The Bull: Cheerful giver, impactful patriot at 71

DR Mike Adeniyi Ishola Adenuga clocks 71 today, a towering figure in the realm of silent philanthropy. I have a friend who describes him as “rain that falls without prior notice.” The same friend says “he is a leafy tree with a vast shade that protects all wayfarers from the searing rays of the sun; a spring that waters both the field and the men working the field.” My friend says the Guru “dazzles you with his magnanimity but rarely gives you an opportunity to say thanks.” I agree with everything said by my friend and I know very many others who would adopt the words wholesale – because they are true – and truth is immutable, does not change with times and seasons. Dr Adenuga’s legendary beneficence echoes across the length and breadth of Nigeria – and beyond the shores of the country. In monumental ways, he impacts countless lives. Renowned not only for his business acumen but also for his unwavering commitment to social responsibility, Dr. Adenuga’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of giving back. Born Wednesday, April 29, 1953 in Ibadan, Nigeria though his parents were Ijebu from Ijebu Igbo in Ogun State, Dr. Adenuga’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life. Through sheer determination and ingenuity, he built a diversified business empire spanning telecommunications, oil exploration, banking, and real estate. His success catapulted him to the ranks of the world’s wealthiest individuals, yet it is his dedication to uplifting communities, families and individuals that truly sets him apart.

One of Dr. Adenuga’s most notable philanthropic endeavors is the Mike Adenuga Foundation, an umbrella organization established with the mission of improving the quality of life for people across Africa. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, the foundation addresses key challenges such as healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. In the realm of healthcare, Dr. Adenuga’s contributions have been transformative. His foundation has spearheaded initiatives to combat diseases such as Covid-19, providing crucial resources for prevention, treatment, and research. .Education lies at the heart of Dr. Adenuga’s philanthropic vision. Recognizing the pivotal role education plays in driving social and economic progress, he has championed numerous initiatives to expand access to education across Africa. From blocks of classrooms and fully equipped ICT centres, Dr. Adenuga’s efforts have empowered countless individuals to pursue their dreams and unlock their full potential. Beyond healthcare and education, Dr. Adenuga’s philanthropy extends to various other areas of need. He has supported initiatives aimed at enhancing the games of soccer, golf and other sports at the international and local levels, he has continuously empowered the female gender through educational interventions, and his businesses keep fostering entrepreneurship. Through his foundation, he has invested in community development projects, infrastructure improvements, and disaster relief efforts, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to addressing social challenges.Dr. Adenuga’s impact goes beyond his financial contributions; he serves as a role model and inspiration for future generations of philanthropists. His ethos of giving back is ingrained in the DNA of his businesses, with corporate social responsibility being a core principle. Leading by example, Dr. Adenuga has helped foster a culture of philanthropy and social consciousness within the corporate world.

At the level of individuals, Dr. Adenuga keeps lifting heads hitherto bowed by lack, despondency and reproach. Take Asabi Olaleye as case study. She looked palpably askance like one who had been thrown into a world of wondrous beauties and riches beyond her wildest dreams. She would turn to the writer perfunctorily and enquire, ‘Mama, are you sure I am not dreaming? Of course, her reactions were understandable for the cruel blows that life had steadily dealt her. Then 46-year-old Asabi Olaleye, a single mum of three, had suffered the greatest humiliation of her entire life. The petty trader who had a shanty in the hinterland at one of the numerous borders between Nigeria and Republique du Benin, had fallen into the murky waters of institutional wickedness in the hands of some uniformed men on the Nigerian side. The altercation between her and the uniformed men subsequently degenerated to fisticuffs with the uniformed men expectedly having the upper hand. Battered within an inch of her life, Asabi went berserk. She removed the entire clothing on her back and stood in her birthday suit daring the world to see what her tormentors had reduced her life to. They claimed that Asabi was a keeper of smuggled goods for the original perpetrators while the helpless woman swore with her paltry earthly possessions that she was nothing near what was claimed.

Unknown to her, onlookers had captured her unguarded moment of vulnerability on video which eventually went viral. In no time, the video became a memorabilia of infamy to the poor woman. Some would insist, as a matter of fact, that the woman had lost touch with her senses, hence, her unbecoming decision to strip herself of her honours. As providence would have it, the video made its way to Dr. Mike Adenuga who took interest in the helpless woman. While many others saw a shameless loony, the Great Guru saw a woman depressed and needy. He promptly set a good number of his lieutenants in motion to fish out the woman for his usual financial intervention. And so, one cool Sunday evening in October 2020, Asabi was guest of one of the richest men on the Black continent- the Chairman of The Mike Adenuga Group. It was a meeting orchestrated by the desire to put smiles on a face which had hitherto been jaded with misery and ignominy. A few words of deep wisdom from the guru to the woman and a new millionaire was made as Dr. Adenuga would shower on her, a fortune that would permanently change her narrative for good.

Asabi is just one of the countless souls which had been been satiated by the ever dripping milk of kindness from the well of wealth which the Architect of the universe has bestowed on Dr. Adenuga. Others whom Dr. Adenuga had ‘touched base’ with include Peter Fregene, a former goalkeeper of Nigeria’s National team who became incapacitated few years ago consequently seeking help from Nigerians before his plight got to the empathetic ears of the Chairman of Globacom. His house in Sapele, Delta State received a complete facelift. His furniture, bed, television set, generator and other essentials were instantly replaced. His Doctor was also invited and after briefing the Chairman’s team, Fregene was sent for another round of checks in the hospital where funds running into millions were expended. His family was also placed on generous monthly allowance which is managed by his wife, Tina who has been taking care of the ailing former soccer star.

Recently, a Nollywood star who had been nursing kidney failure launched a appeal for help. Dr. Adenuga heeded the call with the sum of N10m support for his hospital bill and medicine. The list of individuals and families whose fortunes have been reversed for good is endless. As Dr. Adenuga continues to make strides in business and philanthropy, even as he clocks 71 today, his legacy grows ever more profound. His unwavering commitment to improving the lives of others serves as a beacon of hope in a world grappling with inequality and injustice. Through his visionary leadership and compassionate spirit, Dr. Mike Adenuga keeps leaving indelible marks on the landscape of philanthropy, proving that true wealth lies not in what we accumulate, but in what we give back.