Family Commemorates Late Captain Hosa Okunbo’s 68th Birthday
The family of the late Nigerian business magnate Captain Idahosa “Hosa” Wells Okunbo has marked what would have been his 68th birthday, celebrating his enduring legacy as a visionary leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist.
In a statement released on Tuesday and signed by Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo and Patrick Ochoga, the Okunbo family reflected on his impactful life, saying his example continues to inspire Nigerians. They described his journey as one defined not by accumulation of wealth but by his lasting positive influence on society. “True success is not measured by material gain, but by the positive impact we leave on the world,” the family said in the tribute.
Born on January 7, 1958, in Benin City, Edo State, Okunbo began his career in aviation, training at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre in Zaria and later earning an Airline Transport Pilot Licence in the United States. By age 25 he had risen to the rank of captain, and by 30 had logged more than 7,000 flying hours.
After leaving aviation in 1988, he founded and led numerous business ventures across sectors including oil and gas, maritime security, agriculture, hospitality, power, real estate, and telecommunications. Among his notable companies were Ocean Marine Solutions Ltd., CMES‑OMS Petroleum Development Company, Wells San‑Carlos Agro Farms, and Wells Carlton Hotel & Apartments, ventures that helped drive economic growth, job creation, and strategic development in Nigeria.
Okunbo was also remembered for his philanthropic work. The family highlighted his generous support for scholarships, medical care for the needy, and assistance to widows and orphans as key aspects of his legacy. They said his life encourages others “to build where others see barriers, and to serve with sincerity and courage.”
Though he passed away on August 8, 2021, tributes from political leaders, business figures, and ordinary citizens underscored how widely admired he was for his humility, compassion and nation‑building spirit. The family concluded that while Okunbo may no longer be alive, his values and vision remain “a guiding force for generations to come.”