Where do one start from in chronicling the life of Dr. Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga as he clocks the milestone age of biblical 70 years? This has been the question that has been ringing through my head since the last quarter of 2022 when the idea came to my mind to do a comprehensive feature that can be a motivational and inspirational piece for young Nigerians who have been looking up to the business titan popularly called the ‘Chairman of Chairmen’ in the business circle, and who the media fondly called ‘The Bull’.
When you mention the name, Mike Adenuga, what readily comes to the mind of an average Nigerian is GLO. But here is a man whose business prowess spread across the Oil and Gas, Banking, Telecoms, Real Estate, Construction and Stocks. The Chairman is a man known for perfection; so in doing this, a thorough research must be done. No mistakes!
Dr. Mike Adenuga is one Nigerian billionaire who I admired so much and look forward into meeting someday, and like Basorun Dele Momodu once wrote, “…Not many people could ever claim they’ve ever seen or met Adenuga in person”, but he has touched many people’s lives through many of his companies’ engagements and the Mike Adenuga Foundation. The story of the Chairman’s rise to fame and fortune is a unique one. Here was a man who was born with a silver spoon but chose to hustle driving cabs while schooling as an undergraduate in the United States. He made his first millions at the age of 26 selling lace materials and distributing soft drinks. He struck crude oil in commercial quantities at 40 and launched a telecom company that revolutionized the Nigerian telecommunication industry at 50. I once made a joke with some friends a few years ago that it seems Adenuga is the wealthiest Nigerian because he made money every second people make calls using his telecoms network, Glo. The more money he made, the more many people gained from his vast wealth. The very generous wealthy man has made an indelible mark in supporting the Nigerian media industry through advertising patronages and ACADA magazine is a beneficiary. This is the least we could do to celebrate this worthy son of Africa.
We raise the glass and make a toast to the Guru at 70; and we pray that the Lord will continue to bestow on him good health as he continues his journey on earth.
Signed:
‘Biodun Caston-Dada
Publisher, ACADA Magazine
ICING ON THE CAKE
It’s been a long time in the making and there’s no other way to debut our Monthly Digital Edition than this EXCLUSIVE SPECIAL EDITION on Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr.
THIS EDITION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING ON SATURDAY 29TH APRIL, 2023