By Lois Otse Adams
Life as we know it, is a concept of time governed by minutes, hours, days and years in the different seasons of life. However, in its metaphysical construct, is made up of time, space and energy. As we navigate through the highways and byways of life; one realises that the faster life becomes, the busier it gets and most essential aspect of life.
Love, happiness, fellowship, brotherhood, family, loyalty, and most importantly peace, and it is indeed very sad to realise often that all the attributes mentioned, ultimately do not preclude one from being a mere mortal.
Capt. (Dr.) Idahosa Wells Okunbo who passed on to eternal glory on the 8th day of August, 2021 at a London hospital, after a good fight with pancreatic cancer may have gone to be with his maker, but his enduring legacies lives on and indelible.
Many Christians seem to pray for the question below on several occasions. To have the gift of salvation and a good end before an unexpected or untimely death. This is the hope of every Christian; to have the chance to seek forgiveness before the last breathe is taken as mere mortals.
There is an adage that says “it is not how far but how well”, it is not the number of years that makes a man but the level of impact made in giving service to God and love for humanity in those very years. Even with this adage, one needs to prepare oneself ahead of the last day on Earth.
A Whole lot of people have prepared themselves and on the long-run were caught unaware by death, others may not have the opportunity to know the time of their demise like Hosa was given, but still the lucky Hosa even though I have a vague knowledge of his faith and salvation believes that he must have prepared himself towards his glorious exit.
As the time was drawing closer, Hosa must have made up and sorted himself out looking back to see if the life choices he made were worth the time spent on earth, his love for humanity must have increased and he must have experienced the overwhelming hands of God while he was alive before his demise.
Hosa must have smiled on that faithful day as angels came down to take him home, his eternal rest.
Christian faith means that even after death, there is a beginning of good life. This is what gives hope to Christians even though the flesh will react to the fact that when death occurs it perishes that hope while the soul is lifted, as the soul is the hope of believers and the flesh is the discouraging element. But for Hosa, he overcame the flesh, afterall he was informed on when he will exit the stage, so flesh could not help him stay strong, but his soul did.
If I were one on his family members, I would have been the happiest person on Earth that a man who sacrificed his life for charity, humanity was given the best opportunity to prepare for his final exit. Let us be reminded by Genesis 21:6-7.
Hosa, as he was fondly called was a philanthropist in various sectors, captain of reputable industries, a rallying point for both old and young politicians and an inspiring element to a lot of successful people globally.
He was born into the family of Evangelist Robert Amos Okunbo of Orhua Town in Uhunmwode Local Government Area of Edo State. He had all the attributes of a fine Son, cherished brother, endearing father, loving husband, caring grandfather, consistent philanthropist and business magnate, who personified humility and love for whoever came his way.
For those who mourn Hosa, I encourage and urge you to ensure that your Wells of goodness to humanity and God does not go dry. I pray that the luck that shined on Hosa will meet us on our last day on Earth, amen.
Proverbs 10:28 says “The hope of the righteous brings joy, but the expectation of the wicked will perish”
Furthermore, same book of proverbs 23:18 added that “Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off”. These are some of the verses that give believers hope, and this verses have spoken for Wells.
As his body is laid to eternal rest in the first week of the Nigeria’s Independence Month, may God in His infinite mercy console the family he has left behind.
“I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the University ” – Albert Einstein.
“There is no need to show off when you know who you are” – Maxime Lagace
“Real genius is nothing else but the supernatural virtue of humility in the domain of thought” – Simon Weil.
These and many more remain what he epitomized till his last days on Earth, and we take solace in the fact that he lived a fulfilled life. He remains a man worthy of emulation, even in Death.
He Came, Saw, and Conquered.
Good Night, Captain!