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By Funsho Arogundade
The late Scottish theologian and author, William Barclay, once said “There are two great days in a person’s life: the day we are born and the day we discover why.” Interestingly, among the few great personalities in the world who may be said to have internalised the true essence of Barclay’s thought-provoking words is international energy magnate, Otunba Funso Lawal, who turned 70 on Friday, July 11.
For the Chairman of Sogenal Petroleum, this was the day he had looked forward to with indescribable joy. Unlike his social class peers, Lawal did not organise an elaborate party to disturb the peace of his neighbours or jar their ears with loud music. On his milestone birthday, the former Chairman of Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), instead, chose to rededicate his life to his Creator by performing the Umrah (Lesser Hajj) as he visited the Kabbah in Mecca, Saudi Arabia for prayers with his immediate family.
The Ogbomoso-born magnate also used the birthday occasion to officially launch his foundation —The Funso Lawal Foundation— in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The foundation is to give succour to the less privileged seeking good education and those that lack adequate financial support for healthcare services.
According to Lawal, the initiative will also provide financial assistance to Nigerians pursuing higher education in secondary and tertiary institutions, while it will also pay hospital bills of those in need of good healthcare across the country. Though he does not court publicity for his humanitarian gestures, Lawal’s well-intentioned deeds have not gone unnoticed. For his love for humanity, he has been deservedly honoured at home and abroad. And more awaits him as he has left Saudi Arabia for Dubai, UAE and Houston, United States where he will be hosting friends this weekend and early August respectively.
Spotlight learnt that the Lagos version of the celebration to welcome him properly into the Septuagenarian Club will happen in a matter of weeks upon his return from his trips.
