President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, on his 85th birthday slated for Wednesday.
In a congratulatory message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Tuesday, Buhari saluted Igbinedion for his high sense of patriotism, love for humanity and dedication to helping the poor and underprivileged.
The president noted with pride Igbinedion’s contributions to the nation’s development as “a serial entrepreneur who finds joy in investing in sectors that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians, including education, health, transportation and the media’’.
While joining his family, friends and associates to celebrate the milestone, the president said Igbinedion’s active role in Nigeria’s business space inspired many younger people to start-up companies that had continued to buoy the economy.
Buhari added that Igbinedion’s contributions to national development would remain appreciated.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the Esama of Benin good health, strength and longer life to continue the good work.

Muhammadu Buhari, former Nigerian military ruler and presidential candidate for the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) speaks during an interview with Reuters at a private residence in Lagos February 19, 2011. Buhari, the main opposition candidate in Nigeria's presidential election, said he was optimistic it would be a more credible race than in the past but warned events in north Africa showed people would no longer accept a rigged vote. Picture taken February 19, 2011. To match Interview NIGERIA-BUHARI/ REUTERS/Akintunde Akinleye (NIGERIA - Tags: POLITICS HEADSHOT)