Prominent Nigerians across divide weekend poured encomium as they recalled the legacies of one of the nation's greatest Philantropist and billionaire business mogul, late Capt Dr. Wells Idahosa Okunbo.
The event was at the maiden memorial lecture organized by the
family of Capt Hosa at the luxurious Wells Carlton Hotels and Apartment,
Asokoro, Abuja.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan in his key note address said
that Captain Hosa as fondly called lived a life philanthropy and love
for the needy was legendary and added one of his legacies that would
Continue to endure is that he nurtured and mentored many to become
responsible members of the society.
This came as his children led by the Olori Atuwatse III, wife of the Olu of Warri Kingdom, launched the Wells Hosa Okunbo Foundation
Jonathan who was the key note Speaker of the occasion spoke on 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.
"As Nigerians get ready to be wooed at campaign grounds by various
politicians seeking different offices, their thoughts should be beyond
2023, and about Nigeria and the kind of leadership it deserves now and
in future to ensure that the country assumes its rightful place among
the comity of nations.
He charged Nigerians to be circumspect in the exercise of their voting
rights, shift from the “politics of bread and butter” and ensure that
they do not elect leaders that would buy their conscience today and
mortgage the future of their children and grandchildren.
"Our political leaders should worry about the depth of their footprints
and the kind of legacies they are leaving behind. And I do not mean this
to apply to only leaders at the national level. Those who also lead at
various capacities in politics and business, be they councilors, council
chairpersons, governors, lawmakers at both state and national levels as
well as boardroom gurus should be bothered about the value of their
leadership style,” he said.
Jonathan noted that the essence of leadership is 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, adding that one of his legacies that would
continue to endure is that he nurtured and mentored many to become
responsible members of the society.
Also, a former Minister of Education, Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili urged
politicians to develop the education sector, she lamented would
continue to elude Nigeria and other African countries if the political
class does 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.
He said, “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.
Captain Hosa’s daughter, 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 announced the launch of the Wells Hosa Okunbo Foundation which she
said is an expression of her father’s undying legacy, it will focus on
Education, Entrepreneurship, Youth Empowerment and 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.
The heir of Captain Hosa's Family, Osahon Okunbo, in his welcome remark
on behalf of the family thanked the guests for the show of love adding
that they decided to hold the lecture to uphold the value of their
departed father.
The lecture also featured panel discussants which includes founder,
Sahara Energy, Tonye cole, Slum to School initiator, Otta orondaam and
Vice President, Benson Idahosa University, Bishop Feb and anchored by
founder and Managing Partner, Message Capital, Mrs Adesuwa Okunbo
Rhodes.
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