His Excellency, Chief (Dr.) Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion

Sir (Dr) Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion JP, LLD, D.LIT, GCKB, FCIT, MIT, FIBEN, PHF, CON, is a Nigerian billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who holds the revered title of the Esama of Benin Kingdom.

Rising from humble beginnings, he founded the first private university in Nigeria, the Igbinedion University, Okada. He is also the founder of Okada Microfinance Bank. His diversified business empire spans aviation, education, oil and gas, and banking amongst others. He established the following:

• Independent Television (ITV), Independent Radio -the Heartbeat Station and IBW Cables

• Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City comprising of (a) Igbinedion Montessori Nursery/Primary School (b) Igbinedion Montessori Teacher training Centre, and (c) Igbinedion Secondary School.

He is a recipient of numerous honorary doctorates and the CON/CFR national honours.