th-century entrepreneurs and nationalists who not only acquired wealth through hardwork but also provided helping hands to a large number of people. Igbinedion is a pioneer in many ways. His contemporaries include the likes of Olorogun Michael Ibru, M. K. O. Abiola, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh and a few others. He did not achieve this great feat overnight. As a growing child, he lost his father, Josiah, quite early. He was still a young man when he lost his only brother and sister, leaving him an only child.
By providence, he was brought to Benin by a good Samaritan who saw the need to assist the young lad’s mother. His mother, though a descendant of the Royal House of Usen, was a petty trader and farmer who remained in Okada after her only child was taken to the city. A poor widow who wanted the best for her child she was.
As a child, Igbinedion commenced his early childhood education in his hometown. The school in his hometown was established by the Roman Catholic, and his father, by cleverness, played a tremendous role in facilitating the commencement. He also attended Emokpae Primary School and Ore-Oghene when he arrived in Benin City. After rounding off his primary school, he proceeded to Lagos intending to advance his education. Unfortunately, he could not afford the cost of living not to talk of buying textbooks and other writing materials. He had to drop out of secondary school barely six months into his dream school.
On his return to Benin, he was privileged to secure a teaching job with which he began his life. Being an only child, his mother insisted he marry early to enable him to raise her more children. To achieve this, his mother went to her village, a town called Usen not far from Okada to get him a young beautiful lady. To the glory of God, the young lady birthed his first child whom they named LUCKY! I am sure you all know him. His name spoke out eventually, as he later served as the governor of Edo State at just 42.
Igbinedion did a secretary job and also became a police officer. At different times, he had to quit these employments in pursuit of life and a larger income. His breakthrough started with Leventis Motors, his last place of employment. His light shone with his first business venture, Mid-Motors Nigeria Limited. This firm was the first indigenous transportation company in Nigeria in 1968. Michael Ibru established the second in 1969. With time, he tried his hand at other businesses. As life will have it, providence crowned his efforts with good success. Indeed, the urine of a man always faces the direction it is instructed to drop.
Without mincing words, the Esama of Benin is the first Nigerian to singularly own an airline. His defunct Okada airline was the first in Nigeria owned by an individual. He didn’t end it there. He’s also the first to establish and be granted a licence to run a private university in Nigeria. The Igbinedion University, Okada is the first privately owned university in Nigeria. The Igbinedion Teaching Hospital is also the first privately owned Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. In 1985, the Esama established a restaurant for free food and fed indigent Nigerians daily.
Today, looking back at his accomplishments in life, he stands so tall like an iroko having successfully achieved all that is expected of a man. He not only contributed to life but also raised offspring that have served and contributed to life as well. His son, His Excellency, Chief Lucky Igbinedion served for two terms as governor of Edo State. Another, Peter Igbinedion was Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Two of his sons (Lucky & Charles) were Local Government Chairmen at different times. His daughter (Omosede) was a Member of the House of Representatives. Interestingly, his granddaughter (Natasha Osawaru) is currently a member of the Edo State House of Assembly. Natasha is the second youngest legislator in Nigeria.
Igbinedion is celebrated as an epic hero not just because of the volume of his monetary wealth. He is venerated because of his patriotic decision to develop his native lands of Okada, Benin, Edo and Nigeria. His economic ventures cut across states and countries of the world; through which he extended jobs, assistance, and inspiration to hundreds of people.
In Okada alone, Igbinedion symbols are everywhere. The book, therefore, is a testament to the fact that the beginning of a man does not determine his end.
It goes a long way to encourage those who find themselves in the shoes of Esama’s days of humble beginning when he had little or nothing and the person he is today.
There is always a genuine way to the top, provided one does not give up halfway. Esama’s life is a book in itself to study.
In the words of Professor (Engr) Philip Kuale, “If you want to be great, you must know what great men knew and do what great men did.”
The book is a perfect example of a guide to the top, for whoever thoroughly and wholeheartedly commits to all that the book holds. Unlike other books on the Esama of Benin, this book is the first novel format on the highly sought-after Chief Igbinedion.
It’s a book structured in such a way that it has no age limit or targeted audience. Everyone, whether young or old, rich or poor, deserves a copy in their homes as well as offices.
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