TODAY, March 6th. 2025, I celebrate a quintessential and remarkable individual, Dr. Deji Adeleke, a man of many parts, whose life’s work has left indelible marks on the world of business, education, power generation, and philanthropy. As he marks his 68th birthday today, I join other well wishers to rejoice with him honor God in his life. ,His dedication, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others that comes across his way is indeed matchless.
Deji Adeleke’s journey to success is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and vision. Born into a humble family of Senator Raji Ayoola Adeleke and Mama Esther Adeleke on March 6th, 1957 in Enugu, in the present day Enugu State, He rose by dint of hard work and faith in God to become one of Nigeria’s most respected and accomplished businessmen. His foray into the business world began with a modest trading outfit, which he gradually expanded into a conglomerate with interests in power generation, real estate, and finance. As a teenager, he once suggested to me that we can make some small cash by using my mother’s bicycle to sell beer and soft drinks with our neighborhood in the cool of the evening ( my late mom was then a major distributor for Guinness and NBL).We actually made some good money from our side hustle.! Not that we cheated. No. We only managed to sell a little above the price at which mom was selling and keep our “profit”.I remember my mother asking me one day, who are your customers? and at which price did you sell to them? I politely told Mom that since you did not suffer any loss, you shouldn’t be asking questions and she laughed and said; you and Deji, God will help you both. Thank God, her prayers were answered in her lifetime.
As a power sector player, he played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s power generation landscape. His company, Pacific Energy, has been at the forefront of power generation and is set to open another 1500 MW production plant, which could have started late last year, but for the vandalism that occurred at the Ajebamidele- Ipaye town in Ondo State, losing over $5 million. Through his innovative approach and strategic partnerships, he has helped to increase Nigeria’s power output, reduce unemployment, and create jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
Deji Adeleke’s, as I often call him, contributions to education are equally impressive. From Adeleke High School in Ede, his home town and Adeleke University, also in Ede, he has provided a world-class educational institution that offers affordable and quality education to students from all over Nigeria. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and rigorous academic programs have earned it a reputation as one of Nigeria’s top private universities. The University is set to start medical school any time from now as the National University Commission has granted them the license for Medicine and Pharmacy.
Philanthropy is another area where Dr. Deji Adeleke has made a significant impact. Through the SpringTime Foundation, he has supported various charitable causes, including education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. The Foundation’s scholarships, grants, and community development programs have empowered countless individuals and communities, helping to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. It’s worth noting that over 40% of the students of his University enjoy his 100% scholarship. Some of my wards attending the University enjoy the same scholarship through merit, which he so much believes. In healthcare, he has assisted so many people he might never get to know, and pays medical bills in millions of Naira. I was in Osogbo recently, when a young lady and her uncle, told me how he paid her medical to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, not knowing that I knew him. This young lady has never seen Deji in her life, she narrated her story to me in her desperate need for help, how someone gave his number to her in the hospital. She was so scared, but she took the courage to send him a text, explaining her problems with cancer. To her surprise, in less than two days, she got a reply and he directed her to go and see someone at the Foundation. As they say, the rest is history. In Abuja also, at the Zenith Medical and Kidney Center, his signature is also registered with them, with over 17 patients over a 2 year period for kidney transplant. I keep wondering, what kind of person he is. All I can say to my childhood friend and brother of over 56 years is; God bless you.
Throughout his life, Deji Adeleke has received numerous awards and accolades for his achievements. He has been recognized as one of Nigeria’s most influential businessmen, and his companies have won several awards for excellence in business and corporate social responsibility. Vanguard Newspaper recently gave him an award, yet he is unassuming. He can walk past you without you knowing it is him. I am quite sure, if not for his son, David Adeleke, aka DAVIDO, with his hit song, Omo Baba Olowo’, the Deji I know would have remained largely anonymous to people! live a very simple, thank God for DAVIDO. ‘A Gold fish has no hiding place’.
As we celebrate Deji Adeleke’ today on his 68th birthday, please join me in thanking God for his selfless life and love of God Almighty and for giving our generation, someone like him. We honor not only his life achievements but also his Godly’ values and principles in him. He is a man of integrity, a leader who has inspired countless individuals through his vision, believing that his wealth is not only for him and his immediate families but for mankind. His work ethic, and generosity knows no bounds. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, and his impact on Nigeria’s business, education, and philanthropic landscapes will be felt for years to come.
As we celebrate his 68th birthday today, we honor a true icon, a man whose legacy will continue to inspire and motivate us. I pray that God will continue to grant you good health, long life to the service of God and mankind. On behalf of the AKHABUE family, both home and in the diaspora, I wish you a happy birthday my dear friend and brother. We shall all live long In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Ehia Olu. AKHABUE,
Senate Aspirant,
Edo Central.
