Congratulations to Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi for his mega ascension into the kingship of money: BlackRock, the world’s largest money manager, is acquiring his Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for a staggering $12.5 billion, making him a real “oba owo” [king of money]!
He is possibly now the most influential money manager of African descent in the world. BlackRock manages excess of $9 trillion and when you are near its temple, you are a zen-master, because when it comes to the sacrifices, you are qualified and certified to influence the world at scale. For all the knowledge and wisdom, in investment, money remains the raw material at the altar. Ogunlesi has entered the deepest altar at BlackRock in private equity. Yes, for them there, “uwa bu ahia” [the world is indeed a market] and they shape everything, from people to nations.
Musical legend appreciated that mega-hustle, and noted that he has also been “hustling”, winning the laurels of Grammys and other awards. He sang:
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“As I dey hustle like Adebayor Ogunlesi
(No go talk say me I too lazy)”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSQAAhOVZqI
Yes, Burna Boy is hustling and winning in music, just as Mr. Ogunlesi has also “hustled” and won in money management. You can also hustle and win in medicine. Hustle and win in architecture. Hustle and win in trading, teaching, athletics and other areas.
Simply, we all cannot be Mr. Ogunlesi and we must not necessarily change our paths. He inspires everyone, and that inspiration does not mean we must follow his exact path of being a money manager.
I write this after reading some comments on my earlier posts on Adebayo Ogunlesi; it does seem many young people in Nigeria will all want to go into private equity. Not necessary: you can hustle and win in other areas. Good luck.
*of course, Ogunlesi is not hustling…but you get the lyrics.
He is peerless and one of the world’s finest in investment banking, private equity (PE) and infrastructure financing. Born in Sagamu, Bayo Ogunlesi rose to the pinnacle of global finance at a really fast pace, making and crystalling deals, which have seen his private equity firm, Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to become one of the most important PEs in this century.
Now, he wants to take some cash: “BlackRock Inc., the world’s largest money manager, has announced its ambitious acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) for a staggering $12.5 billion, per Bloomberg.”
Congrats Mr. Ogunlesi. You have demonstrated the greatness of America, that a Sagamu kid can come here, and within years, build an empire. We #salute because you inspire. You push us to think more of our character and capabilities over our color, because you have shown that excellence has dates in the palace of greatness.
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There is immense work behind every big result, those who want to become the next big name, are they also ready to put in the work? There are legends and superstars in all fields of human endeavours, but they all essentially have the same common denominator. If you like – change your name to Ogunlesi, Dangote, Musk or Fink, without putting in the work, you are going nowhere.
Careers or professions don’t make people, rather people make them. If you do something profound in your line of work, the world will come to you. Do not be unfortunate.