At 71, Mike Adenuga Remains Incredible Humanist

BY FUNSHO AROGUNDADE 

What does a billionaire do when they add a new age? Turns out that depends on what sort of person they are. Take, for example, Dr. Mike Agbolade Adeniyi Adenuga Jnr., the uber-billionaire magnate’s fame has soared along with his meteoric rise up the global wealth rankings. Yet he is also an extremely private and easygoing man who abhors all the noise and razzmatazz that comes with being stupendously wealthy.

By nature, the Globacom founder is a man of peace who loves being a very simple but invincible and intriguing man. This once again came to the fore on Monday 29 April when Adenuga, famous for his philanthropic outreaches, clocked 71.

While it was another birthday celebration for the self-effacing billionaire, as expected, he skipped a luxury soiree, instead choosing to be surrounded by his adorable family members and close friends.

However, as it has become the annual norm, the airwaves, newspapers and blogosphere were scented with a tome of tributes and congratulatory messages from Adenuga’s friends, admirers and beneficiaries on his birthday.

Given the torrent of messages on Monday, it was obvious what was celebrated was not just the enigmatic billionaire or his billions but significantly his social value and the humanity behind the great wealth and gracious quietude.

The Apesin-Ola is arguably one of the few biggest contemporary philanthropists on the continent. He is as generous, collaborative, and lovable as he is innovative and brilliant. As a colossus bred, Adenuga believes in the Omoluabi Code which embodies courage, hard work, humility and respect.

A typical Taurean: bold and bullish, those in the know described Adenuga as the richest black man alive. It’s hard to fault that assessment going by his business acumen, doggedness, determination, sheer guts and humongous investments in energy, real estate, construction, banking and telecoms.

However, Adenuga is not particularly interested in making more money to splurge on himself. His enterprise was spurred by an overriding ambition to make money but also by an overwhelming need to help the needy and remain positively rooted in his community.

Indeed, the business titan has wowed many with his act of generosity by stretching forth a massive helping hand.

His plate is always full with all sorts of requests. As God blesses him, he blesses others too. His monumental and often stupendous generosity shown to friends, acquaintances and complete strangers touch a chord. And he has been rewarded not only for all his good deeds but for excellence in business severally.

At 71, he has amassed a staggering fortune, no doubt. Instead, what has consumed him recently is how to further commit his fortune to social causes that would help the people strive to become better and achieve their dreams.