A Toast To The GLOwing ‘Bull’ @ 67

By: OLADAPO SOFOWORA

On Wednesday, April 29, Nigerian business tycoon and one of the richest black men in the world, Dr. Mike Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga, turned 67 with no fanfare and drums rolling in celebration mood. In as much as Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun state born business tycoon values the gift of life, he would have loved to host his close friends and family to have a taste of his favourite ‘Kir Royale’ French cocktail laced with crème de cassis topped mixed with champagne or white wine. Instead, he sang praises and showed appreciation to his creator via prayer. It would be unfair for the forbes rated billionaire to ignore the current pandemic currently ravaging world. To further show his solidarity and support in fighting the deadly COVID-19 virus to a standstill, he donating a whooping 1.5Billion Naira to the Federal Government.

For those who had followed his story with keen interest would attest to the fact that; during his formative years, he has displayed traits of a man destined for greatness. Although, he had a very quiet and modest upbringing, but Adenuga, unlearn, relearn and also rebuilt himself to attain the greatness he is destined for. He is one of the very few billionaire in the country who gives opportunity to the less privileged. He is a man who values his humble begining. He has adhered strictly to the teaching of his parents, following the popular axiom: “Never burn your bridges, you may need to cross them again”.

For any higher institution rookie, looking to bag a degree in any business related field, the astronomic rise of Adenuga in business should be quoted, studies and applied for business success. Adenuga started off early in life, knowing fully well that; life is not bed of roses. From this, he coined one of his favourites quotes; ‘The harder your work, the luckier you get’. He struggled, worked hard and smart before providence granted him his heart desires by making him a young millionaire at age 26, with a source of wealth traced to selling lace fabrics and supply of drinks and provisions before delving into banking, energy, telecommunication, oil exploration, aviation, construction and real estate.

Many are of the opinion that Adenuga is a shy person. Although, he is hardly seen attending public functions or Soiree but his presence is felt like a raging storm. Many fail to admit that; controlling such amount of wealth running in billion of dollars for over 3 decades, takes consistency, audacity, boldness and of all brilliance and intelligence. A shy person cannot take drastic business decisions. “He is a man who values time and loves privacy. He minds his business and has no extra time for frivolities.” A source said.

While growing, one of the lesson he learnt was always making the impossibility possible. He is more strategic and focus, so shocking his traducers and competitors, When he launched Globacom, the Biggest Telecommunication network in Nigeria on the 29th of August 2003, with the ‘per second billing’, the first of its kind in the country thereby making the mobile network first choice for millions of Nigerians and other Africans. Just like his sobriquet ‘The Bull’, Strong and energetic Adenuga shattered the stereotype and dominated the telecom market till date.

Adenuga, who cherishes friendship a great deal, loves to put smiles on people’s faces with his philanthropy. In particular, The Mike Adenuga Foundation has positively impacted the lives of so many people within and outside Nigeria. The Foundation has achieved this by creating or supporting initiatives that deliver knowledge, skills, resources and infrastructure that will stimulate innovation, facilitate commerce, drive enterprise and improve living conditions. Its cores programme interests are entrepreneurship, education, health, and rural development. The education programme aims to support the study of disciplines that drive innovation and development.

The Mike Adenuga Fellowship Programme has funded undergraduate and post-graduate scholarships and research fellowships at local and international institutions in the following disciplines: Petroleum Engineering, Information and Communications Technologies, Banking and Finance, Entrepreneurship Studies, Development Studies, Electrical and Electronics Engineering.