Obaseki pays tribute to demised Hosa Okunbo

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State at the weekend paid tribute to Captain Hosa Okunbo who died on Saturday. The governor had declared that Captain Okubo, a renowned businessman in Edo State, “conquered the air.”

Okubo died on Saturday night in London at the age of 63 years.

He was said to have died of pancreatic cancer.

The late captain Okubo was said to have improved on the sick bed in the UK and intended to return to Nigeria to attend the coronation of the new Olu of Warri, Tsola Emiko, who is married to his daughter, Ivie.

Governor Godwin Obaseki in a statement on Sunday, hailed the business dexterity and love for his people which will always be remembered.

Obaseki in the statement declared: “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.”

Born on January 7, 1958, in Benin City, Edo State, Okunbor was the Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMSL). He had his secondary education at the Federal Government College, Warri in Delta State.

At 21, he became a pilot following his graduation from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Okunbo whose father Robert Amos Okunbo – was a preacher and teacher – later proceeded to ACME School of Aeronautics, Fort Worth, Texas in the US. There, he earned an Airline Transport Pilot Licence.

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Captain Okubo retired as a pilot at 30 and went into private business.