...“If not for the economy, I’d do much more,” former Delta governor declares at book launch
Former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Onanefe Ibori, has revealed that Nigeria’s biting economic hardship has significantly curtailed his ability to provide greater support to Igbinedion University, Okada, a leading private institution in the country.
Ibori made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during the launch of “Chronicles of a Legend”, the official biography of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of Benin.
While announcing a N100 million donation to the university, Ibori allocated N50 million to endow a chair in the Department of Economics and another N50 million toward the institution’s development.
“For the chair in the economics department, I want to put a very meagre sum,” Ibori stated.
“If it were not for the economic situation, I would do everything I can to promote this university.”
He attributed his gesture to the Esama’s profound and lasting impact on education in Nigeria, highlighting the establishment of a nursery, primary, secondary school, and a university by Chief Igbinedion.
“What else can a man do for humanity?” Ibori asked, describing the Esama as a man who has given his all in service to society.
He also pledged continued support to the university’s Deputy Chancellor, Lucky Igbinedion, assuring him of his unwavering commitment to the institution’s future growth.
“Mr. Deputy Chancellor, sir, you will continue to have my support to develop the university,” he affirmed.
Ibori praised Chief Igbinedion’s legacy, saying it would continue to endure across generations, especially in the area of education and human development.
Credit: TheCable except headline
