The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Sir Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, has disclosed how he and the legendary highlife maestro Prof Victor Uwaifo in their childhood days, sold petty things on the streets of Benin.
According to him, while he sold kerosene, Prof Uwaifo sold kolanuts.
He admonished Nigerian youths not to despair or destroy others but always strive hard with hope of becoming greater citizens.
He also urge them to always strive to build other human beings and not kill or destroy others.
Igbinedion spoke during a dinner he hosted in Benin in honour of Uwaifo, a lecturer at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), who clocked 80 in March.
The founder of Igbinedion University, Okada noted he was out of the country when Uwaifo celebrated his birthday, describing the music legend as a great Benin man.
He said: “To clock 80, you must have a good mind. You are a great man and one of the greatest human beings on earth.”
The iconic musician, who was accompanied by his wife, noted Igbinedion, who rose from grass to grace and conquered poverty, greatly surprised him.
He said: “I have never smoked in my life. I do not take drugs. I do not drink alcohol. It is now that I started taking wine. Music makes me high.
“If you are smoking, doing drugs or taking alcohol, it is not too late to stop. Parents must warn their children against taking drugs and not to wrongly imitate people.”
The renowned musician was presented a 75-inch television and other gifts by Chief Igbinedion.