Captain Hosa: An Incredible Life, A Memorable Exit

Captain Hosa: An Incredible Life, A Memorable Exit

To be eternally and prominently etched in the annals of Nigeria, and indeed Africa, is the illustrious life of Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo. Here was a man of very humble beginnings – not having inherited wealth or title – yet ably clawing his way up the very heights of achievable success and prominence in every facet of life he dealt with. He surmounted all obstacles on land, up in the skies, and across the waterways to carve an unparalleled niche of accomplishments.

He sure bequeathed the nation a life that is worth emulating. First, he was an amazing airline pilot that had attained Captaincy at age 25, having logged over 7,000 hours of flight time. Upon retiring from piloting at 30, he ventured into the highly competitive business arena. An intrepid businessman, he built a conglomerate that spanned the areas of oil and gas, aviation, telecommunications, maritime security, dredging, power, entertainment, real estate, hospitality, construction, logistics, landscaping, banking and agriculture.

Indeed, he established one of the first, fully functional, hydroponic farms in the country. Incredibly, he was so generous, his philanthropy was boundless.

Captain Hosa’s untimely passing on August 8 this year was a shock to all those that knew him. As somber as the string of events commemorating his life were intended to be, they did, however, have a cheerful time.

The five-day string of ceremonies leading up to the internment started with a Night of Tributes on October 5 this year. The event, which was heralded and seemingly baptised by a shower of divine rain, had in attendance, from within and outside Nigeria. They included his many employees, numerous beneficiaries and many others to whom he was a father-figure, mentor or friend.

Prominently in attendance was Captain Hosa’s first child and daughter Ivie, Olori Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri along with her sister, Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, who led their siblings in welcoming guests and receiving their heartfelt tributes.

Hosted by MC Efex Efosa Iyamu, inclusive of rousing prayers, melodious music and delightful cultural performances, the Night of Tributes featured eulogies that were delivered by Captain Hosa’s many friends and business associates including Ize Iyamu, Mr. Kunle Oyelakun, Rear Admiral Ameen Ikioda, Mrs. Mnena Bara-Hart, Mr. Sid Chopra, Mr. Daniel Quansah and Captain Hosa’s brother, Mr. Dandisson Okunbo who concluded the event with a stirring vote of thanks and a closing prayer.

The second day of eulogies and tributes, which opened with praise and worship by Ize Iyamu and Emma Ogidioulu, was graced by many dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaib and his wife; former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori; former Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole; Commissioner for Information and Orientation of Edo State, Kassim Afegbua amongst others.

Those who gave their tributes included Mr. Greg Uanseru, Tony Idighie; Hon. E.J. Agbonayinma; Oseni Elamah, a chief and Okaoivbiorie of Benin Kingdom; Captain Mike Williams; Mr. Garth Dooley; Mr. Peter Okundaye; Mr. Oladimeji Garuba; Mr. Frank Longe, and Mrs. Roseline Ehanire.

Captain Hosa’s niece Angela, gave an evocatively rousing account of the man she did not only consider a father figure but a mentor and her number one cheerleader. According to her, “My uncle was known with many titles, but being called a father and husband were his favourites.”

The second ‘Night of Tributes’ was concluded with acknowledgements and a closing prayer.

Billed as the Service of Songs, the third day of pre-internment events featured the reunion of the Okunbo family. Opening with a documentary that can be described as Captain Hosa’s final message to his family, the hall was filled to the brim. His wife, Mrs. Nosa Okunbo, his first child, Olori Atuwatse III, Queen of Warri Kingdom, the first son, Mr. Osahon Okunbo, Mrs. Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes, Miss Deborah Okunbo, Miss Osariemen Okunbo, Miss Oghogho Okunbo, Mr Nosa Okunbo, Miss Esohe Okunbo, Miss Omosede Okunbo, the twins Mr. Ryan and Bryan Okunbo as well as other children and grandchildren were present.

Political personalities like Shuaib and his wife, Ibori, Oshiomole, and Sheriff were there, too.

Delivering their prayers and supplications were eminent spiritual leaders that included Ize-Iyamu, Itua Ighodalo (a pastor), Goodheart Ekwueme (an apostle) and Charles Osazuwa, a pastor.

The immediate younger brother of Captain Hosa, Kingsley, led the tributes for the family. Also aired was Olori Atuwatse’s tribute video that gave the audience an insight into the loving relationship between father and daughter. One after the other, Captain Hosa’s children, nieces and other relatives took their turn eulogising the grand patriarch of the Okunbo family.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Osahon followed by a hymn from the Lagos City Chorale, titled “Only Remembered”.

The Nigerian Air Force Medical Centre, Benin City was the venue of the fourth event – Funeral Service; other family members included Nigeria’s First Family, represented by First Lady Aisha Buhari’s daughters, Halima and Zahra Buhari; the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaib and his wife.

The former Governor of Delta State, James Onanefe Ibori; former Governor of Edo State, Adams Aliyu Oshiomole; former Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff and the former Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo amongst other political dignitaries. Also present were delegations of Chiefs of Benin and Warri Kingdoms.

Hosted by Dare Art Alade, Ayo Mario Ese and MC Efex Efosa, the Thanksgiving Service which held after the internment, featured performances by acclaimed artistes like Tim Godfrey, Waje, Nosa, Eben, Mario Ese, Laolu Gbenga, Grace Omosebi and Davido.

Truly, Captain Hosa (JP)’s life was incredible and, certainly, his exit has been truly memorable.

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