Niyi Adenubi @ 45: Medley of impact and legacy

Individuals often find themselves reflecting on their lives and future, potentially questioning their purpose and reassessing their achievements. This period can be a time of significant self-reflection, usually leading to a deeper understanding of one’s values and priorities. While some may experience a “mid-life crisis,” characterised by a sense of unease or dissatisfaction, this is not a universal experience. Many find this age to be a time of increased confidence, independence, and a greater sense of self-awareness. The reverse is the case for Adeniyi Adenubi, as he ascends the fourth floor with grace and candour.

Niyi is an investor by nature, based on his investment and banking background in London and Nigeria, much earlier. In his mid-20s, at various instances, he has played a specific oversight on corporate governance and financial advisory roles to numerous firms, most notably with the Royal Bank of Scotland and ATOS Consulting. He’s a business egghead by instinct, and a strategist by discipline; he does not just work in a high-stakes environment, he thrives in them. Over the years, he has built more than portfolios and companies, amongst which is VFD Group, boasting a N295.85 billion asset base with tentacles in financial services, power, technology, real estate, leasing, amongst others.

In March 2009, Niyi met a group of young, like-minded individuals who had been discussing the creation of a structure similar to what he had been thinking about – a capital formulation and management entity. They joined forces with a company called Premium Green Ltd, the anchor investor in VFD Group today.

From Paragon Partners to VFD Group to date — his current stomping ground with his partners and Legacy Arts Foundation, where he calls the shots as head honcho — he has engineered a conveyor belt that nurtures the building of a creative ecosystem in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, pushing narratives on Nigerian culture on the global stage with requisite oxygen.

At this juncture, this author can state in equivocal terms that this part of the world needs more business players like Niyi. Lest we forget, on the speaking circuit, Niyi is an entity to be reckoned with, bearing TEDx-like features that deliver impact on finance, venture capital, and capital injection.

In addition, Niyi has built a mindset that one that doesn’t bend under pressure, and confidence is not defined by high tone and fast. He’s subtle and makes his point(s) without hitting his head on a wall. He oozes these characteristics with an unwavering belief that forward is the only direction worth moving in. This author can tell from his interface on diverse subjects across multiple touchpoints. He’s a journalese delight who measures up to questions and queries put to his quarter on pressing economic and business topics.

In an era where the narrative of Africa’s creative industries is shifting from the margins to the mainstream, strategic collaborations have become pivotal in reshaping how Nigeria’s artistic ecosystem is perceived, nurtured, and projected. The Legacy Arts Foundation (LAF), in conjunction with The Osahon Okunbo Foundation (TOOF) and the Belgian Embassy, has engineered a unique window via the selection of twenty talented Nigerian painters for Old Masters by New Masters, an intensive two-week international art masterclass taking place in Lagos from 7-18 July 2025. This author is a living witness to this novel initiative where budding artists have been elevated in their artistic endeavours.

In a nutshell, to know Adeniyi Adenubi is to witness what happens when intelligence meets discipline, when strategy meets soul, and when mindset becomes a superpower. He’s not perfect, as that’s too much to ask from any human. What makes him exceptional is how he shows up, day after day, deal after deal, challenge after challenge with clarity, courage, and conviction. At forty-five, he’s not just a successful investor or a seasoned business egghead. He’s a blueprint and a benchmark. A constant reminder that when you build your mind like steel, your future becomes bulletproof.

Looking ahead, even as he reaches this incredible milestone, he remains as visionary, as ambitious, and as dedicated as ever. His passion for progress continues to drive him forward, proving that true leadership knows no age. His legacy is far from complete. As he steps into this new chapter of life, his influence will continue to shape ecosystems where he finds himself, guide leaders, and transform communities. The foundations he has built will stand the test of time, ensuring that his impact is felt for generations to come.

That represents a medley of impact and legacy, a brilliant idea executed with military precision. In advance of the big day, we do more than celebrate a birthday. We pay tribute to a man whose life has been a beacon of excellence, a model of leadership, and an inspiration to all. To the corporate titan, the visionary leader, the mentor, and the philanthropist – We salute you! Your journey has been one of greatness, and the best is yet to come.

Happy 45th Birthday! May the New Year bring even greater fulfilment, happiness, good health, glad tidings, joy, and continued success. On Monday, July 14, 2025, this jolly good fellow will mark forty-five years on Mother Earth, and he looks every inch like he’s just started. It’s nearly half a century and constitutes midlife. The mantra for him is never say never. You deserve to be serenaded on this special day and beyond.

Ayoola Ajanaku is a communications and advocacy specialist based in Lagos, Nigeria