Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq at the weekend lauded the contributions of the Aare Bobagunwa of Offa Kingdom, Dr. Waheed Olagunju to national development.

Olagunju was the immediate past Managing Director of the Bank of Industry (BoI). He was installed as Aare Bobagunwa of the Offa Kingdom and his wife as Yeye Aare Bobagunwa of Offa Kingdom by the monarch of the town, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye 11 at the Palace Square at Offa.

Speaking at Offa during the investiture of Olagunju, AbdulRazaq stated that “By all accounts, Dr. Waheed Olagunju stands out as one of Nigeria's role models worthy of emulation by the up-and-coming generation.

“He is well educated with an enriching service career in Bank of Industry. Until his retirement as MD/CEO of Bank of Industry, he has facilitated employment and access to BOI facilities to develop so many entrepreneurs across the nation, for Kwarans and Offa people in particular.

“And a world-class sportscaster with national and international exposure. Until his retirement in BOI with rich exposure in meetings of IMF and World Bank with international exposures during his service. No doubt, he had served in different capacities.

“The history of the establishment of the BOI in Kwara State cannot be completed without the effort of Dr. Olagunju and other benefits coming from the Bank to our dear State.

“And here at home, it is noteworthy that Dr. Olagunju's footprints in the economic development of Kwara state and Offa, in particular, are indelible.

“For me, this is indeed the celebration of a son of the soil who had made us proud. Worthy of mention is his contribution even after retirement, he is a member of a reputable clubs with huge contribution to Offa community”.

The Governor who was represented at the occasion by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, Alhaji AbdulRazaq added that “I am aware that his contribution being the Chairman of Economic Development Committee of Offa Descendants' Union Project Implementation Committee Development of Offa Industrial Trust Fund Offa and Environs Innovation Hub And a member of the Board of Development of Offa Industrial Trust Fund comes with immense developments.

“No wonder, he deserves to be Aare Bobagunwa of Offa. I do not doubt that this honor will motivate him to intensify his contributions to the development of Offa in keeping with the bottom-up approach to holistic national development that Dr. Olagunju advocates.”

The governor, therefore, commended Olagunju for instituting Offa's Ten-Year Economic Development Blueprint that is being finalized by the Offa Descendants' Union through its Economic Development Committee. He enjoined well-meaning people of the state to continue to emulate the new chief in order to bring much desired economic growth to the doorsteps of the populace in the state.

In his response, Olagunju assured the people of Offa and the entire state that he would continue to do everything possible to advance the socio well being of the populace.