Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, on Sunday, expressed sadness over the passage of the Benin billionaire, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, popularly known as Captain Hosa, whose death occurred Sunday morning in the United Kingdom.
Governor Obaseki, in a statement titled: “We have lost a brother, Adieu Captain Hosa Okunbo”, said, ” it is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of a great son of Edo State, a brother, a distinguished Nigerian, an illustrious businessman and an accomplished philanthropist, Captain Hosa Okunbo.”
The governor described the late businessman as a man of unparalleled energy and accomplishments, who “saw opportunities in adversity and from an early age in life, carved a niche for himself to become one of Nigeria’s most outstanding businessmen.
“A trained pilot, he conquered the air at an early age and set for the waters and land, building enterprises that distinguished him in the business world and embodied the hard work, perseverance, dexterity and acumen that espoused his Edo heritage.
“Okunbo was a philanthropist who gave lavishly of himself and his resources; thousands of Edo sons and daughters benefited from his charitable works and benevolence.
“As a mortal, Captain Okunbo was not a perfect person just as none of us can claim to be, but he will be remembered for his undying love for Edo people.
“His desire for the development and progress of our dear state, the Niger Delta region and Nigeria as well as his invaluable contributions to building bridges of peace across the country will never be forgotten.
“I commiserate with the Okunbo family, friends and associates of our departed brother and pray that God will grant all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” the statement read.
In a related manner, the doctors in the Commonwealth of Nations, and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Agba also on Sunday mourned the death of the Edo business mogul and billionaire.
Captain Hosa had reportedly died in London after battling pancreatic cancer for almost a year, having left the shores of Nigeria in September 2020 for the United Kingdom to attend to his health.
A statement by the President, Commonwealth Medical Association (CMA), Dr Osahon Enabulele, described the death as a tragic development.
“While I share the pains of his beloved family and loved ones over his earthly transition, his death has revealed once again that this terrestrial plane is a truly transient place for God’s creatures. Indeed, we are undeniably passengers on this terrestrial plane and only our almighty creator can tell the precise time of our departure and the departure of our loved ones”, Enabulele said.
“But there again, life is not how long one lives but how well and strong one finishes the race of life, for we will be pre-eminently remembered for our deeds on this terrestrial plane.
“This explains why the death of our loved ones, as painful as it is, provides yet another opportunity for one to consciously reflect, refocus, and rededicate ourselves to cherished cardinal and theological virtues, and the upliftment of our common humanity,” the CMA president added.
On his part, Agba, in a statement he endorsed on Sunday said that the death of Okunbo had “created a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill.”
“Mr Hosa made a very huge difference to the lives of countless people by his philanthropy. Despite his wealth, his humility, selflessness, the strength of spirit and deep sense of purpose made him a national icon, a revered symbol of humanity, and a source of inspiration to many people.
“With his death, Edo people have lost one of its greatest sons. Our people have lost a colossus and a philanthropist par excellence. A guiding light has been extinguished; a philanthropic colossus no longer bestrides our world; but his legacy will live forever,” Agba consoled.
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