*His Many Nicknames Revealed!
In few hours, entrepreneur extraordinaire, multibillionaire philanthropist and chairman of Globacom, turns 68. This auspicious day would avail friends, relatives and associates to felicitate with a man whose ingenuity and industry have seen him grow from just being an entrepreneur with interest in a particular business to becoming a respected and renowned empire builder whose exploits are now, on the one side, academic case studies in business schools of global repute, and on the other exemplary templates for budding entrepreneurs as well as established ones with a motive to mount up. This is because, in business and philanthropy, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jnr, continues to set the pace.
He wears his entrepreneurial strength and savvy like a badge of honour, on his chest; shining it with sweat, as true virtuous men do. He stands tall, wading through odds with the courage of a knight and the confidence of a champion. Unlike the proverbial warrior who lives to sing the song of his own deeds and derring-do, Adenuga remains impressively humble and immune to conceit, treading a rare path to acclaim; thus, attracting honour in torrents and from home and abroad.
Adenuga makes history on a regular basis, to which he industriously adds page after page, volume after volume as if nature were holding up a monument to his exploits. In all the economic terrains that he has played in, indelible records will certainly outlast generations to come. To his staff, family, friends, beneficiaries and other loved ones, his smiles have been their anchor; and his shoulders their rampart of comfort. Adenuga’s citizenship of humanity, they claim, depicts his love of life and undying compassion for the needy and less privileged.
Beyond his love for business and the good life, Adenuga is reputed as one of Africa’s biggest philanthropists. Amid the doom and gloom of the pervasive fear of the Corona-Virus pandemic, and the flagging faith of Nigerians per their survival, Adenuga, through his social impact and philanthropy arm, raised hopes and planted joy in the bosoms of Nigerians.
Often extolled as “the Pillar of Prosperity” by many, Adenuga has shown that he is not just about making money but making it available as resources for advancing the lot of humanity.
Interestingly, while he is not known to be in the habit of throwing parties in the manner of a conventional socialite, those close to him say he will spend the day quietly with family and few friends reflecting on the years gone by and what lays ahead to strive for; a sort of personal ‘New Year’ where resolutions and promises can be made to the self and for the betterment of humanity. Of course, he has so much to thank God for.
Revered at home and recognised abroad for his protean productivity and impeccable business foresight, spotting goldmine where many see landmines. There is melody in trillionaire businessmen, Dr. Mike Adenuga’s back-story. You take everything in, and get caught in its speechless rapture. There is sparkle in the narrative too. Little wonder he has so many beautiful nicknames that he is fondly called by friends, family, associates and loved ones: Niyison, Landlord, Belle, (from secondary school days) Aneyetoto, Fine Boy, Aniyikaye, Pillar of Prosperity, Spirit of Africa, Global Sweetheart, Pacemaker, among others.
Indeed, an understanding of Adenuga’ s story is essential in knowing the forces that shaped his life and moulded him into the man he has become. More importantly, it is essential to celebrating him and the immensity he signifies. Ask those who have been fortunate to encounter him; however brief or protracted the encounter, they all have joyful stories to share.
Some folk may simply not understand the depths he had to plunge and heights he had to climb to achieve his unparalleled glories. In his story, everybody would find that goodness must have some edge to it and the doctrine of passionate industry is best preached through the rivulets of a man’s shiny sweat.
There is no gainsaying the world of business is like a dangerous coast riddled with storms. But despite its turbulent tides, Adenuga, like a sea-hardened sailor, navigates through the gales armed with a stubborn resolve and unyielding spirit. Today, that relentless spirit of Adenuga has paid off. It has guided him through the bittersweet, cut-throat world of global commerce till he emerged unscathed and undaunted in spirit and resolve, like a champion.
