Buhari Hails Mike Adenuga As He Turns 65

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated and commended billionaire mogul Dr. Mike Adenuga who will turn 65 on Sunday April 29.

In a congratulatory message issued on Saturday by Mr. Femi Adesina, the president’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and addressed to the Globacom Chairman, the president commended Adenuga’s deep sense of loyalty and patriotism by investing in sectors that have created jobs for many Nigerians.

The President noted that Adenuga had added strong value in the provision of effective services that make life easier and more comfortable for many in the country, and across the African continent.

President Buhari therefore joined family, friends and the business community in congratulating the business magnate, philanthropist and one of Nigeria’s most renowned entrepreneurs.

He observed that Adenuga rose from a modest background, defied many odds, and realized his dream of setting up and grooming successful companies in the oil and gas, banking and telecom sectors.

The President stated that apart from creating jobs through entrepreneurship, Adenuga’s contribution to the development of sports and the entertainment industry had remained remarkable.

He said these sectors of the economy had continued to provide lifelines for many, and inspiring ingenuity and creativity.

The President believed that Adenuga’s exploration and encouragement of youth entrepreneurship in the country would always be remembered, while his penchant for helping the less privileged through scholarships and healthcare financing deserves more commendations.

He prayed that the almighty God would grant the Otunba of Ijebu land longer life, good health and more wisdom to continue serving the country and humanity.

Adenuga was born to Juliana Oyindamola and Micheal Agbolade Adenuga (Snr) on 29 April, 1953 in Ibadan, Oyo State.

He went to the Ibadan Grammar School, Ibadan for his secondary education and proceeded to Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro for his Higher School Certificate (HSC).

For his University education, he went to Oklahoma State University and Pace University, and he graduated with degrees in Business Administration.

While in school he had to work as a taxi driver to make money for his upkeep and to fund his schooling.

With a net worth of about $5.1Billion, Adenuga made his first million at age 26 selling lace and distributing soft drinks.

He however built his fortune in telecom and oil production.

His mobile phone network, Globacom, is the second largest operator in Nigeria, with 37 million subscribers.

His oil exploration outfit, Conoil Producing, operates 6 oil blocks in the country.