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Tag: Mike Adenuga

  • Bella Disu makes Mike Adenuga proud dad

    Bella Disu makes Mike Adenuga proud dad

    Thirty-Nine-Year-Old Bella Disu has, over a decade, built a name for herself as a Nigerian business executive, arts enthusiast, and philanthropist with over 14 years of professional experience across industries.

    According to those in the know, Bella is the apple of her father’s eye. Her dexterity and dedication to the family’s business interest, especially with Globacom, has seen her wowing her father year upon year.

    Outside being given the opportunity to lead, Bella has since immersed herself in the work and would rather focus on the job than the market noise.

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    For her, leadership is never about the moment but more about the mark leaders leave behind.

    Hence, it was a cheering news for both Bella, her hubby and her father when on October 9, she was honoured with the conferral of a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Directors (F.CIoD).

    Embracing the new chapter, Bella has reiterated her more determined commitment to leadership that endures: one defined by foresight, integrity, and meaningful contribution to both business and society.

    The news of her honour has since brought smiles to the face of the business mogul, who has been able to guide his children in their own paths while also giving them the opportunity to start with family business interests.

  • Mike Adenuga mourns as Awujale passes on

    Mike Adenuga mourns as Awujale passes on

    Nigerian billionaire businessman Dr. Mike Adenuga is one of the illustrious sons of Ijebuland who enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the deceased Awujale of Ijebuland, the late Oba Sikiru Adetona, for over two decades.
    Their relationship, insiders say, has evolved from a personal friendship into something underlying cultural and economic support.
    Those in the know claim that the bond between Adenuga and the late Oba Adetona was beyond corporate sponsorship of the Ojude Oba festival. Their relationship, it was noted, was rooted in mutual respect and loyalty.
    The closeness became public knowledge when the deceased monarch stood up for Adenuga during a challenging period, but this is only the tip of the iceberg regarding how close the monarch was to Adenuga.

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    Adenuga is one Ijebu man the Awujale loved so much, and the love was reciprocated by the business mogul to the wise and fearless monarch. Adenuga, who is currently a member of the Council of the Awujale ‘s Otunbas of Ijebuland, is also the Otunba Apesin of Ijebuland.
    Following the passing of Awujale on July 13 at the age of 91 after a 65-year reign, Adenuga is said to be one of the most pained by the sad occurrence.
    In Awujale, Adenuga found a big brother, traditional father, an adviser and a leader who transcended simple delegated authority.
    Since the passing of Awujale, the man, who is widely referred to as the spirit of Africa and known as a recluse, has been silently mourning the passing of his older friend, brother, and leader. It is believed that it will take many months before Adenuga is weaned off the grief the passing of Awujale has caused in his heart.

  • The ‘Spirit of Africa’ in jolly mood

    The ‘Spirit of Africa’ in jolly mood

    Much like the esteemed Agemo masquerade, which graces the streets of Ijebu only once a year, Dr. Mike Agbolade Adenuga, known as ‘Spirit of Africa’ in some quarters and ‘The Bull’ in some other quarters, is a figure of great reverence whose presence is seldom felt, yet his influence resonates in many spheres. Whenever Dr. Adenuga emerges from his proverbial cocoon, it is never for frivolous pursuits; rather, it is for matters that hold deep significance to him.

    Last weekend, in a rare public appearance, Dr. Adenuga visited the stunning Lekki home of his long-time ally, Bright Igbinedion, the son of the wealthy businessman and esteemed Esama of Benin, Chief Lucky Igbinedion. The encounter was a rare window into the camaraderie shared among influential figures in Nigeria.

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    Dressed in a crisp blue shirt and white trousers, Dr. Adenuga entered Bright’s sitting room, instantly transforming the ambiance into one filled with warmth and excitement. The moment he walked in, a palpable energy swept through the gathering, akin to a refreshing summer breeze, igniting a sense of joy among the guests. As he mingled with those present, exchanging heartfelt pleasantries, it was evident that the billionaire enjoyed these cherished connections, showcasing a lighter, more jovial side of himself.

