Popular Nigerian businessman from Edo State, Retired Captain Idahosa Okunbo has passed on at the age of 63 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Captain Okunbo, a native of Benin Captain Hosa died on Sunday in a London hospital.
The business magnate’s son-in-law is Olu of Warri-designate, Prince Tsola Emiko, who is married to his daughter, Ivie.
Born January 7, 1958, the late Okunbo graduated at 21 from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria as a professional commercial pilot and was made a captain in 1983 at the age of 25.
He worked for Intercontinental Airlines and Okada Airlines and established Hoslyn Ventures Limited, a company that focused on procurement in the oil and gas sector.
Following restiveness in the Niger Delta, Okunbo set up Ocean Marine Security Limited, a pioneer marine security company, which is responsible for offshore asset protection for major oil companies in Nigeria.
He ventured into agriculture, through the establishment of Wells Farm Limited, thereby investing millions of dollars in green house farming and Agro-allied business in Edo state.
The business mogul, who was happily married with children, was also into construction, property and real estate development, security solutions, landscaping and charter flight operations, among others.
The philanthropist was conferred with an honorary Doctoral Degree by the University of Benin (UNIBEN) for his contributions and benevolence to humanity as well as his achievements as an entrepreneur.
–THE NATION
