Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Wednesday, felicitated his long-time friend and foremost business leader, Mr. Fola Adeola, as he marks his 70th birthday.
He described the Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank as “a great asset to the nation,” extolling his patriotism in “promoting initiatives for the economic advancement of Nigeria.”
Tinubu’s congratulatory message is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu celebrates top business leader, Fola Adeola, at 70.’
Adeola attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained his HND in Accountancy. He also received degrees from the London School of Accountancy, the International Institute for Management Development, the Lagos Business School and the Harvard Business School.
Before founding GTB Plc in 1990 (together with Tayo Aderinokun), Adeola was the Deputy General Manager and Divisional Head of the Financial Services Division of the Continental Merchant Bank Limited (1986-1990).
In the public sector, he served as Chairman of the National Pension Commission. He also chaired the Lagos State Disaster Relief Committee set up following the January 27, 2002, Lagos armoury explosion.
He was the Vice-Presidential candidate of the Action Congress of Nigeria, serving as running mate to former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, in the 2011 presidential elections. Mr. Adeola is also the founder and chairman of the FATE Foundation and a member of the Commission for Africa.
Ngelale said, “President Tinubu felicitates Mr. Adeola for reaching the milestone age and for his numerous contributions to the Nigerian business ecosystem by creating jobs, opening up investment opportunities across sectors, as well as promoting initiatives for the economic advancement of Nigeria.
“The President extols the brilliance, integrity, courage, and patriotism of the founder of one of Nigeria’s leading banks, describing him as a great asset to the nation.”
The President wished the top business leader many more years in good health and strength.