    One particularly striking aspect of Dr. Adenuga’s demeanor was his humble approach; he greeted individuals with a courteous bow, demonstrating a level of respect that belies his immense wealth and social standing. This gesture left many in attendance astonished, highlighting his commitment to humility even amidst his towering achievements.

    During the event, Dr. Adenuga also raised a toast in honor of Bright Igbinedion, showering him with praises and good wishes for many more prosperous years ahead. It was a rare moment that showcased his affection and deep respect for the Igbinedion family, a bond that has only strengthened over the decades. His presence at such gatherings is a testament to the enduring friendship they share, reminding all of the power of lasting relationships built on mutual esteem and shared history.

  • Tinubu hails Mike Adenuga’s contributions to nation’s progress

    Tinubu hails Mike Adenuga’s contributions to nation’s progress

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described  Globacom  Chairman   Mike Adeniyi Adenuga Jr. as a “visionary” whose contributions have been vital to Nigeria’s progress and prosperity.

    In a tribute penned yesterday to mark   Adenuga’s 72nd birthday,   Tinubu praised the entrepreneur’s outstanding achievements across banking, telecommunications and the oil and gas sectors.

    “Dr. Adenuga, Nigeria is grateful for your immense contributions to our country’s progress and prosperity,” the President said.

    Recalling Adenuga’s rise from modest beginnings, Tinubu noted that the business icon’s journey epitomises the power of vision, resilience, and hard work.

    “His humility and diligence have enabled him to succeed in banking, telecommunications, oil, and gas,” the President stated.

    Tinubu highlighted the transformative impact of Adenuga’s ventures, particularly in the telecommunications sector.

    He commended    Globacom’s pioneering role in introducing per-second billing, a move that democratised access to telephony and digital services for millions of Nigerians.

    “Nigerians will always appreciate Globacom’s ingenuity in disrupting the billing template in the telecommunications sector,” he said.

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    In the oil and gas industry, Tinubu lauded Conoil’s success under Adenuga’s leadership, emphasising its role in fostering energy independence and proving that indigenous firms can effectively compete with multinational oil companies.

    Beyond his business acumen, President Tinubu also celebrated Adenuga’s philanthropy, particularly through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, which he said has significantly impacted tertiary education, healthcare, and cultural development across Nigeria.

    Recognising Adenuga’s global achievements, Tinubu praised his expansion into other African countries and Europe, noting that such bold ventures had earned him prestigious international honours, including France’s Commander of the Legion of Honour and Ghana’s Companion of the Star of Ghana.

    “On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and renewed vision as you inspire others in service to our nation,” President Tinubu concluded.

    The President’s message captures a national sentiment of admiration for Adenuga’s enduring contributions to economic growth, innovation, and social development as he celebrates another milestone.

  • Adenuga: Chronicles of African entrepreneurial giant at 72

    Adenuga: Chronicles of African entrepreneurial giant at 72

    By Dan Aibangbe

    Mike Adenuga, fondly called the Bull,” is a no-nonsense legendary entrepreneur and prominent African figure. Known for his unwavering dedication to hard work and excellence, he embodies a remarkable combination of discipline, visionary leadership, and entrepreneurship.

    Adenuga’s standout personal traits include meticulousness, determination, audacity, focus, competence, and dexterity. These qualities, undoubtedly, drive his impressive achievements in various industries, including telecommunications, oil, and banking.

    It is pertinent to point out here that the recent features in some renowned publications such as the Forbes have barely managed to scratch the surface of the empire built by this man, who has successfully established a diverse business portfolio encompassing telecommunications, oil (through Conoil Producing), banking, and real estate. His versatility and strategic insight are hallmarks of his success.

