Buhari, others eulogise sterling qualities of Esama of Benin at 84

President of the Pentecost Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Rev. Felix Omobude yesterday led other clergymen in the country in appreciation to God as the Esama of Benin kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, celebrated his 84th birthday.

The celebration had dignitaries from all sectors of the economy, who stormed the palatial residence of the Esama of Benin to celebrate the patriarch of the Igbinedion family, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Notable personalities included representative of President Muhammadu Buhari, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, his deputy, Comrade Philip Shaibu, and Ondo State deputy governor, Agboola Ajayi.

Ehanire, while congratulating Chief Igbinedion at 84, described him as an icon of Nigeria’s business, social and cultural world.

He said: “I have the authority of President Buhari to wish you a happy birthday and represent him at the celebration.”

In his goodwill message to the celebrant, former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, reflected on the fact that God has preserved the Esama of Benin Kingdom to attain such an advanced age with all the attendant blessings, accomplishments and strength, which calls for immense thanksgiving to God.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan in his message, congratulated the celebrant for a life of great achievements and inspiring service to humanity. Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki while felicitating with Chief Igbinedion, described him ,”as an embodiment of pride, dignity, rich cultural heritage and entrepreneurial excellence of Edo people.”

Meanwhile, a former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has said though the idea of state police is good, most state governments are not yet mature, politically and security-wise, to establish their police forces.

He stressed the need for a legal and policy framework for strategic partnership that would distribute roles and responsibilities between state and non-state actors.

Arase said this at the weekend in Okada, in Ovia North East Local Government of Edo State during the 84th birthday lecture of Chief Igbinedion.

He also stated that rivalry among the security agencies was hindering the fight against crime in the country.