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By Femi Ogunshola
In a world where commitment to excellence and compassion often go unnoticed, Dr. Rowland Adewumi, the CEO of Zephyrgold Group PLC stands out as a beacon of both. As he celebrates his 50th birthday today, we take a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of a man whose life and career have been defined by a tireless dedication to his community and profession.
Dr. Adewumi’s story, an International Development Consultant and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Abuja, is one of perseverance and inspiration. Born on June 13, 1974, the Adewumi family welcomed a special child into the world.
Dr. Rowland Adewumi’s birth was foretold as a moment of hope and destiny. Born to Pa and Mrs. Agboola Adewumi, Rowland came into the world as a “Dada” child, a term from Yoruba culture for children born with naturally locked hair. These children are believed to possess unique spiritual capabilities, such as exceptional intelligence and physical strength.
The Yoruba people hold the belief that the strength and well-being of Dada children are intertwined with their hair, which should not be tampered with, reminiscent of the Biblical story of Samson. Similarly, when Rowland was born, his parents were advised by a Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Kaduna not to cut his hair. For the first four years of his life, Rowland’s dreadlocks remained untouched.
From a young age, Rowland demonstrated remarkable brilliance. His father, Pa Adewumi, recalls Rowland’s unmatched academic record, earning admiration from teachers, classmates, and parents alike. Despite growing up in an environment where discipline was often enforced through scolding, Rowland’s exemplary behavior never warranted such measures.
Rowland began his secondary education in Ilorin but later moved to Abuja when his father was transferred to the Federal Capital Territory as a staff member of the Nigeria Port Authority. His academic performance remained stellar throughout his education. At Amodu Babo Secondary School in Minna, he excelled in the West African Examination, achieving seven A1s.
Rowland’s outstanding JAMB score secured him admission to both the University of Ibadan and the Federal University of Technology. He chose the latter to pursue Civil Engineering, aligning with his lifelong interest in creativity and construction. Even as a student, Rowland’s entrepreneurial spirit shone through. By his second year, he was designing and proposing projects to banks, eventually establishing his own company.
His journey was marked by relentless pursuit and ingenuity. In his third year at FUT Minna, he began assisting lecturers with their projects, gaining experience and earning recognition. A significant turning point came when he met a Russian mentor who greatly influenced his career.
In 2004, Rowland pursued a master’s degree in the United Kingdom, funding his studies with savings from his entrepreneurial ventures. He swiftly transitioned to a PhD, supported by a scholarship. His academic excellence earned him sponsorship from the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), which recognised him as one of the best students in Kwara State.
Today, Dr. Rowland Adewumi is the Group Managing Director of Zephyrgold Group PLC, an indigenous construction company, and a Fellow of the Nigeria Society of Engineers. He is an expert in engineering infrastructure and a firm believer in the global trend to decentralise road construction from the civil service and grant it autonomy, enabling private sector participation.
As Dr. Rowland Adewumi celebrates his 50th birthday, his life stands as a testament to hard work, determination, and the fulfillment of destiny, making impacts across the globe from his humble beginnings to his remarkable achievements in civil engineering.
He continues to inspire and uplift those around him. The engineer would not rest until he touched those around him, he has a foundation which takes care of the widow, the less privileged andvthis he has committed his resources without looking back. His story is a reminder that greatness is often intertwined with purpose, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to one’s dreams.
Here’s to Dr. Rowland Adewumi, a man whose first 50 years have been filled with passion, service, and an unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. May the next 50 be just as impactful and inspiring.
Happy Birthday, Dr. Adewumi!