    Adenuga’s leadership style is characterised by a hands-on approach, a keen eye for talent and a readiness to take calculated risks. Unlike many business magnates, he avoids the limelight, allowing his accomplishments to speak for themselves.

    His ability to inspire loyalty among employees and stakeholders reflects a unique blend of authority and empathy, making him a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Those who know him describe him as a man who listens attentively, values loyalty, and treats everyone with respect, regardless of status.

    Often referred to as the “Spirit of Africa,” Adenuga leads a life of solitude, choosing to remain reclusive. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he refrains from engaging in political manoeuvrings for business gains or favours.

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    Adenuga firmly believes that nothing is impossible, a conviction that led him to single-handedly bring the Glo 1 international submarine cable from London to Nigeria, traversing 14 African countries.

    He is known for generously rewarding hard work and excellence while having zero tolerance for laziness. This is true despite the orumours suggesting he hires and fires employees at will. At Glo’s 20th anniversary in 2023, for instance, over 750 out of more than 4,000 staff members had been with the company for 20 years.

    Adenuga’s influence extends beyond business. He has consistently advocated for policies that encourage indigenous participation in Nigeria’s economy, challenging the dominance of multinational corporations. His commitment to creating jobs and empowering local talent has earned him respect as a patriot whose vision aligns with Nigeria’s aspirations for self-reliance.

    His impact reaches far beyond Nigeria, earning him international recognition and fostering connections that enhance the country’s global profile. In 2018, France awarded him the prestigious Commander of the Legion of Honour, acknowledging his contributions to cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and France.

    The Allianz Francais Centre in Lagos, established with his support, stands as a testament to his dedication to fostering cross-cultural dialogue. This state-of-the-art facility is one of the largest of its kind in Africa, promoting the French language and culture while serving as a hub for artistic expression.

    Adenuga’s commitment to the arts spans music, film, and literature. Globacom’s sponsorship of cultural festivals, such as the Ojude Oba Festival in Ijebu-Ode, underscores his dedication to preserving Nigeria’s heritage. The company supports the entertainment industry through endorsements of its stars and celebrities as well as concerts, thereby constituting the single most beneficial platform for the youths to express their creativity beyond Nigeria.

    His light continues to shine, illuminating paths for others to follow in Nigeria, Africa, and the world at large. His investments in cultural institutions, such as the Allianz Francais Centre, have created spaces where creativity flourishes, nurturing a new generation of Nigerian artists.

    Family is central to Adenuga’s life. Married to Titi Adenuga, a woman of grace and strength, he is a devoted husband and father to his children, including Bella Adenuga-Disu, who is following in his footsteps as a business leader.

    The Adenuga family is known for its tight-knit bonds, with Otunba prioritising quality time with his loved ones despite his demanding schedule. His ability to balance professional success with personal fulfilment reflects his grounded nature and deep-rooted values.

    Adenuga’s philanthropy may be his most enduring legacy. Through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, he has quietly transformed countless lives, focusing on education, healthcare, youth and women empowerment. The foundation provides scholarships to indigent students, enabling them to pursue higher education and break the cycle of poverty. Its healthcare initiatives, including donations to hospitals and support for medical research, have all improved access to quality care for thousands.

    Adenuga’s philanthropic efforts are characterised by discretion. He avoids publicising his charitable acts, preferring to let their impact speak for itself.

    Notable charitable activities of the Adenuga foundation include donating about $3.2 million to assist flood victims in Bayelsa State. It also supports vulnerable communities through food distributions. Additionally, it contributed N1.5 billion to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

    Through strategic partnerships, the foundation creates sustainable social and economic development across multiple sectors in Nigeria and other African countries.

    Mike Adenuga is prominent in Nigerian business and society. His exceptional leadership qualities, extensive international connections, contributions to art and culture, humility, family values, and philanthropic efforts have made him a beloved personality among Nigerians and the global community.

    As we celebrate his birthday, we also honour his lasting legacies and the significant impact he continues to have on our nation and beyond.

