Eminent Nigerians yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late businessman and philanthropist, Capt. Hosa Okunbor.
They include former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), Senate Chief Whip Orji Uzor Kalu, Edo State Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu and an Itsekiri leader, Mr. Matthew Itsekure.
In a personal statement in Minna, the Niger State capital, Babangida said: “Such a great mind exiting this sinful world at age 63 is a disturbing news about the place of man in this ephemeral journey; a journey of no return, an endless journey to eternity, leaving behind painful memories.
“I am still battling with my inner recesses to contend with this sad news. I am wondering why such a good man would die at a time that this nation requires his services and contributions.
“I am asking very loud questions about life and its connotations. Captain Hosa’s death was the least I expected. We maintained very robust interaction every now and then, and there was nothing to suggest he would not return to us back home, when he travelled last year to seek medical attention.”
Kalu, who described the death of business mogul and chieftain of the APC as a painful loss, condoled with the family, friends and associates of the deceased.
In a condolence message yesterday in Abuja, he wrote: “On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District, I commiserate with the government and people of Edo State over the passing of prominent businessman, Captain Idahosa Okunbo.
“The deceased was an astute businessman, consummate politician and philanthropist of repute.
“The late chieftain of APC was a detrabilised and selflessness Nigerian, whose memories will linger forever in the minds of his family, friends and associates. “He will be greatly missed.”
In an online statement, Ize-Iyamu wrote: “I thank God for Captain Hosa’s exemplary life of service. Captain Hosa was a leader and role model who, through his compassion and generosity, demonstrated the true essence of success: living meaningfully and in faithful commitment to the greater purpose of one’s life.
“Captain Hosa earned the respect and affection of many in the country and beyond, with his remarkable personal accomplishments, which saw him triumph in all the territories accessible to man. He was exceptional as an aviator, formidable and incredibly successful as an oil and gas magnate, security consultant and no doubt a force to reckon with in agriculture.”
Shaibu expressed sadness over Okunbo’s demise, saying: “Captain was a renowned business guru who made remarkable impact that earned him recognition across the world.
“The hand of death snatched one of our elder statesmen at a time his wealth of experience and developmental partnership would have been handy in stabilising the industrial need of Edo State.
“He was one exceptional Benin man with high sense of nobility, who used his God-given talents and resources for the betterment of humanity.”
In his tribute, Itsekure, who is the Secretary of the Media and Publicity Committee for Olu of Warri coronation, recalled the kind gestures of the deceased gave him and his boss, Prince Yemi Emiko during the marriage of Omoba Utieyinoritsetsola Emiko and his (Okunbo’s) daughter, Ivie, in Benin few years back.
“I received this morning the unanticipated news that our father, brother and in-law, Capt. Hosa Okunbo, had passed on. I am in disbelief, shock and deep pain, to say the least. It is just too hard to come to terms with.
“His generosity and capacity for empathy knew no bounds. He was a man of peace with an unlimited ability to forgive those who hurt him. He was a great source of inspiration for our youths, with a unique flair to understand and intervene on their behalf,” he said.
The Nation
