ADENUGA 70 GONGS FOR ANIYIKARIAIYE

-Olayinka O. Akande#

rustics with equal aplomb. One of the qualities that i found most endearing and very instructive about him is his CAN-DO spirit

I once recieved a call to see him at about 1pm on a sunny day Immediately i was ushered in, Chairman gave me an urgent assignment that required going to South Africa, and he insisted that i went that same day No pre-booked tickets, no pre-arranged hotels, no airport pick-up plan, no FOREX All i had was a stash of cash in naira The day didn't look so sunny anymore

However, one point of redemption was that i had a valid SA visa- as he insisted that his coterie always have current visas to all major countries at any point in time) From my previous Unilever and CocaCola experience, that was an utterly impossible task! Or so it seemed The story of how i bought an international flight ticket at the airport (my first and only time) and was airborne that night is for another day

What about his jocular side? He has a sense of humour that's second to none! I made a particular presentation to him and the A-team (an assemblage of eggheads and tested professionals) After putting in a lot of cerebral and physical effort into pulling off what was obviously well received across the board, I was eager to recieve his personal assessment at which we unveiled Globacom's sponsorship package for the Agrican Cup of Nations to President John Kufour

As he was wont to do, he asked everyone in the boardroom to make their comments/evaluation first. I was coasting home nicely, by my reckoning Then it was his turn Dr Mike Adenuga shot out at me: "YINKA, HOW MANY WIVES DO YOU HAVE?"

I was totally confused Absolutely knocked for six I hesitantly answered: "I HAVE ONE WIFE, SIR" (Truth be told, at that point in time i was not sure how many wives i had out of sheer panic! I hope Folashade is not reading this).

After a few seconds that seemed to drag on for hours, the chairman intoned: "YINKA, YOUR MOUTH IS TOO SWEET" FOR YOU TO HAVE JUST ONE WIFE!" Then roaring laughted erupted!

The Guru is easily one of the most passionate, charismatic, and down-to-earth persons that i have ever come across I remember the several personal notes of appreciation on his goldembossed card and several cheques of huge amounts for work he had already paid us to do as salaried staff

An inimitable man Guru dines with kings and presidents, and he interacts with peasants and

Chairman, you have broughter laughter to many homes and lifted many souls However, you are not perfect, as no man is May God meet you at all your points of need, grant you good health, perfect your pilfrimage, and give you the grace to continue to make an impactful difference in the lives of many people at home and abroad, Aniyikariaiye

I "lower my chest" (using one of your priceless expressions) as you mark your 70th birthday and implore you, as a visionary man of purpose, to live with an eye on posterity May your tribe increase, sir

Aniyikariaiye- "He who attracts honour at home and abroad" It is also a pun on his other name ADENIYI