“A colossus with the midas touch”: Tinubu hails Adenuga at 73, calls him proof of Nigeria’s audacity of hope

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a glowing tribute to billionaire industrialist Dr. Mike Adeniyi Adenuga, calling him “a colossus” whose life story affirms “the audacity of hope, belief, and vision.”

In a birthday message released Monday ahead of Adenuga’s 73rd birthday on April 29, the President celebrated the Globacom and Conoil chairman as a businessman with the “Midas touch” who has stamped excellence across telecommunications, oil and gas, banking, and real estate.

“Mike’s life is an affirmation of the audacity of hope, belief, and vision. From humble beginnings, he rose to become one of Africa’s finest entrepreneurs,” Tinubu said.

The President described Adenuga’s empire as proof of what Nigerian enterprise can achieve and a challenge to younger generations. “His achievements in business are a testament to the immense possibilities of the Nigerian enterprise and an inspiration to the younger generation that, through hard work, innovation, and resilience, they can rise to become standout men and women of their generation.”

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Tinubu singled out Adenuga’s quiet but sweeping impact on culture and youth. “I commend Mike for his consistent support for our arts, culture, sports, and entertainment sectors. With his support, culturally significant festivals across the country have been sustained, as well as entertainment events that unleash the creativity of Nigerian youths.”

He also praised the billionaire’s philanthropy, urging him not to slow down. “I also laud his many humanitarian endeavours across education and healthcare and encourage him not to stop giving back to the people.”

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Closing the tribute, Tinubu offered prayers for the man he called “the Guru.” “As Mike celebrates today, I celebrate with him and pray that God Almighty continues to bless him with good health, wisdom, and renewed vision for even greater accomplishments.”

From laying fibre across Nigeria with Glo to drilling oil with Conoil, Adenuga has built a reputation as one of the country’s most enigmatic and enduring tycoons. On the eve of 68, the President’s message cements what many already believe: that in the story of modern Nigerian capitalism, Adenuga isn’t just a chapter — he’s a headline.