By Funsho Arogundade
Manners maketh man. This ancient proverb best fits into how best to describe consummate entrepreneur and energy tycoon Dr. Kola Adesina. His politeness, good manners and civility essentially belie his hulking frame. Known for his bright personality which has won him a wide network of high-profile friends, Adesina, in spite of his accomplishments, remains humble and accommodating. He sits on the board of several companies providing strategic and visionary leadership for the execution of business goals and objectives. He is also the Group Managing Director, Sahara Group; Chairman, Ikeja Electric Plc; Chairman, AXA Mansard Insurance and a member of President Bola Tinubu’s Presidential Economic Coordination Council, among others. The suave investor is a trusted advisor to many global leaders and captains of industry because he has earned their trust, proven his capacity and shown discretion.
Adesina is also a much sought-after resource person on energy-related issues, especially the power sector in Africa and is also a frontline speaker at conferences across the globe. This baron of the boardroom is now in the league of sexagenarians. Adesina hit the milestone age of 60 on Monday 12 August. Diamond jubilee is undoubtedly a milestone worth celebrating; and that’s what Adesina got on the very day he hit the sixth floor. Of course, the personal lifestyle of Adesina is unobtrusive and loudly low-profile but his achievements and social capital are too big to be hushed. Thus, seeing scores of dignitaries and luminaries who gathered for his birthday thanksgiving service in the morning and the bash later in the evening shouldn’t surprise any.
Present to celebrate him at the prestigious Harbour Point Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos were the high and mighty, including former presidents, vice presidents, governors, monarchs and captains of industry. For a man of his standing and achievements, the quantum of tributes and praises that massaged his ego were overwhelming. At the party, the entertainment and hospitality were top notch with Fuji music czar, Adewale Ayuba and Davido on the bandstand to entertain the celebrant and his heavyweight friends.