By Ebubechukwu Chidozie
Successful business men in Africa and particularly in Nigeria are not known to be humble, humane or caring. They are known more for brashness, arrogance and inflicting pain on the downtrodden. But, far from such, Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr. CSG, GCON, is a different kettle of fish.
An extraordinarily humble man, born 29th April 1953, seventy-one years ago, is not just humane, humble, lover of humanity, but exhibits practical service to God.
Even as the Almighty has placed him at the topmost apogee of what anyone would want to be, as one of Nigeria’s finest industirial giants, lover of peace and progress, it doesn’t poke his head.
No wonder the mighty and the low celebrate him today, April 29, his born day. All media headlines are set to cut out speces to celebrate him and the world is truly proud of the armada of a man who made Nigerians enjoy the verve of true indigenous telecommunications, via the GSM. Before Adenuga Jnr ventured into this extremely difficult venture seen probably as goldmine, Nigerians can’t forget what they experienced in the hands of both the public and foreign drivers of the sector. It was Adenuga who made Nigerian breathe fresh air ever since he got into that sector, pouring ice water in an extremely volatile and expensive business.
An ordinary personality he is, not born a golden spoon child, he had his primary education in a remote village, before proceeding to Ibadan Grammar School and thereafter providence took him to the Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Peace University, graduating in flying colours.
Mike Adenuga Jnr, the highly cerebrated billionaire businessman, and unarguably rated among the ten richest in Africa, already carved a niche with his conglomerate, oit of which Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator, has remained a household and one of the most preferred brand. Globacom has since inception, maintained dominant presence in Ghana and Benin Republic.
Aside other business concerns, Chief Adenuga owns the large stakes in the Equitorial Trust Bank, and Conoil, a key player in the oil and gas business in Nigeria and globally. Since last week, everywhere around Chief (Dr.) Adenuga started turning gracefully red. There was this gyrating and steady hype cascading on the red-letter day, April 29. The drums have been cleaned, organised; the drummers at the hype of their practice, the flutists and guitarists all set to ply their profissional best all for a man who deserves only but the best.
And everywhere in Nigeria, Africa and globally, the numerous winners of the various Globacom’s housing, vehicles and other gift bazaars, are perfecting their dance steps, and most importantly, have been offering prayers to God to continue to bless and positively impact on the life of the most celebrated philanthropist.
The last time I checked, but for Dr. Adenuga Jnr, 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 cars; many wouldn’t have had a musical set in their homes; and several wouldn’t have had means of livelihood in cash and kind, especially from a man they invested nothing on, were it not for the benevolence and kind hearted Dr. Adenuga Jnr.
Chief Adenuga appreciates fully that but for God’s abundant providence and mercies, he may not have hit the Biblical “three scores and ten plus one”, reserved inly for people loved by God Almighty.
There is no mistake that from the the Mike Adenuga Towers to Bella’s Place and everywhere his life has touched, the jinglebells are ringing, red ribbons are being mounted and dangling about being blown about glowingly by the wind.
Dr. Adenuga, unlike most Nigerian businessmen is natural; he is real and down to earth. And right through all the companies where his Midas touch touched, including his numerous media friends and admirers, it is eureka and best wishes to Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr.
Right from age 26 when he made his first million running his family business, the “bull”, as he was fondly called, has remained exceptional personality.
People who have been close to him or followed the trajectory of his life diligently say Dr. Adenuga Jnr always administered his chains of businesses so efficiently that each of the businesses have become not just success stories over a short period, but rank among the global best in all ramifications.
The Septuagenarian is not in any doubt cerebrated globally. From his impactful public and private life, there have been garlands of honours bestowed on him. Some instances will suffice. In Paris, France, he was decorated with the national honour of Commander of the Legion of Honour. In Ghana, he was bestowed with the Companion of the Star of Ghana. And right 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 Adenuga with a GCON, it is not in any doubt that he is acclaimed nationally and internationally for his positive impacts.
In 2001when the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted license to three GSM network operators: MTN, Airtel and MTel, Dr. Adenuga did not consider the sector as risk factor to venture into. Focused on how he would make the difference, he mov3d 9n and secured the requisite licenses as the fourth GSM operator in 2002. The company not only became Nigeria’s second National Carrier, but is today the only fully-indigenous telecom company standing and gaining national confidence. Since then, Globacom has demonstrated its commitment to adding values through its vast products and services. Within 20 years of its operation, Glo had become the country’s most preferred telco.
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.
At 71, although other Nigerian business moguls throw lavish parties, engage in excessive yatching and travels to the most expensive cities, Dr. Adenuga has not let such inanity becloud his acumen. He keeps to modest lifestyle.
He believes in supporting causes that positively impact millions of Nigerians. He has therefore severally sponsored Nigeria’s movie Industry, Nollywood and in Ghana, Ghallywood, and named several actors and actresses as Glo Ambassadors with mouth watering offers. He has also single-handedly sponsored several cultural festivals, including the Offala Festival in Onitsha, and has empowered Nigerians in their numbers to venture into several businesses.
He has sponsored the national teams of Nigeria and Ghana on several national League competitions. He has kitted and sponsored the nation’s Super Eagles Supporters’ Club and the annual GLo CAF Awards. These can only come from a man who exudes panache, humility and humanity.
This year’s April 29th, Seventy-one birthday is another of the several impactful services to humanity.
I respectfully send a happy and glorious 71st birthday to a cerebrated guru!
Dr. Adenuga is married to the pretty Adefolake Emilia, and the union is blessed with seven successful children.