    •Dan Aibangbe is a Media and Public Relations Consultant

  • Unilag VC lauds Adenuga onprofessorial chair endowment

    Unilag VC lauds Adenuga onprofessorial chair endowment

    Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Folasade Ogunsola, has lauded the Chairman of Globacom, Dr. Mike Adenuga for supporting the university in enhancing the frontiers of entrepreneurial academic knowledge and skills acquisition through the endowment of a professorial chair in the school.

    She spoke at a lecture delivered by the first occupier of the Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies, University of Lagos, Professor Sunday Adebisi, who also doubles as the Director of Entrepreneurship and Skill Development Centre of the university.

    According to the Vice Chancellor, the Adenuga Professorial Chair’s Board of Trustee’s determination is pushing the university closer to the fulfilment of a common goal between Dr Adenuga and the institution by using the “chair to jointly explore novel avenues that would not only address the economic challenges we face but also clear the way for our children to grow up in a sustainable and prosperous future”.

    The lecture, according to Professor Taiwo Osipitan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dr. Adenuga Professorial Chair, was intended to examine how to incorporate entrepreneurship challenges and generate profitable employment in the nation, a dream dear to the heart of Dr Adenuga.

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    Adebisi, in his lecture, called on governments at all levels to embrace “everythingprenuership” to ensure value creation in the country as this will help to address the issues of deprivation, hunger, unemployment, and emigration, known in Nigeria as “japaism” and move many informal businesses into the formal sector.

    The Professorial Chair lecture was entitled, ‘Revolutionizing the Nigerian Economy to Create Jobs and Sustainable Wealth. The Sole Ladder, The Sole Option, The Sole Platform’.

    Everything happening in and around Nigeria, he claimed, presents a window of opportunity to be explored. He explained that if Nigerians were given guidance and well-thought-out policies introduced, they would help the country generate enormous wealth.

    “Government should identify possible innovations in the areas of their strength and motivate the citizens to pursue enterprise opportunities there. The three tiers of government must make a deliberate effort to support the democratization of innovation and entrepreneurship from the next academic session in all levels of education in Nigeria with a good monitoring team at all levels”, Professor Adebisi added.

    The Mike Adenuga Professorial Chair in Entrepreneurial Studies was endowed in 2008 in the university to promote entrepreneurship research, pave a new path for entrepreneurship knowledge and practice, and foster the establishment of businesses in the context of Nigeria’s developing democracy.

  • Mike Adenuga, others nominated for awards

    Mike Adenuga, founder of telecommunications company Globacom Nigeria, Lagos monarch Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi, grass roots politician and cleric Dr James Odunmbaku and Dr Chris Kwakpovwe lead dignitaries and corporate bodies nominated for the 2018 Lagos Times Achievers Awards.

    They are joined by top politicians, businessmen, captains of industries and organisations shortlisted for the event that honours those who have contributed to the development of Lagos State in different areas.

    From business to politics and fashion, cultural achievements to corporate social responsibility, the event will see the state’s best and brightest compete in an atmosphere of conviviality for awards in recognition of their contributions to maintaining Lagos’ unmatched status as the country’s centre of political, economic, social, cultural and sporting excellence.

    The Lagos Times Excellence Awards is an initiative of the Lagos Times magazine.

    It is borne out of a desire to recognise individuals and corporate bodies who have used resources to uplift the state.

    To ensure only the deserving ones are considered for the awards, the organisers mandated the judges to comb the metropolis for information about uncommon people doing uncommon things for the good of the state.

  • KSA serenades stakeholders in Lagos, Abuja

    King Sunny Ade serenades stakeholders of the network provider Globacom in Lagos and Abuja Sheraton Hotels.

    Dealers and Enterprise customers in the South West were the first to taste the goodies of the Globacom appreciation party at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.

