Personality in Focus
Happy Birthday Dr. Mike Adenuga, a Rare Gem at 72
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By Henry Ukazu
Dear Destiny Friends,
Birthdays are times for celebrations. Birthdays are times for reflections. Birthdays mean different things to different people. People celebrate their birthdays for different reasons. For me, birthdays serve as a time for gratitude and appreciation for life and impact on the world.
One of the lessons life has taught me is to succeed. This is so true because when one succeeds, the person will be celebrated by all and sundry. Today, the world celebrates a destiny child, a rare gem, an uncommon achiever and a leader of excellence who has distinguished himself from ordinary and superordinary beings. He is none other than the amiable and amicable Dr. Michael Ishola Agbolade Adenuga, GCON, who will be celebrating his 72 years old on 29th of April.
Indeed, this great feat calls for celebration. It’s not easy to live for 72 awesome years and talk less of being successful. That’s like killing two birds with one stone. If truth be God has been extremely faithful to Chief Adenuga because very few minds will experience his trajectory and still come out alive. Some might even attempt suicidal thoughts when they lose one-third of his fortunes, but here is a man of uncommon courage who knows what he wants, but more importantly, he knows who he is and the spirit working in him.
Dr. Adenuga is a man of his strides, he means different things to different people. To some he’s a spirit you can’t see but can feel. To some, he’s a philanthropist, to others, he’s an uncommon businessman. Depending on how you feel or see him, you are right in your own perspective.
I began to take a closer look at this great man when I was writing my first book Design Your Destiny. My chapter two was focused on “Understanding Your Uniqueness”. I did a research of some extraordinary great minds, who have truly succeeded in unique ways, and Dr. Adenuga’s name came to my subconscious mind. I took my time to study him and his works, and I found him an uncommon being the world, and especially youths need to know. Let’s talk about Dr. Adenuga’s life and accomplishments.
Upbringing: I can imagine how grateful his parents were to see his great strides. I’m a big believer in names. Yes, names can be symbolic. The name one answers has a role to play in their life. Do you know your name can either attract a blessing or curse you. When I did a little research about his name AGBOLADE, it means “the child who has attracted wealth to his family”. Can you see how symbolic a name can be?
On his philanthropist nature. I personally think this is one of his greatest assets and arsenal. Take it or leave it, Dr. Adenuga is one of the most influential givers the world has ever known, if not the most influential. Here is a man who gives and supports people unannounced. Sometimes, he pleads to be anonymous in his generous deeds. Here is a man who doesn’t care about one’s status before he gives. He gives you what he personally uses. For instance, if he drives a G-Wagon or Mercedes Benz, he has the heart of giving his friends, similar gift not minding if you are of a lesser status than him.
A friend of mine once said to me, Henry, if I’m wealthy, intelligent and influential, it should reflect on my friends. When I reflect on that statement and juxtapose it with Dr. Adenuga’s lifestyle, I can see similarities. It simply tells me Dr. Adenuga is a very humble man.
No doubt this extraordinary man has experienced one short fall or made one mistake or the other, but which human hasn’t made a mistake in life? What is important is picking up after a mistake.
Despite his mistakes which have metamorphosed into success. If truth be told Dr. Adenuga has spent 72 years of great achievements, unrivalled philanthropy and exceptional successes. And his mistakes have culminated in this success because he failed fast and rose exponentially.
Dr. Adenuga’s love for this country is unparalleled. He knows himself and knows what he wants. That’s why he returned to Nigeria after his academic studies in the United States of America to begin his business which later transcended to a conglomerate.
It’s humbling to know Dr. Adenuga ventured into oil in his early 40’s and birthed Globalcom on his 50th birthday. That’s a rare feat. He literally changed Nigeria telecommunication with the introduction of per second billing when his competitors were using per minute billing. That goes to show his love for humanity.
He also made it possible for Nigerians, Africans and the less privileged to have access to a SIM card at an affordable price of N5,000 as opposed to N20,000 and N30,000 prevailing by some competitors. Again, this goes to show, he doesn’t exploit humanity.
