It is often more convenient to possess the ashes of great men than to possess the men themselves in their lifetime. But in Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr. GCON, CSG, CLH’s case, the reality is remarkably different; Nigeria is extremely lucky to possess Adenuga. This is because of his relentless strides at rewriting the African business narrative for the benefit of the country.
Yes, frequently likened to a champion and oftentimes, a business genius, the Globacom boss effortlessly depicts the image of a modern day General of Commerce. Adenuga, among other things, projects a benevolent culture of industry and humanity. Through unparalleled modesty and hard work, he dispels the notion that entrepreneurial success constantly conflicts with excellent citizenship of humanity.
Mr. Chairman, as he is respectably called, also understands that to be a man of honour and substance requires indeterminate exploits at dawn through dusk in honest industry. He knows that honour and longevity, like celery, flourishes in the dark shade – far from the blaze of disconcerting neon lights.
However, being a symbol of African enterprising spirit of passion, unadulterated commitment, resilience and hardwork has not been without commensurate accolades. Again, one of such accolades awaits him today as another trademarked architectural masterpiece of his is being inaugurated by the visiting President of France, Emmanuel Macron.
We exclusively gathered that the major reason for Macron’s presence in Lagos is the opening of the new Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi. The very beautiful building built by Adenuga, looks like the footprint of a gigantic hound, the proof of greatness of irrefutable genius. The structure looms majestically under the azure sky. Predictably, the edifice has now become the major attraction in the highbrow Ikoyi neighbourhood; construction gurus and laymen troop to the site to study it, while many a Nigerian marvel and take pictures.
Macron, who is not a stranger to Nigeria described Adenuga, the Globacom Chairman, as a true role model for Africa. He said the centre was part of the measures to scale up the relationship between France and Nigeria and pledged the commitment of his government and people of France to develop infrastructure in key sectors in Lagos State.
“I see the Alliance Francaise as a commitment aimed at making the friendship between both countries, who have different cultures, but vivid and vibrant as well as lifting barriers that have existed between both cultures.
“The common space we have is not linked to language or country.
“We are different people; but we share same values and it is precisely this common values we want to convey.
“The Alliance Francaise is one of the best illustrations of this commitment,” Macron said.
No doubt, everybody is in agreement concerning the genius that went into the project from inception hence they continually give kudos to Adenuga. A rare factor on the African continent. Some would liken him to ‘The Factor’ on the African continent, a towering force of hope and entrepreneurial depth. Findings revealed that he is currently one of the very few economic giants and magnates enjoying the respect of several world leaders courtesy his enviable business culture.
The centre will offer numerous facilities: a world class art gallery, a French restaurant with daily fresh bakery, a state-of-the-art cinema, artists’ studios, an outdoor amphitheatre, a library and e-library, nine fully equipped French language classrooms, translation and interpretation service, Campus France branch, offices and much more.
A statement from Alliance Française expresses appreciation to Dr. Mike Adenuga for his generosity to the French language and cultural institute. “Alliance Française has wished to move back to Ikoyi for many years. This wish has now become a reality due to the generosity of Dr. Mike Adenuga, who committed to build a brand new cultural centre in a pristine location. Instead of demolishing the beautiful but shanty existing villa, it was decided to keep it and renovate it as a testimony of the architectural heritage of the City of Lagos and to add a magnificent contemporary building beside,” the statement said.
Yet, Adenuga remains impressively humble and invulnerable to conceit. This is why he is continually revered and celebrated, among his clan and league of extraordinary men in the world.
