By Remi Adebayo
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, has described High Chief Gabriel Igbinedion as a true visionary, resilient magnate, and impactful philanthropist who shares powerful combination of long-term foresight and emotional grit with entrenched commitment to human progress.
Alaafin Owoade stated this on Sunday at the grand finale marking Igbinedion's 92nd birthday celebration during a special church service at the Intercessory Prayer Ministries in Benin City, Edo State capital.
According to a statement on Monday by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the event attracted a prestigious assembly of dignitaries, including Alaafin's Queen Consort, Ayaba Abiwumi Owoade, other royalty, influential business leaders, and notable political figures.
In his remarks, the Alaafin said the nonagenarian celebrant does not just accumulate wealth but he creates entirely new industries or reinvent existing ones in anticipation of the world's direction.
"High Chief Igbinedion breaks complex problems down to his most fundamental truth and build unique solution from scratch, rather than copying existing models," he said.
Stressing the essence of the birthday, Oba Owoade stressed that "thanksgiving in church is a intentional act of gratitude, worship, and dedication to God for the gift of life and another year, as it transforms a personal milestone into a communal, spiritual celebration that honours God as the ultimate giver of life".
He noted that Igbinedion is a renowned philanthropist who has shown selfless concern for the welfare of others and attempts to alleviate the struggles of others without seeking personal benefit.
"High Chief Igbinedion feels an obligation to do what is in his power to combat these struggles because he views the problems and the hurt that comes with him as his own.
"The nonagenarian business mogul's birthday celebration is a public declaration that life is a gift from God, not a given, as it provides a moment to look back at the past 365 days and thank God for health, protection, provisions, and surviving challenges," he noted.
Oba Owoade further pointed out that the celebration publicly attributes the billionaire's success and survival to divine grace rather than personal strength.
"This serves as an opportunity to rededicate the new year of life to God's service and purpose," he said.
Alaafin prayed God to grant Igbinedion good health and divine guidance in his arduous task of human advancement.
In the same vein, High Chief Igbinedion lauded Oba Owoade for "displaying great deal of ingenuity in bringing touches of modernity to the reversed throne without losing its traditional essence".
"Your Imperial Majesty, you are a paramount ruler with deep compassion for your people. You are one of those rare beings who believe in doing the work in totality instead of seeking respect here and there. You proved the statement right that respect is earned not asked.
"Having a foremost king like you in life is unquestionably the biggest blessing one could have in life. Everyday of life is sunny and serene when a self-motivated royal father like you is there to make life interesting and intriguing," Igbinedion reportedly said.
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