His business acumen and uncommon courage can be seen when he became the first African to successfully and independently finance a submarine cable that runs from Europe to Africa to help the continent’s telecommunication system to be better. Anyone who thinks it is easy can give it a try.
Dr. Adenuga is a man of uncommon fate. Here is a man who believes “impossible” is only found in the dictionary. He has an uncanny way of figuring this out. He’s a testament of the saying, those who are saying it can’t be done are usually interrupted by those who are doing it.
Dr. Adenuga has numerous qualities many of his counterparts don’t have, globally. Here is an extraordinary man who is dedicated to his business, he’s very detailed. He’s very diligent, he perseveres to the latter and most importantly, he has an undying faith in God. I strongly believe it is the prayer most people pray for him that has given this uncommon favor despite his own endeavors.
Dr. Adenuga’s work has received national and global recognition. He’s a proud recipient of the highest civilian award in France, the award of Commander of the Legion of Honour. He is the first Nigerian to be so decorated with the award for being “a true role model for Africa” who has contributed immensely to the growth of the African and French economy.
He also holds the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s second highest national honor, second only to the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), which is only reserved for Nigerian Presidents and Heads of state. That speaks a lot about his rare personality.
In conclusion, as we celebrate this great man, let’s learn from his wealth of knowledge, wisdom, trajectory, business exploits, philanthropist nature, extraordinary humility and most importantly his belief and faith in God.
Henry Ukazu writes from New York. He works with the New York City Department of Correction as the Legal Coordinator. He’s the founder of Gloemi. He’s a Transformative Human Capacity and Mindset coach. He is also a public speaker, youth advocate, creative writer and author of Design Your Destiny Design Your and Unleash Your Destiny . He can be reached via info@gloemi.com
Yomi Duroladipo, popularly known as Arole Asa and Oba, is stepping into a new phase of leadership in Nigeria’s entertainment industry as Governor of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Oyo State chapter. The son of legendary Yoruba theatre icon, Chief Duro Ladipo, Yomi brings a rich cultural heritage, years of experience in the performing arts and a vision to reposition the association for greater relevance.
Born into a family deeply rooted in Yoruba culture and traditional theatre, Yomi grew up surrounded by the performing arts. His father, the legendary Chief Duro Ladipo, popularly known as Sango, was one of the most celebrated figures in Yoruba theatre, while his mother is popularly identified with the cultural identities of Oya and Moremi Ajansoro.
For Yomi, inheriting such a distinguished family name is both a privilege and a responsibility. He acknowledges that maintaining his father’s legacy requires discipline, caution and a conscious commitment to upholding the values associated with the name.
However, rather than rely solely on his father’s reputation, he has worked towards establishing his own identity in the entertainment industry.
His distinctive appearance in traditional Yoruba attire and his trademark cap have become part of his personal brand. He has also developed a unique performance style by blending Western musical instruments with traditional Yoruba instruments, creating a fusion that distinguishes him from other cultural entertainers.
His passion for entertainment dates back to childhood, when he developed an interest in bringing people together through music, dance, drama and creative performances. His acting talent began taking shape during his primary school days, when he represented his school in a stage performance for the late educationist and founder of Mayflower School, Tai Solarin, in Ikenne, Ogun State.
That early exposure further strengthened his passion for the creative industry and eventually inspired him to establish Yomi Duroladipo Arts and Entertainment Company, popularly known as Y.DAD Entertainment.
Although he studied Mechanical Engineering, Yomi has built a career across different areas of entertainment. He is an actor, musician, dancer, stage director and movie director. He also plays the saxophone, which he creatively combines with traditional Yoruba drums during cultural performances.
His artistic philosophy revolves around creativity, innovation and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage, particularly through the fusion of traditional and contemporary entertainment.
Having been exposed to theatre and filmmaking from birth, Yomi describes his journey as a lifelong commitment to the arts, marked by continuous learning, experience and the desire to contribute to the development of the entertainment industry.
His emergence as Governor of TAMPAN Oyo State signals a new chapter in his professional journey, shifting part of his attention from individual artistic achievements to institutional leadership and the development of fellow practitioners.
TAMPAN, the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria, is one of the major professional associations representing practitioners in Nigeria’s theatre and motion picture industry.
