Many men have become great, because they were able to rise above obstacles. Many people started life from obscurity but ended up making a mark in their generation. This is the story of a thorough-bred entrepreneur, who through God’s grace and resilience, disciplined lifestyle and hard work has made it to the top and has remained there.
This person is no other than, Dr Adedeji Tajudeen Adeleke, a versatile and dignified personality of no mean repute who will turn 60 years old on March 6, 2017.
Adeleke is indeed a rare breed. He is among Nigeria’s brightest and best first eleven. He cares less about awards bestowed on distinguished personalities. Whereas, he towers shoulder high, above many of those who have been so recognised. He has rather committed himself to the improvement of mankind in various forms.
Adeleke was born into a noble family, but he decided early in life to carve a niche for himself, using his God-given intelligence and business acumen to attain the height he is today.
‘Chairman’, as he is fondly called by his close friends and associates, employed the lessons he learnt while in Adventist Grammar School, Ede, under the indefatigable principal of principals, Elder Enoch Olatunde Dare.
The lessons of building souls for Christ, which is the motto of Adventist Grammar School, Ede, and adherence to Adventist Mission philosophy, where today he is an elder has impacted his life positively. Aside from building souls for Christ, he has built souls for service with great determination.
‘Chairman’, made it to the United States of America in the late 70s and recorded academic excellence and great success in some businesses he tried his hands on there. This prepared him for the sojourn into the private sector upon returning home.
Back in Nigeria, Adeleke committed himself to providing employment opportunities for people with the establishment of Pacific Farms (Nig.) Ltd, which dealt in poultry business, importation of iron-rods and sugar. He made a success of this venture to the admiration of his competitors and customers, because he was not cutting corners.
He later moved into the banking industry, with the establishment of Pacific Merchant Bank, which later metamorphosed into Pacific Bank, now part of the entity known as Unity Bank. He sits comfortably well as executive chairman, Pacific Holdings, which is into energy, haulage, merchandise, banking, among others.
Elder Adedeji Adeleke’s name may not be found in FORBES list of world billionaires, but to those who know, he is a phenomenon in the Nigerian society.
One of the landmark achievements of Dr Adeleke, in the course of his 60 years sojourn on earth, is the establishment of a world-class university-Adeleke University, Ede. This version of ‘Harvard University’ in Nigeria gives him and indeed the entire members of the Adeleke dynasty joy. This, among his other successful ventures, keeps him happy and fulfilled.
The ‘chairman’ is so bonded with the university project such that, to the extent, that he works round the clock there. He enjoys going round the university’s vast complex on foot. Most times, he arrives the campus in the evening and leaves in the wee hours of the next day.
I wish to state that Dr. Adeleke, should endeavour to re-activate the radio licence granted him in 1995 by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and put up a Pacific F.M Radio Station in Adeleke University, to complement the Performing Arts Department and hasten the establishment of a Mass Communication department.
One thing you cannot take away from Adeleke, is the bond that existed and still exists between him and his late jewel of inestimable value, Dr. Veronica Imade Adeleke. This was a woman, that positively touched the life of ‘Chairman’ in more than one way. She was a pillar of strength for Adeleke while she lived and he, in return, still holds her in high esteem even after her demise.
Our own queen of the heart, Mother Theresa of our time, Veronica, we love you in Ede to no end. To the glory of God, the matrimonial relationship between Dr. Adeleke and late Veronica produced joyful children, among who is the hip-hop rave of the moment, David Adedeji Adeleke (Jnr) a.k.a DAVIDO.
Give it to Adeleke, he is a silent achiever, who, unlike some ‘money-miss-road’ businessmen and women, does not attract unnecessary public attention to himself. He carries himself with dignity and honour. Hardly can you find him granting press interviews.
Despite his fabulous wealth, painstakingly built over the years, Adeleke defers to his elder brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, in total respect, and same with other members of the Adeleke dynasty. Dr. Adeleke personifies brain and brawn, for whom twenty-four hours are not enough in the execution and realisation of the callings of his high offices. He also abhors dishonesty, laziness and lies.
Olumide Lawal, writes from Ede, Osun State.
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