As Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr marks his 72nd birthday, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the remarkable achievements of this Nigerian business mogul. With investments spanning various sectors, Adenuga has consistently prioritised Nigeria’s growth and development, earning him a reputation as a patriotic entrepreneur.
His business empire, the Mike Adenuga Group, has been instrumental in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and empowering Nigerians. Adenuga’s strategic investments in telecommunications, oil and gas, banking, and sports have yielded significant benefits for the country.
One of his most notable achievements is the establishment of Globacom, Nigeria’s leading telecommunications company. Globacom, in 2003, revolutionised the telecoms sector by introducing per-second billing, reducing SIM card prices, and increasing internet accessibility. The company’s submarine cable, Glo-1, has also played a critical role in providing bandwidth across Nigeria and West Africa.
Adenuga’s philanthropic efforts are equally impressive. He has been a long time supporter of Nigerian sports, investing over N25 billion in various initiatives, including the Super Eagles, Premier League, and Glo CAF Awards. His commitment to promoting art and culture is evident in Globacom’s sponsorship of top festivals like Ojude Oba, Lisabi, and Ofala
Through his visionary leadership, Globacom has journeyed to excellence. A leading telecommunications company, the company launched its services in Nigeria on August 29, 2003, with a vision to become the market-leading service provider. Since its inception, the company has demonstrated a commitment to creating value with its products and services, empowering millions of Nigerians.
Globacom’s entry into the market was marked by innovative offerings, including the introduction of per-second billing, which was initially deemed impossible by competitors. This bold move justified the company’s inaugural payoff line: “People, Power, and Possibilities.” Some notable achievements of the company include: championing per-second billing, first to implement 2.5G, 3G, and 4G LTE networks in Nigeria, first to offer BlackBerry solutions in Nigeria, and first to launch a submarine cable (GLO 1) for efficient and fast broadband internet services.
Under the astute leadership of Adenuga, Globacom has maintained its position as a pacesetter in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. With millions of subscribers, including multinational corporations, decision-makers, students, artisans, and rural communities, the company continues to provide high quality products and affordable telecom services.
Globacom’s commitment to social investments is evident in its extensive support for the movie industry in Nigeria (Nollywood) and Ghana (Ghollywood). The company has also sponsored various cultural festivals, donated to numerous causes, and supported sports, particularly football in Nigeria and Ghana. Notable initiatives include: Sponsoring national teams and leagues in Nigeria and Ghana, supporting the annual CAF Awards for a decade, and rewarding the Super Eagles with $1 million for winning the African Cup of Nations in 2013. Globacom’s legacy is built on innovation, leadership, and a commitment to empowering Nigerians and promoting African arts and culture.
Throughout his career, Adenuga has received numerous national and global awards, including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s highest individual honour. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders. As Dr. Mike Adenuga Jr. celebrates his 72nd birthday, we honour his remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development. Here’s a toast to many more years of innovative leadership and philanthropy!
*Adebayo, a media practitioner, lives in Abuja.
