Late Capt Idahosa Okunbo
Some notable Nigerians, at the weekend, recalled fond memories as they remembered the legacies of one of the nation’s greatest philanthropists and billionaire businessman – the late Capt Dr. Wells Idahosa Okunbo.
It was the maiden memorial lecture organised by the family of Okunbo at the Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartment in Asokoro, Abuja, as well as the launch of the Wells Hosa Okunbo Foundation, by his children led by the Olori Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom.
Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, in his keynote address, had said Capt. Hosa as fondly called, lived a life of philanthropy and love for the needy, adding that, one of his legacies that would Continue to endure was that he nurtured and mentored many to become responsible members of the society.
Jonathan who was the keynote speaker addressed the theme: “Lasting Legacy: The key to Nigeria’s Development Issues?” admonished the citizens not to give despite the hydra-headed challenges bedeviling country, but use the opportunity provided by the current political cycle to take decisions that would help renew hope, restore what had been lost and rebuild the country.
Jonathan noted that the essence of leadership was to drive initiatives that seek to build sustainable societies and make the lives of the people better and more meaningful, and every political leader should, in a moment of introspection, spare a thought for the legacy he or she would leave behind.
“Captain lived a life of philanthropy. Although he achieved so much as a businessman and invested in big enterprises, he will perhaps be remembered more for his large heart, spirit of philanthropy and love for the needy,” he said.
A former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili urged politicians to develop the education sector, which she lamented would continue to elude Nigeria and other African countries if the political class did not invest in education.
She said, “When you look at the parameters and issues in our country, especially, the current data, it shows that the continent is in crisis and it has to deal with some of the things that the former President Jonathan said about society, It’s that nine out of every 10 Africans do not have the literacy and numeracy skills required of children of their age in other parts of the world.
In his remarks, former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole, said Jonathan left a lasting legacy that set a pedestal for his successors. “Part of your legacy was when you launched the almajiri school and your thought was that no Nigerian child should be left on the street and also appropriated special funds,” he said.
Olori Atuwase III described her father as a visionary leader, who believed in birthing initiatives that would outlive him, while impacting lives within the nation and beyond. “My father was keen on investing his resources in people and ideas, many of which have grown into institutions. He left an indelible mark in his sphere of influence, starting with us his children, and in his hometown Benin City community, with his Alma Mata from past learning institutions, and I dare say in his country and beyond,” she said.
She, however, announced the launch of the Wells Hosa Okunbo Foundation, which she said was an expression of her father’s undying legacy, and would focus on Education, Entrepreneurship, and Youth Empowerment – established primarily to consolidate and continue his passionate commitment to raising world changers in the core areas of education, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment in Nigeria.
“Through this outfit, we are determined to revolutionise the face of industrialisation in Africa and promote indigenous innovations that can boldly make a mark in the global space. The necessary systems for deployment are currently evolving and in the near future, we will be opening up opportunities for these expressions through access to funding,” she said.
Scion of Captain Hosa, Osahon Okunbo, in his welcome remarks, thanked the guests for the show of love and added that they decided to hold the lecture to uphold the value of their departed father. The lecture also featured panel discussants like the founder, Sahara Energy, Tonye cole; Slum to School initiator, Otta orondaam and Vice President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb, anchored by founder and Managing Partner, Message Capital, Mrs Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes.
