A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dele Momodu, has debunked the rumoured death of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Mike Adenuga.
Adenuga is regarded as the fifth richest person in Africa according to Forbes.
His company, Globacom is Nigeria’s second-largest telecom operator and has a presence in Ghana and Benin Republic.
Reports online had speculated that the billionaire businessman died at the age of 71.
In a tweet shared on X by Dele Momodu on Tuesday night, the politician said Adenuga is alive, fit and proper. He added that he had a telephone conversation with the businessman who mentioned he is still an active stakeholder in the Nigerian economy.
The politician wrote: “Ignore the fake news… The Spirit of Africa DR MICHAEL ADENIYI AGBOLADE ISOLA ADENUGA is hale and hearty. He’s right now at his desk working round the clock in support of the Nigerian economy… He just called me to thank everyone for their concern…” – DELE MOMODU.”
Adenuga made his first million in 1979, at age 26, selling lace and distributing soft drinks.
He was named African Entrepreneur of The Year at the first African Telecoms Awards (ATA) in August 2007.
In May 2015, Adenuga made a takeover bid to purchase Ivorian mobile telecom operator Comium Côte d’Ivoire for $600 million.