France confers national award on Adenuga’s daughter, Bella Disu

The Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom, Mrs Bella Disu  has been honoured with the prestigious national honour of “Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres”.

The government of France which conferred the honour explained that Mrs Disu got the award due to her  remarkable support for arts and culture, especially her coordination of the construction of the unique cultural edifice, the Alliance Francaise Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The conferment ceremony was carried out  at a formal ceremony held at the Centre and conducted by the French cabinet Minister for Education and Youth, Ministry, Gabriel Attal.

The French minister, who at 29 is the youngest member of government in the modern political history of France, delightfully presented the honour to Mrs  Disu,  who is also the youngest recipient of the French national honour.

He stated that the unique national honour is purposely for icons who have demonstrated  support for  the sustenance and growth of French culture.

Mr Attal described the Mike Adenuga Centre as magnificent and the most beautiful of all Alliance Francaise centres in the world and posited that the  equipment, sound, lighting and technology at the Centre are first class.

In a direct charge to Dr Mike Adenuga Jr, who witnessed the impressive ceremony with the Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other eminent dignitaries including the French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Jérôme Pasquier, the French minister said, “Who could have imagined that it was possible to build such a cultural centre in just a few months? From the very first minute, dear Chairman, you wished that your daughter would lead the project that would facilitate cultural collaborations between French speaking countries and Nigeria”.

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According to Attal, “The team worked relentlessly under the attentive but firm supervision of Bella to deliver the building in record time. It is one of the most exceptional projects of our cultural network and one of the most outstanding examples of arts and culture sponsorships in Nigeria.”

He added: “We owe this exceptional project to you chairman, who financed it, as much as to Bella who brought it to life”.

Mr Charles Courdent, Director, Alliance Francaise  Lagos, said the Centre was proud of Mrs Bella Disu’s uncommon hardwork that gave birth to the Alliance  Francaise Mike Adenuga Centre,  saying that “the vision of Globacom Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga has been fully accomplished by his daughter in this project.”

The recipient, Mrs Disu in her acceptance speech,  expressed appreciation to President Emmanuel Macron of France for the honour. She equally gave kudos to  her supportive husband, Mr. Jameel Disu, family, friends and all members of the Mike Adenuga Centre project team, particularly the Director who set an audacious vision for the Centre.

Said she, “I am thankful for the firm belief that it could be done. Just look at where we are now. The centre has become such a reference point, a cultural hub, promoting French language and culture, showcasing Nigerian talent. We did it and I am proud of the entire project team. I applaud your expertise and tireless commitment”.

Reminiscing about the diligence and sleepless nights that culminated in the successful completion of the project, Mrs Disu said that, “Everyday I went to the site determined to fulfil the vision we had set with the Alliance Française team, I didn’t think anyone was watching. Yet, to be awarded the prestigious Chevalier dans l’ordre des Arts et des Lettres, en Anglais, Knight in the Order of Arts and Letters, has shown me that when you are dedicated and passionate, even when you think no one is watching, today will be the tomorrow you always dreamt of.”

It’s been a journey to this honour, but I have not come this far alone. I’d like to thank those who have made it easier for me to stand firm and stand strong on this stage. This award is as much for you. I’d like to thank my father, Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. Thank you, daddy, for your support and for the platform you have given me. Your magnanimity and heart for society continually inspire me”.

She viewed the  award as a fulfilment of a dream she had in her sophomore year at the University, concluding that “today is the tomorrow”.

She therefore encouraged all to always do their best on tasks irrespective of whether their efforts were noticed or not, so that their actions will speak for them in places where they are not present.