Nigerians Praises Waheed Olagunju At 60

Yemisi Izuora 

Dignitaries converged in Lagos on April 7, to celebrate Waheed Olagunju’s 60 years birthday and retirement from Bank of Industry

Sunday, April 7, was a day of joy and double celebration for Waheed Olangunju, former executive director, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Bank of Industry, BOI. On that day, Olagunju celebrated his 60ieth birthday and also his retirement from the Bank of Industry, BOI, after a very successful career at the organisation for 30 years. Within this period he also acted as the managing director of the BOI.

Dignitaries from all walks of life were in attendance as well as family, friends and colleagues from both BOI and the Nigerian Television Authority where he worked previously, all gaily dressed, joined him in the celebration which began with a prayer session.

After the solemn prayers with thanksgiving to God for granting him a successful career, the atmosphere was filled with merriment as musicians with saxophone and other musical instrument entertained and serenaded the audience some of whom swayed and danced to the music.

There was enough for guests to eat and drink while listening to the background music, especially for those who did not take to the dancing floor.

Tributes to Olangunju poured in and were chronicled in a 96-page photo book containing the biography of Olagunju, which was given to all guest who attended the reception held at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According a statement by Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari celebrated with all family members, friends and associates of Olagunju.

Buhari also commended Olagunju for always making himself available for service to the nation and humanity, which he said, was centrally motivated by his fear of God and sense of patriotism.

He also lauded him for playing a significant role in supporting the vision of diversifying the Nigerian economy through innovative and actionable ideas that translated into growth of more small and medium enterprises across the country.

The president prayed that, as Olagunju turns 60, the almighty God would grant him long life, good health and strength to continue serving the country.

Okechukwu Enelamah, minister of Industry, trade and investment, thanked Olagunju for serving the nation, BOI and for his loyalty when they worked together. Enelamah prayed God to bless the celebrant even more in all his future endeavours.

On his part, Olukayode Pitan, managing director and chief executive officer, Bank of Industry, described Olagunju as a very versatile person, who came from broadcasting, where he was reporting sports, to build a good career in banking.

Pitan said, “He (Olagunju) has institutional memory. If there’s anything you wanted to know about BOI – before it was born, how it was growing as a baby, all you need to do was ask him.

“And he has a way of keeping records. He will get the required documents even if it was from 12 years ago.”

Akinwunmi Adesina, president of African Development Bank, in a congratulatory message, expressed delight while thanking God for Olagunju’s landmark of turning 60 years.

Akinwunmi, who noted that God has been gracious to the celebrant, prayed that God may continue to grant him much joy, happiness, good health and length of days to fully enjoy the fruit of his labour.

Olagunju, who retired recently after successful careers in broadcasting and banking, has a doctorate degree in Business Administration from the Paris School of Business in 2017; Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Master of Social Science Degree in Mass Communications from the University of Lagos in 1981 and  1984, respectively.

He is married to Mobalaji and they are blessed with three children and three grandchildren.