    On hand to welcome the guests were two iconic comedians, the Bishop of Osusu Ministry, Gordons (Godwin Komone) and Seyi Law (Lawrence Oluwaseyitan Aletile) supported by a one-man band, Aka Melody, who put guests in a relaxed mood for the event.

    Globacom’s Chief Retail Officer, Mr. David Maji welcomed them to the event on behalf of Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr., Chairman of Globacom. Unlike some events where musical guests are revealed ahead of the show, the audience was taken by surprise to see the juju music maestro, King Sunny Ade (KSA) making a cameo appearance at the event.  KSA who looked resplendent in his all-white attire quickly mounted the band stand and sang “Call me…0805 is my number dial” as an appetizing performance to the stakeholders who pulled out their phones to record the rare entertainment gift Glo offered them; an exclusive KSA performance just for them!  It was all good food, choice wine and drinks and “ariya unlimited” which sent the guests to the dance floor. As an appreciative token, each guest got a surprise gift of plasma television set, while the evening of fun was rounded off with a raffle draw where some of the stakeholders went home with millions of naira.

    Similarly, King Sunny Ade was at the prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotel, the venue of the appreciative party for Glo stakeholders in the North. He danced, wriggled and sang to serenade attendees who had a wow time, to say the least. Glo Sales Chief, Mr. David Maji welcomed guests. MC Tagwaye alias “Mr. President”, Gordons and Acapella supplied rib cracking jokes and wisecracks to wash down the sumptuous meal and choice drinks. All the guests were presented with one plasma television set each while lucky dealers who participated in the raffle draw won one million naira, five hundred thousand naira and two hundred and fifty thousand naira cash prizes at the event.“This is another way of saying thank you to our partners who have been giving tremendous support to our business,” Mr. Maji said.

  • Buhari greets Mike Adenuga at 65

    President Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to business magnate, philanthropist and one of Nigeria’s renowned entrepreneurs, Chief Michael Adeniyi Adenuga Jnr (GCON), who turns 65 today.

    Buhari, according to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, joined family, friends and the business community in congratulating Adenuga, who rose from a modest background, defied many odds and realised his dream of setting up and grooming successful companies in the oil and gas, banking and telecom sectors.

    The President commended the business mogul’s deep sense of loyalty and patriotism by investing in sectors that have created jobs for many Nigerians.

    Apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, President Buhari re-affirmed Adenuga’s contributions to the development of sports and the entertainment industry have remained remarkable.

    Buhari prayed the Almighty God will grant the Otunba of Ijebuland longer life, good health and more wisdom to continue serving the country and humanity.

     

  • Mike Adenuga’s daughter weds

    Oyin Adenuga, the first daughter of Globacom chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr, yesterday bid goodbye to spinsterhood at a classy and exclusive ceremony held in the Adenuga’s Banana Island home.

    She got married to her heartthrob, Adeolu Abayomi Olufeko, after her 39th birthday.

    The two-fold event started with an engagement on Thursday, July 6 at the Adenugas’ residence. The exclusive party was graced by just a hundred guests. On the bandstand to entertain the guests was King Sunny Ade, while Tunde Adewale, Tee-A, compered the event.

    The bride, Oyindamola, named after her paternal grandmother, is a graduate of   Sociology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She worked with Equatorial Trust Bank as a Senior Manager and later worked with Consolidated Oil as an Executive Director.

    Presently, Oyin runs Imaginative Buying Services, a company that gives Nigerians opportunity to acquire products from the United States of America.

    Oyin’s mother, Adefolake Emilia Adenuga (née Marquis), is the businessman’s first wife and mother of his five eldest children – Oyindamola, Jide, Paddy, Bella and Eniola.

    While the groom, Adeolu Abayomi, is the son of the late Prince Adewunmi Abayomi and Mrs Olubola Olufunmilayo Samuel-Olufeko.

    He is a digital strategist and a passionate digital artist. He attended Minnesota State University in Saint Paul, USA where he studied computer science concentrating on multimedia.

    The couple shares the same native home of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.