By Ishaya Ibrahim, News Editor
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Sunday mourned the death of Captain Hosa Okunbo.
Okunbo, an indigene of Edo, died in a London hospital on Saturday.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2020 and given nine months to live. He, however, survived for 12 months.
In a statement he personally authored on Sunday titled, “We have lost a brother, Adieu Captain Hosa Okunbo,” Obaseki said “Okunbo was a philanthropist who gave lavishly of himself and his resources,” admitting that “thousands of Edo sons and daughters benefited from his charitable works and benevolence.”
Though Okunbo supported APC and Pastor Ize-Iyamu in the 2020 Edo State governorship election, Obaseki, nevertheless, called him a great son of Edo State and 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,” the statement said.
The statement reads in part.
“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.
“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.”
