ESA inaugurates henry and nadege OBEGI gardens

It is a green space at the heart of Beirut which was inaugurated in Clémenceau on Thursday, June 23^rd, 2022. The renovated ESA gardens now bear the name of Henry and Nadège Obegi, a couple who have always had an eye for elegance. With an assertive desire for renaturation, the 5400 m2 have been organized in order to give way to a magnificent and enchanting landscape.

The redevelopment work that started before the crisis the country went through and that of the Covid-19 pandemic has greatly embellished the site. This site is considered a place of relaxation and rejuvenation and it is part of a strategic partnership and a long-standing cooperation between the ESA Beirut Business School (ESA Business School) and the Obegi family.

During the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Duault, Mr. Obegi and Mr. Abillama took turns paying tribute to Henry and Nadège Obegi, who have offered so much to Lebanon.

In his speech, ESA’s Director-General, Maxence Duault, was delighted to finally inaugurate these gardens and expressed his pride in this achievement that magnifies ESA’s natural heritage and makes the campus a place of healing. He added that he saw in the splendor of these gardens a real sign for a prosperous future, the result of the harmony between men and women who refuse to give up, driven by their love for Lebanon.

Mr.Duault thanked Riad Obegi and Samir Abillama who have never ceased to show their friendship with the School whether it be through this initiative or other great collective adventures.

In his speech, Mr. Riad Obegi paid tribute to this couple who have never put anything above education and who have always wanted to support the new generations.

Mr. Obegi thanked Mr. Samir Abillama who came up with the idea of the Henry and Nadège Obegi Garden, Mr. Raed Abillama who was the director, the Ibrahimchah and Obegi families who financed the project and Mrs. Joumana Hobeika, the agent who brought together this entire event.

Mr. Youssef Abillama delivered the speech on behalf of his father, Mr. Samir Abillama, who has known the couple since 1963 on a professional and personal level. He stressed on the family’s desire to support the education sector and more specifically ESA, an institution that works for the future of youth in Lebanon.

A lot of love and generosity have made this old heritage site a pleasant and enchanting place to be discovered at the heart of a beautiful nature surrounded by the sound of the water coming from the fountain. Three white marble benches were installed in the enclosure of the Garden, on which were engraved the names of Henry and Nadège Obegi accompanied by a quote that was dear to them. This biodiversity will animate the gardens on every occasion and during every season, and will offer generous relaxation areas to those who come and visit it.