By Banji Ayoola
The Coalition of Ethnic Nationalities Youth Leaders of Nigeria (CENYLON) has commiserated with her Grand Patron, Prince Benson Onuwaje over the passage of his bosom friend and business magnate, Capt Idahosa ‘Hosa’ Wells Okunbo.
The billionaire first class businessman, loved by his people for his generosity and other accomplishments, who passed on on August 8, 2021 in London at 63, will be buried in his Benin City, Edo State capital birthplace on Friday, October 8, 2021.
In a condolence message signed jointly by the organisation’s National President, Comrade Eric Oluwole and spokesman Eng S. A Lukman, and sent to The Radiance, it “expresses her condolences to the Organisation’s Grand Patron, Prince Benson Onuwaje over the loss of his bosom friend, business partner and associate, the illustrious Capt Idahosa ‘Hosa’ Wells Okunbo who passed on on August 8, 2021 in London at 63.”
It was titled: “CENYLON condoles with her grand patron, Prince Benson Onuwaje over the passage of his bosom friend, late Captain Idahosa ‘Hosa’ Wells Okunbo.”
According to the statement: “The death of the late business magnate and an exemplary philanthropist is a big loss to our Country Nigeria which is greatly in need of human beings like the deceased who, as a rare blessing, selflessly committed a greater part of his wealth to improving the living standard of whoever crossed his path.
“CENYLON notes particularly that the late Captain was a true lover of young people, and that his genuine kindness towards the youths across our Country was outstanding and unprecedented. Thus his loss is a great one to the youth community especially in Edo State, South south region and entire Nigeria.
“Noting that we have indeed lost a pillar of support, and praying for the repose of Captain Okunbo’s soul, the President General of CENYLON on behalf of the Organisation admonishes our Grand Patron, Prince Benson Onuwaje to take heart and find solace in the fact that his dear friend has lived a fulfilling life of blessing, making good impact wherever he touched and leaving behind him a legendary legacy of humanitarian support and community development.
“He further prays that the family, friends and other associates of the deceased Captain Okunbo, including the Government and entire good People of Edo State will be granted the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
The retired commercial airline captain will be buried in Benin City on Friday, October 8, following a four-day series of festivities culminating in a burial service at the Nigerian Airforce Base beside Prestige Hotel, Airport Road.
Night of Tributes for employees and Royal Groups will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at 3 p.m., and a day of tributes from close friends and family will be held on Wednesday, October 6 at 38b Aiguobasimwin Crescent, GRA, Benin City.
Service of songs will hold on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 38b Aiguobasimwin Crescent, GRA, Benin City.
Okunbo, the founder of Ocean Marin Solutions Limited, a Nigerian offshore asset security business, was the father-in-law of the present Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III.
Captain Hosa, as he was affectionately called, traveled to London last year when his health began to decline.
Following treatments in London and Germany, his health had greatly improved before his eventual passage.
