By Malachy Uzendu
Across Nigeria, Africa and the business world, 29th April remains a day already booked by the top of the topmost and the indomitable among industirial giants. It remains a day reserved to celebrate Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr. CSG, GCON, born 29 April 1953.
After his primary education in a remote village, just like others at the time, he proceeded to the Ibadan Grammar School and thereafter to the Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Peace University, graduating in flying colours.
The highly cerebrated billionaire businessman, and unarguably rated the sixth richest person in Africa, already carved an indomitable niche with one of his companies, Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator. Globacom through its strides equally exudes a dominant presence in Ghana and Benin Republic. Among other business concerns, Chief Adenuga owns large stakes in the Equitorial Trust Bank and oil exploration company, Conoil, a key player in the oil and gas business in Nigeria and globally.Right now, everywhere is turning gracefully red for Chief (Dr.) Adenuga. There is this gyrating and steady hype cascading to the red-letter day, April 29. The drums are being cleaned up; the drummers are at their practice best all for a man considered the best among men. The gong beaters, flutists and even the guitarists are cleaning and oiling their equipments, gearing set to bring out the best for the man who deserves only but the best.And across the country, the numerous winners of the various Globacom’s housing and other gifts bazaars, are perfecting their dance steps, and most importantly, have been offering prayers to God to continue to bless who has impacted on their lives the most, if not the most celebrated philanthropist. But for Adenuga, several people would not have had a decent roof over their head; several people would not have even owned a rickety, not to talk of smashing cruise cars; many wouldn’t have had a musical set in their homes; wouldn’t have had a means of sustenance, especially from where they invested nothing; would not have had the several thousands and millions of Naira now cooling off in their bank accounts, were it not for the benevolence and kind hearted Dr. Adenuga Jnr. Adenuga appreciates fully that by God’s providence and mercy, he has hit the Biblical “three scores and ten”, an age reserved for those loved by God Almighty. There is no missing that point which is why right from the Mike Adenuga Towers to Bella’s Place, up to everywhere his life has touched, the bells are ringing, red ribbons are cascading, while almost the exactitude of giggle bells are sounding. Dr. Adenuga, unlike most Nigerian businessmen is real; he is natural; he is exact and down to earth. And right through all the companies where his Midas touch impacted to his numerous media friend and admirers, it is hurray, eureka and best wishes to Dr.
Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr.
It had been reported that from age 26 when he made his first million running his family business, the “bull”, as he was fondly called, has remained exceptional.
People who are close to him or who had followed him diligently say Dr. Adenuga always administered his chains of businesses with utmost efficiency that saw each of the businesses becoming not just success stories over a very short period of time, but ranks among the global best in all ramifications.
The Septuagenarian is not in any doubt cerebrated globally, as from his impactful public and private life, there have been garlands of honours already bestowed on him. For instance in Paris, France, he was decorated with the national honour of Commander of the Legion of Honour. Similarly in Ghana, he was bestowed with the honour of the Companion of the Star of Ghana. And here in Nigeria, he holds the highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the exclusive national honour hitherto reserved for Heads of State and Presidents. But Adenuga with a GCON shows clearly that he bestrides like an iroko across the country and recognised for his positive impact, just as a national leader would. And these are indomitable proofs that Dr. Adenuga is different among the pack.
In 2001when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted licensed to three GSM network operators: MTN, Airtel and MTel, Dr. Adenuga did not consider the sector as saturated or difficult to venture into and be inpactful. Imbued with tenacity of purpose, he secured the requisite licenses as the fourth operator, Glo Mobile in 2002, and the company became Nigeria’s second National Carrier. From inception to date, Globacom has demonstrated its commitment to creating ceaselsss values with its vast products and services. Within 20 years of its operation, Glo has become the country’s most preferred telecom choice with impactful presence in all nooks and crannies of the country and beyond.
It should not be lost the fact 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 submarine cable (GLO 1) for efficient and fast broadband internet services.
And while other Nigerian business moguls throw only lavish parties, engage in excessive yatching and travels to the most expensive cities in the world, Dr. Adenuga decided not to let such inanity bestride his acumen.
He believes in home grown economy and supporting causes that positively impact millions of Nigerians. It is not in any doubt that he has severally sponsored Nigeria’s giant movie Industry, Nollywood and in Ghana, Ghollywood, and named several actors and actresses as Glo Ambassadors with fantastic offers. He has also single-handedly sponsored several cultural festivals in addition to several of his personal and Corporate Social Responsibility programmes, as well as empowering Nigerians in their numbers across the country.
His support through Globacom for sports is legendary, particularly sponsoring the national teams of Nigeria and Ghana for several years in addition to the two nation’s national Leagues, Supporters’ Clubs and the annual GLo CAF Awards, hosted to celebrate the best footballers and administrators in Africa, (male and female). These are legendary support that can only come from a man exuding panache, humility and humanity.
Dr. Adenuga remains a man of many parts, ceaselessly thinking on how to improve the lives of the less privileged, the society generally, the country and the African continent generally Adenuga is a man of many parts and this year’s April 29th 70th birthday is just the beginning of several impactful services to humanity.
I respectfully join Dr. Adenuga’s numerous admirers and beneficiaries to say a happy and glorious 70th birthday to the leader of leaders, man among men and a cerebrated guru per excellent.
Dr. Adenuga is married to the pretty Adefolake Emilia, and the union is blessed with seven highly cerebral and hardworking children.
