Edo-born business billionaire Captain Hosa Okunbo is dead. The revered former pilot died on Saturday night in his house in London. He was 63.
As at the time of filing this report, the late billionaire’s family hasn’t released an official statement. The business mogul allegedly died following a one-year fight with pancreatic cancer.
According to reports, the billionaire had been told he had nine months to live by his suggested doctors. Even though his health seemed to have improved as he was planning to return to the country next week to attend the prestigious coronation of the new Olu of Warri Tsola Emiko who is married to his daughter Ivie.
He is survived by a wife, Nosa and his children.
In his tribute to the deceased, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State gave glowing remarks about the business magnate’s love for his people.
“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,” the governor said in a statement he signed and issued on Sunday afternoon.
“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, 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.
