By Eyo Nsima

Capt Idahosa Okunbo, a billionaire oil magnate and Chairman of Ocean Marine, has passed on In London.

The family has not yet disclosed the cause of his death, but unconfirmed sources attributed it to cancer.

Until his death, he was the Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions, with the mission to, “To enhance the safeguarding of maritime-related commercial investments by offering expert advice and real-time solutions to security problems.”

According to information obtained by The Daily, www.thedaily-ng.com, from the company’s website, had a very wide experience, which enabled him to drive the operations of the company and other investments, under his watch.

It stated: “Capt. (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, a retired Commercial Pilot and a business magnate, with a business profile spanning over 30 years. At the age of 21, he graduated from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Training Centre, Zaria as a professional Commercial Pilot

“He established Hoslyn Ventures Limited, a company focused on procurement in the Oil and Gas sector and, since then, his business interests have grown in leaps and bounds. Owing to the restiveness in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, Captain Okunbo set up Ocean Marine Security Limited, a pioneer Marine Security company responsible for offshore asset protection for major oil companies in Nigeria.

“He is also the Chairman of the following companies. PPP Fluid Mechanics Limited, a crude oil logistics company. OMS Tankers Ltd, owners of the first indigenous marine tankers in Nigeria; Westminster Security Solutions Limited, a franchise of Westminster Group Plc UK. Wells Habitat Limited, a company partnering with the Abuja Environmental Protection Agency. Hoslyn Habitat Limited, a foremost design, construction and landscaping company. Wells Property Development Company Limited, involved in the development of affordable properties/offices. Gyro Air Limited, operators of charter flight operations and a Director of Joint Marine Environ Guard Ltd (JMEG), Secure Anchorage Area Limited (SAA), Digisteel Integrated Services Ltd. Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Limited (IEDM), core investor in Ibadan and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies and Phil Nugent Nigeria Limited.”

It also stated: “In 1997, as part of his contribution to Nigeria’s electoral process, Capt. Okunbo was the leader of a business team that nurtured the idea that led to the introduction of transparent ballot boxes for use in Nigeria’s elections. He also participated in numerous national and international fora as a resource person and has been honoured by different organisations and institutions.

“In 2007, this distinguished gentleman was honoured with the Justice of the Peace (JP) in recognition of his astounding contributions to the promotion of peace and good governance as well as the development of his constituency. An Honorary Doctorate Degree was conferred upon him by the prestigious University of Benin for his contribution and benevolence to humanity as well as his achievements as an entrepreneur.”

It added: “Captain (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo, affectionately known as “Captain Hosa”, is an accomplished businessman, philanthropist and a source of inspiration for the Nigerian youth. He is a man of integrity, hard work, equity and fair play and, of course, an unrepentant believer in the rule of law. This great protector of human values is happily married and blessed with children.”