Late Idahosa “Hosa” Wells Okunbo (7 January 1958 – 8 August 2021) in Benin City of Edo State was a Nigerian business magnate, investor, philanthropist, and trained commercial pilot. He served as Chairman and Director on numerous company boards in Nigeria, spanning multiple business sectors such as the agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, power, real estate, and banking industries.
Captain Okunbo’s educational journey commenced at Government Primary School and continued to Federal Government College, Warri. Fueled by a childhood dream of becoming a pilot, Okunbo pursued aviation studies at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, later obtaining an Airline Transport Pilot License from ACME School of Aeronautics in Fort Worth, Texas. Becoming a professional commercial pilot at 21, he ascended to the rank of captain at 25, soaring into the skies, accumulating an impressive 7,500 hours of flying time by the age of 30.
Captain Okunbo retired from piloting at 30 and ventured into private business, establishing Hoslyn Ventures Nigeria Ltd., which became intricately involved in procurement within the Nigerian petroleum sector.
Captain Okunbo ventured into diverse businesses spanning over the agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, power, real estate, and banking industries.
Captain Okunbo was a man whose influence transcends temporal boundaries and was known as the paragon of philanthropy and achievement and has throughout his life made tremendous impact in the lives of Nigerians. He penetrated the world with selfless kindness and established endearing friendships without regard to social status, religion and political affiliations.
His Wells San-Carlos Agro Farms Ltd was borne out of his compassion and need to create jobs and opportunities for the people of Edo State, and about 85,000 jobs were created. From the food on the tables of the staff and indigenes to the agricultural opportunities that abound in the country, the presence of Late Idahosa Okunbo will forever be felt.
The farm was just one of the business outfits through which the Late Nigerian business Icon provided a platform for numerous families to earn a living. There was other numerous businesses from which he impacted the lives of many and inspired most of them to live their dreams and excel in their diverse careers.
The corporate world, though full of huddles and pressure, Captain Hosa has remained steadfast, more than the ordinary human; he did not only join others to transform the private sector in Nigeria but also inspired and motivated millions of growing entrepreneurs who are taking a cue from him today, most of whom have become very successful today.
His passion for humanity has placed him in the good book of both local and international bodies for his good works towards lifting the standard of life; from creating employment to humanitarian services, to fight against trafficking in humans, and his passion for political reforms in Nigeria, his name stands tall.
Early in 2020, Captain Hosa was recognized by NAPTIP for committing personal resources to the fight against the illicit business of human trafficking and illegal migration by empowering victims of human trafficking and supporting NAPTIP to mark the 2019 World Day against Human Trafficking.
In September 21, 2019, in Geneva, Switzerland, Okunbo was bestowed with the Global Peace Award from the chairman of the Order of Lafayette Awards, “in recognition of his efforts in global peace and business innovations.” In March 2017, he received the Businessman of the Year award at the ‘2016 Vanguard Personality of Year Awards’. Okunbo was granted the “Worthy Ambassador of Unity Award” as an old student of Federal Government College, Warri, in March 2016. On October 2, 2014, the traditional ruler of the Edo people in Edo State, Oba Erediauwa, gifted Okunbo “with the ‘Traditional Beads’ for being a worthy son of the ancient Kingdom.”
In November 2012, the University of Benin conferred Okunbo with an honorary Doctor of Science degree. His departure on August 8, 2021, affirmed that Captain Hosa Okunbo had indeed come to add profound value and substance to humanity. His intellectual acuity, unwavering patriotism, and leadership steeped in humility and sound judgment distinguished him in an era where integrity in business is a rare commodity. Leaving behind a legacy of unblemished records, he garnered admiration not only within his homeland but also on a global scale.
The life of Captain Hosa Okunbo imparts an indelible lesson that a life worthwhile is not measured by wealth accumulation alone, but by the profound impact it has on others. The memory of Captain Hosa Okunbo will continue to inspire generations to live selflessly and contribute meaningfully to the world and his legacy as a businessman will live on especially in the hearts of many of the Edo people and the Nation.
Okunbo is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.
The Board and Organizing Committee of Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards hereby award Late Captain Hosa Okunbo Humanitarian Posthumous Award for his compassion, patriotism, humanitarian service in leadership, his extraordinary contribution of Time, Voice, and Resources to humanity during his lifetime.
