Spotlights
Nigeria’s loss: Mike Adenuga’s silent contributions to economy overlooked by Tinubu – How Titan’s quiet influence could enrich President’s Economic Committee

– The Hidden Maestro: Globacom Boss Avoids the Spotlight While Shaping Nigeria’s Economic Future
Mike Adenuga, detests the fallacy of the faux angelic in Faustian wealth as a measure of an entrepreneur’s patriotism and obligation to his fatherland. The billionaire magnate and empath, appreciates the sun every morning because he has lived through the dark. This is why he neither approaches nor affects patriotism as aristocratic guilt.
In a world where tycoons are celebrated as the lifeblood of economic transformation, Adenuga remains resolutely in the shadows. As President Bola Tinubu unveils his National Economic Committee (NEC) team, the deliberate absence of the Globacom founder and billionaire magnate speaks not of oversight but of Adenuga’s steadfast preference for quiet contribution.
Adenuga, the enigma, operates in the background, far from the blinding spotlight of politics. Known for his profound business acumen and global economic influence, he prefers the serenity of the shadows, offering expert assistance only when called upon. He does not covet acclaim or applause; his greatest joy subsists in seeing his contributions impact positively in the lives of impoverished and less privileged Nigerians and Africans.
The Silent Juggernaut
Mike Adenuga’s absence from the NEC is not a reflection of his capabilities but rather his preference for an unassuming role. Despite his qualifications, Adenuga shies away from the political spotlight, choosing instead to quietly steer his business empire from behind the scenes. His influence, however, remains undeniable, resonating in the corridors of power and commerce. Adenuga finds fulfillment not in the applause of the elite but in the tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
A Global Economic Savant
Adenuga’s economic prowess has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. French President Emmanuel Macron’s persistent courtship of the Nigerian magnate underscores his international significance. During the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Macron wooed Adenuga to invest in France, recognizing the depth of his economic savvy. This overture speaks volumes about Adenuga’s worth to Nigeria and his potential contributions to the nation’s industrial sector and economy. For Adenuga, the real victory lies not in international accolades but in the economic empowerment of his compatriots.
France’s Gain, Nigeria’s Loss?
Macron’s initiative to host Nigerian business leaders, including Adenuga, Dangote, and Rabiu, in Paris, during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, highlights a stark contrast to Nigeria’s own engagement with its industrial titans. While Macron dines with these magnates, envisioning their exploits fueling French economic growth, Nigeria risks losing out on the profound benefits of Adenuga’s contributions. The French President’s strategy, which includes special events like the Choose France summit, showcases how adept France is at leveraging foreign economic powerhouses. Adenuga’s commitment to Nigeria, however, remains unshaken, as he believes his true legacy lies in uplifting Nigerian industries.
The Parisian Courtship
Macron’s efforts to woo Nigerian business leaders to France are more than symbolic gestures. These initiatives reflect a strategic bid to attract foreign investment and expertise, recognizing the immense value that these magnates bring. The recent Choose France summit, graced by Adenuga and Rabiu, exemplifies this intent. Macron’s subsequent push for a special Nigerian event further underscores the importance of Nigeria’s economic diplomacy to France. Adenuga’s heart, however, remains firmly rooted in Nigeria, where he envisions his contributions creating sustainable growth and opportunities for generations to come.
As Macron courts Nigerian billionaires, speculations arise about the potential relocation of their core business operations to France. This possibility poses a significant risk for Nigeria, where the absence of proactive engagement with its industrial leaders could lead to a talent and resource drain. Macron’s actions might be seen as a critique of Nigeria’s inability to harness its economic titans’ full potential. Adenuga, however, remains a steadfast pillar, committed to serving his homeland without the fanfare, focusing instead on the quiet but profound impact of his ventures.
The Adenuga Factor
The omission of Mike Adenuga from Tinubu’s NEC team is not just an oversight but a missed opportunity for Nigeria. Adenuga’s economic insights and strategic vision could propel the nation’s economic agenda forward. Yet, his preference for remaining behind the scenes means that his contributions are often felt but not seen. In an era where industrial magnates drive economies, Nigeria must recognize and engage its silent titans to realize its full economic potential. For Adenuga, the true measure of success lies in the lasting positive changes his enterprises bring to the lives of the underprivileged, affirming his belief in quiet but impactful service.
As France woos Nigerian business leaders, the question remains: will Nigeria rise to the occasion and fully integrate its economic titans into its national development strategy, or will it continue to overlook the silent maestros who shape its economy from the shadows? The answer could determine the nation’s economic future and its standing on the global stage. In the case of Mike Adenuga, it is clear that his quiet influence will continue to resonate, driven by a profound commitment to the betterment of his fellow Nigerians.
Culled from TheCapital













