Tajudeen Afolabi Adeola, commonly known as Fola Adeola, is a distinguished Nigerian businessman, investor, and philanthropist. Born on January 10, 1954, in Nigeria, he is notably recognized as the co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) and the founder of the FATE Foundation.
FOLA ADEOLA PROFILE
| Name | Fola Adeola |
| Real Name | Tajudeen Afolabi Adeola |
| Date Of Birth | 10 January 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Tribe | Yoruba |
| Nationality | Nigeria |
| Occupation | Investor, Businessman and Philantropist |
| Religion | Christain |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | $500 Million |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
FOLA ADEOLA BIOGRAPHY
His father worked as a bank clerk with a modest income, which wasn’t sufficient to provide for their family of 17 children. To help support the household, Fola and his siblings were sent out by their mother to hawk goods. Although this was far from an ideal childhood, young Fola Adeola used the experience as an opportunity to build his character, sharpen his intellect, and cultivate his entrepreneurial spirit.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Adeola completed his secondary education at Methodist Boys High School in Lagos. He then earned a Diploma in Accounting from Yaba College of Technology in 1975. Pursuing professional qualifications, he trained with Deloitte, Haskins and Sells, and D.O. Dafinone & Company, becoming a Chartered Accountant in 1980. Further enhancing his expertise, Adeola attended executive programs at prestigious institutions such as Harvard Business School, INSEAD, and the International Institute for Management Development in Switzerland.
CAREER
In 1990, alongside his colleague Tayo Aderinokun, Adeola established Guaranty Trust Bank. He served as the bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer from its inception until July 2002. Under his leadership, GTBank expanded its operations beyond Nigeria to countries including The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia, and the United Kingdom. The bank was listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1996, marking a significant milestone in its growth.
Philanthropy and Public Service
Beyond his banking career, Adeola is deeply committed to philanthropy and public service. In 2000, he founded the FATE Foundation, a non-governmental organization aimed at fostering entrepreneurship among Nigerian youth. His dedication to development extended to his appointment as a Commissioner on the Commission for Africa by British Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2004. Adeola has also been involved with the World Economic Forum’s Global Advisory Committee on Philanthropy and has participated in dialogues at the Aspen Institute.
Political Engagement
In the political arena, Adeola was the vice-presidential candidate alongside Nuhu Ribadu under the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) during the 2011 Nigerian presidential elections.
CONTROVERSIES
Fola Adeola has maintained a relatively controversy-free public profile throughout his extensive career. However, in 2012, his name appeared in reports concerning fuel scarcity in Nigeria. The Nigerian government identified several individuals, including Adeola, as being linked to companies allegedly involved in activities contributing to fuel shortages.
FOLA ADEOLA SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLE
Fola Adeola is not active on social media.
PERSONAL LIFE
Fola Adeola is married to Hajara, and together they have six children. He is recognized for his devout Christian faith and holds the title of Knight of John Wesley (KJW). Additionally, he has been honored with traditional titles, including Otunba in Remoland and Eta Giwa in Ijebuland.
FOLA ADEOLA NET WORTH
Fola Adeola has an estimated net worth of $500 million.