By Doris Ferdinard
President Muhammadu Buhari and the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki have sent condolence messages to the families, friends and associates of the late Captain Hosa Okunbo who passed away early Sunday morning in a private hospital in the United Kingdom.
In a condolence message signed by presidential spokes person Femi Adesina Buhari commiserated with the family and associates of the late Captain Idahosa (Hosa) Okunbo, who is the Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited describing him as a renowned businessman and philanthropist.
The President noted that the late Okunbo with investments spanning the petroleum, telecommunications, maritime, and power sectors, among others, contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian economy, providing sustenance to many families in the process.
He prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Captain and urged those who mourn him, particularly the people of Edo State to whom he devoted time and resources, to sustain his legacies of well-spiritedness and large heartedness.
In a message he personally signed the Edo state governor Godwin Obaseki decribed the late Captain Hosa as a brother, “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.
“A man of unparalleled energy and accomplishments, Captain Okunbo 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”.