Yomi believes that the association requires renewed commitment to institutional development, structural reforms and improved opportunities for its members.
His administration is expected to focus on upgrading, reformation, rebuilding and transforming the Oyo State chapter.
Talent discovery and development will also form a major part of his agenda, with plans to identify emerging talents, encourage young practitioners and create opportunities for creative professionals to showcase their abilities.
Beyond these priorities, Oba ASA vision is to strengthen the association, promote professionalism, improve its relevance and establish a more productive environment for members to thrive.
For a man born into the legacy of one of Yoruba theatre’s greatest icons, the new responsibility presents another opportunity to demonstrate that preserving a great heritage is not only about celebrating the achievements of the past but also building institutions and creating opportunities for the next generation.
As Yomi Duroladipo begins this new chapter as Governor of TAMPAN Oyo State, expectations are high that his cultural background, creative experience and leadership ambitions will translate into meaningful reforms and a renewed direction for the association.
Today is one of those days children of the next generation will remember because a great man was born on October 25, 1964. Today, I choose to celebrate a great man, grandfather, father, uncle, friend, and mentor who has been an inspiration and blessing to my life.
I would like to begin by saying a belated happy birthday to Dr. Joe Abah, though I wished him happy birthday on X on his birthday. To me, this is my little sacrifice to show him how I revere him.
During my formative years, I would have said “happy belated birthday”; that’s simply because I haven’t met Dr. Joe, the technical teacher. That word “Happy Belated birthday” is grammatically wrong.
As an intentional man, let me say this: I have many mentors, and each of them plays a unique role in my life. One of the endearing unique qualities of Dr. Joe is his unique selflessness.
A sage once said, ” The joy of life is not how happy one can be but how happy one can be because of you. Dr. Joe, please bear with me; I will do my best to make this article a little bit personal. One might be wondering why I am writing about Dr. Joe like I have known him for ages; well, the answer is not far-fetched: life is not about quantity, but quality. I don’t have to know someone for a decade or more to put my thoughts together about them. One encounter can change a lot, and that’s exactly what Dr. Joe has done.
A little background information about how I randomly got to know Dr. Joe Abah. I met with Dr. Joe on X (formerly Twitter), and we connected on a social media platform, and I was attracted to his posts. His posts usually come across as intellectually stimulating, nourishing, and entertaining. On X, he is known as Ezemmuo (King of the Spirits). Some people call him the oracle and mouthpiece of the gods because of his uncanny and clairvoyant way of predicting the future, and most of the time, his predictions are 90% true.
My friendship and relationship began to grow when in April 2021 requesting his followers to give him a reason why they would like to partake in a Leadership training to celebrate his friend, Benjamin Akande. When I saw this tweet, I reluctantly applied and forgot about it. I was surprised that after about a week or two weeks, I was selected. Not only did he select me, but he also followed me on X. That, to me, was the beginning of our friendship.
I was able to nurture this friendship, and today, we have grown to the extent that he has invited me for lunch. Our bond strengthened when I reached out to him to write the foreword to my foreword for my third book and he was gracious to not only write the foreword but endorse the manuscript as “excellently written” after he must have read the manuscript.
Dr. Joe has many endearing qualities that attracted me to him, but none stood out for me like his humility, tolerance, and wisdom. Here is a man who has achieved success by any standard one can measure, depending on the rubric one chooses to measure success.
As a matter of fact, it was his humility that made me reach out to him to write the foreword to my third book, “The Six Pillars of Success. Before I reached out to him, I took my time to read every available piece of information I could find about him online, especially since I’m writing a book that is personal to me because I figured out I must have a name that resonates with the six pillars of success: (Purpose and personal Development, Career and vocational excellence, financial independence and freedom, Health and wellbeing, Healthy family and social relationships, and Spirituality and Inner Grounding).
If you know Dr. Joe, you’ll agree with me that he matches all these pillars. It’s instructive to note that before I published the book, some of my friends advised me to use some of the big names I know, and I asked them, ” What’s the definition of a big name? It was at that moment I understood the mindset and maturity of some people. How do you rate a human being just because he has “questionable money” or has attained a political position through fraudulent or illegal means? I have always believed that if the only thing one has is money, that person is poor.
