As the world marks International Youth Day, the Committee of Youth on Mobilization and Sensitization (CYMS) has extended heartfelt felicitations to Dr. Kola Adesina (MFR, FNSE), the Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, on the occasion of his birthday.
In a statement signed by the Director General of CYMS, Chief Obinna Nwaka, the organization described Dr. Adesina as a “visionary leader, mentor to the youth, and a patriotic Nigerian whose legacy in the power and energy sector continues to inspire millions across the continent.”
Born in 1964, Dr. Kola Adesina is a renowned Nigerian entrepreneur and energy expert whose leadership at Sahara Group has driven significant progress in Africa’s energy landscape. As a former Chairman of Egbin Power Plc and Ikeja Electric, Adesina has played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure development and privatization reforms.
CYMS noted the coincidence of his birthday with International Youth Day as a symbolic alignment of values — citing Adesina’s unwavering commitment to youth empowerment, mentorship, and the promotion of Pan-African development.
“Dr. Adesina is not only a business icon but a role model to young Africans. His leadership at Sahara Group, particularly in championing access to energy across Sub-Saharan Africa, aligns perfectly with this year’s International Youth Day theme of innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development,” said Chief Nwaka.
Adesina’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Insurance, a Master’s in Business, and a degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos. He is also an alumnus of executive programs at Harvard Business School and Wharton’s Advanced Management Program, and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Insurance.
Starting his career in insurance, Adesina joined Sahara Group and quickly rose through the ranks due to his exceptional strategic and operational acumen. He led several landmark projects, including the national fuel supply chain to Nigeria’s emergency power plants, and the acquisition of critical energy assets across Africa.
Under his leadership, Sahara Group has expanded operations to over 38 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, solidifying its reputation as a leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate.
Dr. Adesina also served on President Goodluck Jonathan’s Presidential Committee for the accelerated expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, a role instrumental in the unbundling of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
In 2022, he was honored as Vanguard Newspaper’s Private Sector Icon of the Year, recognizing his vast contributions to the private sector and national development.
CYMS highlighted that through Sahara Group’s platforms — including Ikeja Electric, Egbin Power Plc (Nigeria’s largest thermal power station), and First Independent Power Limited — Adesina is steering a bold vision to bring “energy to life” and improve power access for millions of Africans.
“We celebrate Dr. Kola Adesina not just for his birthday but for being a beacon of hope and innovation. His life’s work reminds young people across Africa that passion, education, and vision can spark transformative change,” CYMS stated.
Dr. Adesina remains a vocal advocate for regional integration, energy inclusion, and youth-driven innovation. As a frontline speaker at global conferences and an architect of energy diplomacy in Africa, he continues to shape conversations on the continent’s future.
