Date: 2021-05-24

These are truly the best of times for notable Offa businessman, CEO of Turner Wright Group of companies, and prestigious philanthropist, Dr Waheed Babatunde Lawal. In a few months, the man will be stepping into the circle of elite sexagenarians with regalia of nobility to accompany him. Some spend all their lives and ready to give their arms and legs to earn the acclaim of their homeland and people. But Dr Lawal got it based on his character and contributions to society.

It appears as if 2021 has been split into two periods of distinction for Dr Waheed Babatunde Lawal. Lawal would remain a prominent business personality, a foremost philanthropist, and a celebrated son of the Offa (Kwara State) soil in the first period. In the second period, Lawal would still be a prominent businessman, but one in his 60s, with the blessings of his hometown in the form of a chieftaincy title upon his brow. This is the double conferment that Dr Lawal is set to enjoy this year.

The preparations for Dr Lawal's 60th birthday (June 3) are already underway. According to those in the know, the relatives and friends of Dr Lawal will not be holding back but will go all out to celebrate him. After all, it is not every day that someone of Dr Lawal's stature steps into his 60th year on earth. But this group will likely be outdone by the natives of Dr Lawal's hometown, Offa, Kwara.

The Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Mohammed Gbadamosi Okikiola Ajagungbade I, Esuwoye II, will confer the title of Parakoyi of Offa on Dr Lawal, raising his social status a few grades. Interestingly, the Olofa's conferment will be held on June 5, just two days after Dr Lawal's 60th birthday. Thus, the buzz on social media for the soon-to-be Parakoyi of Offa cannot be more widespread. Doubtless, Dr Waheed Babatunde Lawal will remember 2021 as the year that the double celebration in his life took a grander turn.