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Kola Adesina at 60: Celebrating the Subtle But Effective Leader

Published

7 months ago

September 8, 2024

Eric

By Adebola Williams

A few days ago, someone asked me to mention the top five most influential mentors in my life, I didn’t bat an eyelid when I mentioned Sir K as one of them.

One trait that all my mentors share is an enviable work ethic. They behave as though they have nothing but God and hard work. Privileges, networks and accolades are secondary to them. The work and the goal always come first. Sir K sees hard work as the true test of mettle. His story of grace to grace from Shomolu to the board room resonates deeply with my journey from Surulere and I have been privileged to glean from his incredible well of wisdom.

His work as an executive director at the Sahara Group has helped to position the multinational conglomerate as a market leader in the fossil and renewable energies industry. His impact is felt in Nigeria, where he advises on the boards of several influential companies including the largest power distribution business and the largest thermal plant in the region, serving thirty million homes and businesses in Nigeria alone. He also believes in knowledge sharing and routinely accepts opportunities to share his experience on energy-related issues with industry leaders.

Sir K has leveraged years of experience in management and business diplomacy and his Harvard and Wharton degrees to help governments across Africa devise innovative solutions to the continent’s energy problems. His contributions to the development of Nigeria’s contemporary economy are inimitable, and he demonstrates his belief in the potential of our young talent by facilitating the employment of 1,000 engineers across different functions across his organisations.

During his time as the chair of our company’s board of directors, he demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and offered uncommon wisdom that helped us push our business to new frontiers. He was always available for meetings, punctual with obligations, available to guide in crisis, nurture in private, and promote our cause in public. When I have been at a crossroads in recent years, I have turned to him for his invaluable wisdom and his words have illuminated my path.

When we began planning his 60th birthday, he made it clear, he wanted a small and solemn celebration. It was unexpected, especially for a Nigerian man of his standing. Here, it is expected that at 60, a man should receive tributes and praises that massage his ego and exaggerate his achievements. But not Sir K. He said: “I just want people to celebrate with friends and family, I just want them and also I to have fun. I want it to be a fun night. It’s not about me or my ego. It’s just a night to thank God who has made it all possible by feasting with friends.” Well, he isn’t winning that battle but that’s his desire and it shows the kind of man he is.

Sir K has a special gift of seeing a seed and the tree it can become. Many evenings, I have been invited to his dinner table to break bread with young entrepreneurs, tech, finance, oil and gas CEOs, comedians, and musicians; some upcoming, a few established. He always surrounds himself with young people especially those he can help up the ladder.

Tomorrow at his birthday celebration, the play to be presented is by a young group in his church. When we extensively discussed options, we had many groups with a proven track record of delivering excellent performances. Sir K was emphatic that this group should do it. He said, “I want to give them a chance”. Trusting his discernment, I encouraged the committee to let them audition, and if we were unsatisfied, we would make adjustments.

And boy did they deliver! When I watched the rehearsals, this little-known theatre amazed me, and tomorrow, because of this great man’s belief, they will present before presidents, captains of industry and the high and mighty.

One shy to take centre stage, one not wanting to compete with God, one who just wants to be. I have walked into several rooms by his side where he insists I am accorded the same honour as he. He is a simple man who prefers subtlety to shows of power.

I remember one evening he had asked me to come with him to an event where he wanted me to meet a president of a country. It was a last-minute decision and he hadn’t had the time to inform the organisers. On getting there, there was a bit of chaos at the door because of the lack of prior notice. The organisers pleaded that he be seated whilst they made accommodations for me. He thanked them but refused to go in. He stood with me until arrangements were made to seat me.

This was a humbling and educational experience for me. A demonstration of the kind of consideration that has made him a friend to presidents. You would be hard-pressed to find a photo of him with a global leader anywhere on the internet, except for the rare occasions when official duties necessitate. But Sir K is a trusted advisor to many global leaders and captains of industry because he has earned their trust, proven his capacity and shown discretion.

I know this will upset Sir K, but I feel the occasion demands that I break the strict policy of silence he has about his philanthropy and talk about some of the many ways he has given back to his community. Sir K is a quiet doer, not concerned with optics, only impact. I will respect his embargo but I feel compelled to mention that his philanthropy encompasses infrastructural development, humanitarian work, education, access to healthcare, innovation and mentorship. There are thousands of us who are grateful beneficiaries of his limitless potential for charity.

Sir K is a present father to his children Oluwatimilehn, Oluwagbemisoke and Oluwafamimora, and an exemplary husband to Mosunmola, his wife. His devotion to his family and faith is only rivalled by his commitment to corporate excellence. Sir K would always say, “be nothing and God everything”. He never jokes with his prayers at dusk nor his vigils at dawn and plays an active role in his church. Unlike many, he also worships at a local church and supports all their projects. He believes that God is everywhere, but like Elijah, he hears God best where there is less noise. With national honours to his name and global recognition, I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.

Today I thank Sir Kola Adesina for giving me unprecedented access to learn from his life, for using his candle to light mine, and for holding my hand up as I climb the ladder of life.

Today I doff my hat to a leader, a friend, a nation-builder, a mentor, and an exemplary husband and father.

Happy birthday sir and thank you!

Featured

Yes, We Collected $5000, But for Sallah, Not Bribe to Support Tinubu’s Emergency Declaration – Reps Member

Published

30 minutes ago

March 24, 2025

Eric

The Chairman, House of Reps Committee on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has denied that the $5,000 given to each member of the House were bribes to secure support for President Bola Tinubu’s emergency rule in Rivers State.

Investigative journalist, Jaafar Jaafar, said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Betara reached out to clarify that the $5,000 given to lawmakers was merely a “Sallah Gesture” and not an inducement.

