‘He contributed immensely to Nigeria’s economy’ — Buhari pays tribute to Hosa Okunbo

President Muhammadu Buhari and Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo state, have mourned the passing of Hosa Okunbo, chairman of Ocean Marine Solution Limited.

TheCable had reported that Okunbo, Edo businessman and philanthropist, died on Sunday at the age of 63.

Reacting to the development, Buhari said Okunbo, popularly called Captain Hosa, contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy, and many people benefited from his investments.

“The President notes that the late Okunbo with investments spanning the petroleum, telecommunications, maritime, and power sectors, among others, contributed immensely to the development of the Nigerian economy, providing sustenance to many families in the process,” the statement signed by Femi Adesina, his spokesperson, reads.

“As President Buhari prays for the repose of the soul of the late Captain, he urges those who mourn him, particularly the people of Edo State to whom he devoted time and resources, to sustain his legacies of well-spiritedness and large heartedness.”

Similarly, Obaseki described the deceased as “an illustrious businessman and an accomplished philanthropist”, adding that Edo sons and daughters benefitted from his philanthropic works.

The Edo governor said Okunbo will be remembered for his “undying love for Edo people”.

“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,” the governor said.

“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.”

Obaseki and Okunbo were at loggerheads during the 2020 Edo governorship election as the late Edo businessman pitched his tent with Osagie Ize-Iyamu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).