From Tony Osauzo, Benin
The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, has promised to give Benin Recreation Club (BRC) a face-lift in the next 12 months.
He made the pledge in Benin when he visited the Club at the weekend to commission a newly remodelled ultramodern ‘Chief G.O. Igbinedion Bus-stop Lounge’ named after him by the management of the Club.
Esama in his remarks, expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the ancient recreation club, saying, “This place needs a drastic improvement. I would, therefore, like the committee to see me, and I promise that 12 months from now, this place will wear a new look.”
Chief Igbinedion, however, thanked the current and the past executives of the club for a job well done, and for sustaining the BRC, pointing out that, “many organisations or associations as this have gone into extinction but you have put in your best to keep this going.”
He also thanked the leadership and the board of trustees of the BRC for the honour done him through the naming of a lounge after him, and promised not to neglect the leadership, especially knowing well that he has been a founding member of the Club.
In his remarks, Special Guest of Honour and Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, while describing the BRC as the best place to relax after a stressful day, urged members of the public who were yet to join the BRC to do so.
Earlier in his speech, President of the BRC, Courage Osamuyi, said the lounge was named after Chief Igbinedion in recognition of his great support for the club and his contribution to humanity.
He said the presence of the Esama in the BRC signifies a new dawn, adding, “what we are having today is just the beginning. As he has stepped into this place, greater things will start to happen.”
Osamuyi, while noting that the Esama “has been a founding father of the club over the years,” thanked Chief Igbinedion for his good work and for honouring them with his presence.