Okunbo "comes back to life" at a memorial conference

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By Babatunde Tugbobo

August 21, 2022

The late billionaire businessman, Hosa Okunbo, was literally brought back to life at a conference held in his memory at Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartment, Asokoro, Abuja.

The event brought together several high-profile figures, including a former president, Goodluck Jonathan, and his wife, Patience; the Olu of Warri and son-in-law of the late Okunbo; Ogiame Atuwatse III, and his wife, Olori Ivie; a former national president of the All Progressives Congress, Adams Oshiomole; as well as a former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili.

Jonathan, who was the keynote speaker at the conference, spoke on the theme "Lasting Legacy: Key to Nigeria's Development Challenges". He advised citizens not to give up despite the many challenges facing the country. Rather, he said, they should seize the opportunity offered by the current political dynamics to make decisions that would restore hope and rebuild the country.

He noted that the essence of leadership is to drive initiatives that build sustainable societies and improve people's lives. He added: "Every political leader should, in a moment of introspection, reflect on the legacy they would leave behind.

“The captain (Okunbo) lived a life of philanthropy. Although he accomplished so much as a businessman and invested in great corporations, he may be remembered most for his big heart, his spirit of philanthropy and his love for the underprivileged. »

Many attendees also spoke about how the late pilot touched their lives in different ways, reminiscing about him at the event.

Also participating in the panel discussion were Sahara Group co-founder, Tonye Cole; Otta Orondaam, initiator of Slum to School; and President of Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb Idahosa, while anchored by a founder and Managing Partner of Message Capital, Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes.