Mike Adenuga at 70: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Nigeria’s Billionaire Business Mogul

It would not be an exaggeration to raise 70 hearty cheers in the name of Mike Adenuga, one of the most prominent business Moguls in Nigeria and even in Africa as a whole, as he celebrates his 70th birthday.

Who is Mike Adenuga?

Born April 29th, 1953 in Ibadan, Chief Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Ishola Adenuga Jr is a Nigerian billionaire businessman and founder of Globacom, one of the largest telecom operators in Nigeria. He is a family man with 7 children and is loved by many.

Adenuga received his secondary school education at Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro, for his Higher School Certificate (HSC). He worked as a taxi driver to help fund his university education.[9] He graduated from Northwestern Oklahoma State University and Pace University, New York, with degrees in Business Administration

As he celebrates his 70th birthday, here are a few interesting things to know about Mike Adenuga

•As of 2023, Forbes estimates Mike Adenuga’s Net Worth at $6.1 Billion making him the third richest man in Nigeria. 

•His car preferences include Mercedes Benz G Wagon, Range Rover, sports cars, Toyota Landcruiser and Bentley. He also has a fleet of private jets, including the recently acquired Dassault Falcon, a quiet, productive, beautiful and luxurious executive jet built to withstand stormy weather. Named Sisi Paris after one of his grandchildren, the Dassault Falcon is a beauty in the air.

•Some of his biggest and most successful business ventures include:

Globacom: Mike Adenuga founded Globacom in 2003, and the company has grown to become one of the largest telecommunications networks in Nigeria, with operations in Ghana and Benin Republic. Globacom's support of numerous entertainment shows and events has arguably made it the most significant contributor to the development of Nigeria's entertainment industry.

Conoil: Adenuga is the founder and chairman of Conoil, a leading oil exploration and production company in Nigeria.

Equitorial Trust Bank: Adenuga acquired Equitorial Trust Bank in 2005, and under his leadership, the bank grew to become one of the top commercial banks in Nigeria before it merged with Sterling Bank in 2011.

Real Estate: Adenuga has investments in prime real estate across Nigeria, including the iconic 1004 Estates in Lagos.

•Glo remains a leader in the telecoms sector with about fifty three million subscribers including multinational corporations, decision makers in the public and private sector, students, artisans and those in rural communities connected to the network. These subscribers are enjoying access to high quality products and affordable telecom services.

Dr. Adenuga’s contributions to the development of the business terrain in Africa have been severally acknowledged. He was honoured by the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the National Award of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and later in 2012 he was made Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

Celebrating Mike Adenuga, ANTHONY ESHEMOKHAI, an admirer, has written a beautiful poem in his honor, which reads; 

Get me a mic to sing the praises of Mike!

The Belissima Bàbá Bella

I have seen stars, even Polaris

But none lit the world, with Glo(w)

Like the sun of Adenuga

From the loins of Agbolade

Who suckled the royal milk of Oyindamola

OtunbaApesin from the stock of Oduduwa

Knighted by Nations like GCON

The black connoisseur who struck first, black gold beneath waters, and coined oil

Spare me a sphere that feels not his influence

For, I shall gladly tell thee, the tale of their nights 

For in him is the spirit, the strength of a charging bull  

Watching over his cowrie house, black Gold and a DRUM BEAT that connects men of all classes and race

Like Aristaeus, the Greek benevolent god

He decreed men to have banana fingers to their fill

When all drum beaters mocked us to buy the bunch Or stay hungry, thus simming a nation with ease

Time failed enough, and times has brought not his kind

With a stature and heart that dwarfed MA Towers of Adeola Odeku

May time be kind enough, as I need a mic to sing the praise of Mike, The Sun of Adenuga

On his seventieth trip around the sun!

The Belissima Bàbá Bella joyeux soix ante dixième anniversaire milliar daire

Apart from his successful business career, Adenuga is recognized for his charitable works. He has given away millions of dollars to support several causes, including healthcare and education, through the Mike Adenuga Foundation.

Mike Adenuga is now 70 years old, and his reputation as a pioneer and prominent figure in Nigeria and Africa is firmly established. He has motivated many aspiring business owners, demonstrating that with dedication, perseverance, and a clear objective, anyone can achieve success. Wishing a very happy birthday to this extraordinary legend!