As a very intentional person, I’m very particular with the people I associate and relate closely with; I always asked myself what kind of life would I want to live, what kind of life do I want my children and humanity to remember me for? These and many more are what led me to revere Dr. Joe as a revered mentor.
Permit me to share some of the distinguishing traits of Dr. Joe. He’s an academic scholar. He has occasionally used this knowledge, wisdom and understanding to educate everyone on his platform, especially men, this singular act made me coin a nickname for his “KING OF THE BOYS” due to his uncanny way of speaking. He has also continually stated that he doesn’t advise women on X, and he doesn’t like politics nor engage in it. No wonder he has been taunted as Ezemmuo
Dr. Joe is blessed with a rational temperament. Despite the detractors and sophisticated level of jealousy on X, he has managed to control his emotions in a country where many people would have lost it. The level of criticism I see against him online makes me ask: what sin has Dr. Joe committed? There is nothing I found except that he has truly discovered himself, developed himself, and evolved in such a way his detractors couldn’t imagine.
Dr. Joe is a fitness enthusiast; remember I said earlier, Dr. Joe perfectly fits into an ideal man whose personality radiates more with books. Occasionally, Dr. Joe organizes Fit September on X to keep fit. That exercise has literally helped many people. On a personal note, I have grown six-pack abs, broad shoulders, and big arms all because of my intentional exercise. As a matter of fact, I have not missed a single day of exercise. Here are two excerpts from Dr. Joe in my box: “According to Dr. Joe Abaha, a governance expert, “I try to do 3 exercises daily: 1. Exercise my body for at least 30 minutes every day. 2. Exercise my brain by reading at least a page of non-fiction every day. 3. Exercise my spirit by praying every day”.
Finally, not least, Dr. Joe is an extremely humble man. His simplicity is so endearing and charming to the heart. It was through Dr. Joe that I learnt that the higher you go, the humbler one should become. Despite the height he has attained in life, he still condescends to the level of a teenager just to communicate the desired message.
I can go on, but as the sage will say, a word is enough for the wise.
Sir, as you celebrate your new age, I pray that whatever has not worked in your life will manifest and be accomplished this year. Amen.
Remain blessed for being a blessing.
Professor Kamene Okonjo, a renowned sociologist, women’s rights advocate and mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has passed on at the age of 96.
Okonjo, who was also the matriarch of the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Delta State, died on Friday.
Her death was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Palace Secretary of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Prince Ifeakanachukwu Emordi, on behalf of the royal family.
The late professor was the wife of the immediate past traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku, Obi (Professor) Chukwuka Okonjo, with whom she was married for 66 years.
She was also the mother of the reigning monarch, Obi (Dr.) Ifechukwude Anishi Okonjo II, and WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
The royal family described her death as a significant loss to the kingdom, citing her contributions to academic scholarship, women’s rights and social development.
An internationally recognised sociologist, Okonjo devoted much of her professional life to academic research and advocacy for women’s empowerment, earning recognition within and beyond Nigeria.
“An internationally recognised and foremost sociologist, Professor Kamene Okonjo distinguished herself through her outstanding academic accomplishments, intellectual contributions and lifelong advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment,” the statement said.
The family noted that her influence extended beyond academia, particularly through her commitment to advancing opportunities for women and promoting education.
It also acknowledged her role within the traditional institution of Ogwashi-Uku, where she remained an influential member of the royal household.
Beyond her academic career, Okonjo was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose family ties spanned several generations.
“While we mourn her passing, we celebrate a life exceptionally well lived,” the royal family stated.
The statement extended condolences to the reigning monarch, Okonjo-Iweala and other surviving children, including Dr. Njideka Okonjo-Udochi, Prince Onyema Okonjo and Prince Chichi Okonjo.
It also acknowledged the deceased’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and other members of the extended royal family.
The family urged residents of Ogwashi-Uku to honour her memory and reflect on her contributions to scholarship, women’s advancement and the community.
Details of her funeral arrangements were not disclosed in the statement.
