President Bola Tinubu has paid tribute to billionaire businessman Mike Adenuga as he celebrates his 72nd birthday.
In a press release on Monday, made public on Tuesday, the President lauded the founder of Globacom and chairman of Conoil for a life marked by resilience, vision and service to Nigeria and the African continent.
Tinubu described Adenuga’s life journey as “a testament to the power of vision and the outcome of resilience,” noting that his rise from humble beginnings was shaped by humility and hard work across banking, telecommunications, oil and gas.
“The man Nigerians affectionately call ‘The Guru’ has, through determination and hard work, built businesses that have created thousands of jobs for our people,” the President said.
Highlighting Adenuga’s innovations in the telecom sector, Tinubu said, “Nigerians will always appreciate Globacom’s ingenuity in disrupting the billing template in the telecommunications sector. By pioneering per-second billing, Glo expanded telephony and digital access to millions of Nigerians.”
He praised Conoil for standing tall among international oil companies.
“Conoil had proven that an indigenous firm could compete with international oil companies, fostering energy independence and security for the country,” Tinubu noted.
Tinubu also commended Mr Adenuga’s philanthropic work through the Mike Adenuga Foundation, saying it “had touched many lives – supporting tertiary education, healthcare and cultural advancement across the nation.”
“Dr Adenuga, Nigeria is grateful for your immense contributions to our country’s progress and prosperity,” he added.
“I commend you for extending your investments to other African countries and Europe, a bold effort which earned you well-deserved honours as commander of the Legion of Honour (France) and Ghana’s Companion of the Star of Ghana.
“On behalf of the people of Nigeria, I pray that God Almighty will continue to bless you with good health, wisdom, and renewed vision as you inspire others in service to our nation,” the President said.
Michael Adenuga is Nigeria’s second-richest man and Africa’s fifth-richest, with a net worth estimated at $6.8 billion by Forbes as of March.
His ventures span telecoms, oil, banking and real estate, including a significant stake in Sterling Financial Holding and an estate on Banana Island, Lagos.
Beyond business, Adenuga’s support for sports has also earned him accolades.
In March 2025, he was named “Pillar of Sports in Africa” at the South West Games. Under his leadership, Globacom has revitalised Nigeria’s Premier Football League and backed national teams like the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.
His company also sponsors the CAF Awards, celebrating African football excellence.