According to the journalist, Betara said it is part of a long-standing tradition, adding that has nothing to do with the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State.

“The chairman of the House Committee on FCT, Mukhtar Aliyu Betara, has clarified to me that he only shared $5,000 to each member of his committee as a ‘Sallah Gesture’ not an inducement to support emergency rule in Rivers State. According to him, he maintains the tradition – like Santa Claus – every year. As we say in Hausa, not thigh but hind leg,” Jaafar posted.

However, this explanation corroborates previous media reports, which claimed that substantial sums were handed out at Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s Guest House in Maitama, Abuja, to sway lawmakers in favour of the emergency rule.

President Tinubu, last week, declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing political instability and security threats, including recent oil pipeline vandalism.

However, the revelations of cash-for-support allegations raise serious questions about the move’s legitimacy and the extent of the political manoeuvring behind it.

Featured

Glo Foundation Partner Lagos Food Bank to Distribute Food Items in Bariga

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2025

Eric

Glo Foundation, a CSR organization set up by telecommunications giant, Globacom, has liaised with the Lagos Food Bank to distribute boxes of food items to the Ilaje community of Bariga, Lagos.

Glo Foundation disclosed last Saturday when several thousands of residents of Ilaje community in Bariga, Lagos State, came out to receive food items and other valuables that the initiative was aimed at ameliorating food insecurity and reducing the suffering of the underprivileged in the society.

Each of the food packs contained Rice, Garri, Spaghetti, noodles, tomato paste, tooth brushes, sardines, salt, vegetable oil, and seasoning cubes.

The distribution of the big boxes of food items, was carried out in collaboration with the Lagos Food Bank, at the Love Lagos Jetty in Bariga. The rare initiative elicited joy from beneficiaries marking the commencement of a nationwide food initiative by the Foundation to support hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in several states of the Federation.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement and appreciation as the beneficiaries sang and danced in celebration of Glo Foundation’s gesture.

In her remarks at the event, the Head of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Globacom, Mrs. Adejumobi Mofe-Damijo harped on the Foundation’s determination to bring joy to families through the food drive which, she said, would be extended to other parts of the country.

According to her, the Foundation would undertake series of interventions that would bear positive impact on different sectors of the society in tandem with its vision of empowerment and care for the less-privileged.

Mofe-Damijo also gave kudos to the staff of Globacom for embracing the culture of giving and lending support to the project consultants, Lagos Food Bank Initiative, to achieve the success that the event recorded.

The elated beneficiaries thanked Glo Foundation for the laudable intervention with the food and various items in the packs given to them. Abiola Oladunjoye, an unemployed female member of the community, disclosed that the food pack from the Foundation was divine provision for her household. “I really appreciate. May the Almighty continue to protect the company and may it continue to grow. I pray for more success for you all and the company itself for remembering us here.”.

In the same vein, Amarachi Peter, a cook, was profuse in praise of Glo Foundation for bringing the train of its Food Drive to the community. She noted that the pack for her was a huge relief at a time like this when the cost of living has become unbearable.

Similarly, Eunice Kehinde, a hairdresser, kept praying for Glo Foundation and staff of Globacom who were on hand to support the distribution. “It is not easy for my family to feed these days. With this food pack from Glo, we are sure of what to eat for some weeks”, she noted, and commended Glo Foundation for considering the community in the food drive initiative.

The Executive Director of Lagos Food Bank Initiative, Michael Sunbola, appreciated Globacom for its investment in the food drive while inviting other corporate organizations to be part of the charity venture.

Said he, “We are happy to collaborate with Globacom on this. This is the pilot phase and other parts of the country will also benefit from the drive aimed at touching the lives of the real underprivileged in the society”, he said.

The Glo Foundation train is billed to visit another Lagos community next Saturday to replicate the same gesture.

Featured

Glo-sponsored African Voices Feature Late basketball Star, Dikembe Mutombo

Published

3 days ago

March 21, 2025

Eric

CNN International’s magazine programme, African Voices Playmakers, this weekend highlights the contributions of Late Congolese-American National Basketball Association (NBA) Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo as a humanitarian icon and mentor of young basketball players on the continent. The programme is bankrolled by data solutions provider, Globacom.

Full name Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukaba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo, he was known simply by his moniker ‘Mount Mutombo’ because of his defensive dexterity. He was born on June 25, 1966, in the Democratic Republic of Congo and studied Medicine at Georgetown University in America. He, however, chose to follow his passion for basketball, playing for 18 remarkable seasons in the NBA.

Dikembe created the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to improve the living condition of his folks in the DRC. Unfortunately, he lost his fierce battle with brain cancer in September, 2024 at the age of 58.

He however remains a beacon of light to youngsters of African descent on the pitch. This new generation of African basketball players who enjoyed his tutelage include his son, Ryan, his two nephews and other youngsters from the continent two of whom are rising NBA stars, Yves Missi and Josh Okogie.

Both 20-year-old Missi, a Cameroonian professional basketball player with the New Orleans Pelicans, and 26-year-old Nigerian-American shooting guard, Okojie, who plays for the Charlotte Hornets in the United States of America will talk about Dikembe’s influence and their successful careers so far in international basketball.

The 30-minute show will be on air on DSTV Channel 401 at 7.30 a.m. on Saturday with a repeat the same day at 11 a.m. On Sunday, other repeats will be broadcast at 3.30 a.m. and 6.p.m. and on Monday at 3.00 a.m. Further repeats come up at 7.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Saturday next week; Sunday at 4.30 a.m. and 7 p.m. and on Monday at 4 a.m.