By Malachy Uzendu

As the world commemorates the 73rd birthday of Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jnr, CSG, GCON, it’s not just a celebration, it’s a moment of prayer and gratitude to God Almighty for the good health, pleasurable life, strength of acumen and agility bestowed on Nigeria’s greatest telecommunications and oil magnate. Not many, especially those who walked through the path he passed through in life would still be so strong, agile, active and with sound memory and imbued with inestimable intellectual sagacity. 

Even at his age, getting to the middle of the seventh floor of life, he still bestrides the business world like a young man, a gazelle relieving all the agility reserved only for those in their fifties and early sixties, yet at such advanced age, one wonders the ecclesiastical capacity built into this elder statesman, that his faculties still functions as if the beans for the akara have not gone into the grinding mills.

And, even though he chose to mark this God’s gift in an almost secluded reflection in monastic splendor, his uncountable friends had already made the celebrations abuzz. Today’s engagements had already been blocked by his friends and admirers. Today had been reserved to celebrate this Colossus of a man, though still bubbling with life, although born on 29th April, 1953.

And so, even after the family decided to quietly mark this day quietly and without any pomp, his friends have been discussing in shrivelled tones, strategizing on the various approaches to bring him to the red carpet. To a man, who cannot hide from his great and unmatched capacity, what else than to succumb to some of the obertures and be part of the red leyyer day.

After his primary education in his remote village, Adenuga Jnr proceeded to the Ibadan Grammar School, where he was crowned with a superlative Secondary School certificate, and thereafter, he proceeded to the Northwestern Oklahoma State University, and Peace University, and graduating in flying colours.

The highly celebrated billionaire businessman, and unarguably rated one of the richest persons in Africa by several rating agencies and financial publications, has already proved indomitable niche with his companies, and in particular, with Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, still standing out as a national pride. Glo, through its giant strides, exudes dominant presence in Ghana and Benin Republic.

Among other businesses, Chief Adenuga owns large investment stakes in Equitorial Trust Bank and a thriving oil exploration company, Conoil, a key player in the oil and gas business in Nigeria and internationally.

Before this year’s 29th April, without planning or any form of hype, there is unconscious gyration and hype heralding this red-letter day. Drums were put in their proper forms, and the dancers upped their practice performance for a man acknowledged as the best among his peers and business counterparts. The gong beaters, flutists and the guitarists are cleaning and oiling their equipments, ready to put out their best for a man who deserves only the best.

And across the states in Nigeria, the numerous winners of the various Glo’s housing, vehicles, household items and other gifts bazaars, had already perfected their dance steps, and most importantly, offering prayers for this uncommon personality that has impacted on their lives positively; Nigeria’s most celebrated philanthropist.

There is no doubt that were it not for Chief Adenuga, several people would not have had decent roof over their heads, or smashing cruise cars or even a remarkable means of sustenance, especially from an industry they invested nothing in. All thanks to the benevolence and kind heartedness of Dr. Adenuga Jnr.

It is no wonder that even though Chief Adenuga prefers a low key celebration, but it is obvious that lights are shining very bright right from the Mike Adenuga Towers to Bella’s Place, and every place his life had touched on, the birthday bells are ringing so loud, red ribbons are cascading, even as he does not want a loud party.

Dr. Adenuga, unlike most Nigerian businessmen has remained unchanging; he is natural; he is approachable and down to earth. And right through all the companies where his Midas touch impact, including among his numerous media friends and admirers, it is eureka and best wishes to Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr, the man of the moment.

From age 26 when Adenuga Jnr made his first million, running his family business, the “bull”, as he was fondly called, has remained consistent and an exceptional personality.

His close allies say Dr. Adenuga personally administer his chains of businesses with unparalleled efficiency, reason why his conglomerate rank among the global best in all ramifications. No wonder the Septuagenarian is celebrated globally. Garlands of honours have been bestowed on him across the world in recognition of his humanitarian and business prowess. 

For instance, in Paris, France, Adenuga was decorated with the national honour of Commander of the Legion of Honour. Similarly in Ghana, he is decorated with the honour of the Companion of the Star of Ghana. Here in Nigeria, he holds the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), hitherto exclusively reserved for Heads of State and Presidents.

In 2001 when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) already granted licence to three GSM network operators: MTN, Airtel and MTel, Dr. Adenuga did not consider that sector as saturated or difficult to venture into. With the right drive, he moved on to secure the licenses making Glo the fourth network operator. A company that has demonstrated its commitment to creating ceaseless values with its vast services.

Fact should not be lost that Adenuga’s Glo pioneered the following: per second billing, 2.5-G network in Nigeria, implementation of 3G network, 4-G LTE, launch of millions of kilometers of submarine cable (GLO 1) for efficient and fast broadband internet services. These are in fact, milestones of impactful international magnitude.

And while other Nigerian business moguls throw only lavish parties, engage in superfluous expenditure on a Yatch, travelling to the world’s most expensive cities, Dr. Adenuga is a man who never let such inanity be part of him. Instead, he dedicated the day in low profile, and rather would support causes that positively impact millions of people for the better. It is not in any doubt that he has severally sponsored Nigeria’s giant movie Industry, the Nollywood and in Ghana, Ghollywood, listing several actors and actresses as Glo Ambassadors.

Dr. Adenuga‘s support for the nation’s and continental sports development is legendary and cannot be fully reported, particularly through the sponsorship on the national teams of Nigeria and Ghana for several years. He had been giving life to the nation’s national Leagues, Supporters’ Clubs and the annual GLo CAF Awards, to showcase the sterling footballers and administrators in Africa, (male and female).

There is no gainsaying that his birthday provides for him another opportunity for impactful services to humanity. I respectfully join Dr. Adenuga’s family, admirers and beneficiaries to say a happy and glorious 73rd birthday to a leader of impactful panache. Happy birthday sir.

*Uzendu is a lawyer, journalist and public affairs analyst, practicing in Abuja