Bella Disu—a powerful force in business, philanthropy, and culture—whose story exemplifies visionary leadership and purposeful action. Her legacy is being built not only through the companies she leads but also through the lives she uplifts and the cultural heritage she champions.
Early Life and Education
Born Belinda Ajoke Olubunmi Adenuga on May 29, 1986, Bella Disu is the daughter of Nigerian business tycoon Mike Adenuga. Despite growing up in a family of wealth and influence, Bella has forged her own identity as a leader with distinct values and vision. She studied International Relations at the University of Massachusetts in Boston and earned a Master’s degree in Leadership from Northeastern University. Later, she completed her MBA at Imperial College London, equipping herself with a strong global perspective.
Corporate Vision and Leadership
Bella’s business journey began in 2004 when she joined Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest telecommunications company, founded by her father. Over the years, she worked her way through the ranks, becoming Executive Vice Chairman. In this role, she has played a central part in driving the company’s growth and innovation. Under her leadership, Globacom has expanded its reach and services, and she has been instrumental in major infrastructure projects like the Glo-1 submarine fiber-optic cable, which connects West Africa to the rest of the world.
Infrastructure Development – Manufacturing, Construction, Urban Planning, Glass, and Aluminium Industries
But Bella’s leadership extends well beyond telecommunications. She is the CEO of Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited, a leading property development firm in Nigeria. From luxury residential complexes to high-end shopping malls, Bella is helping to reshape Nigeria’s urban landscape. Her business interests also span into manufacturing, as she serves as Chairman of Abumet Nigeria Limited, a major player in the glass and aluminum industry. Additionally, she holds a non-executive director position at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, one of the country’s largest construction firms. Her involvement has supported the company’s expansion into the agriculture and infrastructure sectors, reflecting her ability to influence and diversify business at the highest levels.
Championing Philanthropy and Social Development
Beyond business, Bella is deeply committed to social impact. Through the Bella Disu Foundation, she focuses on improving lives in underserved communities across Nigeria. The foundation targets education, health, and economic empowerment. One of its notable initiatives, the Nutritious Meal Plan Intervention (NUMEPLAN), provides essential nutrition to vulnerable mothers and children.
Bella is especially passionate about empowering women. In 2024, she launched the SheGlows program at Globacom, designed to support and elevate female professionals within the company. The initiative offers mentorship, training, and leadership development, reinforcing her belief that gender inclusion strengthens organizations and societies.
Cultural Advocacy and the Arts
Bella’s influence also extends into the cultural sphere. She serves as a director at the Mike Adenuga Centre, home to Alliance Française Lagos. The centre promotes cross-cultural exchange and the celebration of both Nigerian and Francophone heritage. In recognition of her contributions to the arts and culture, Bella was awarded the Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government—one of the nation’s highest honors.
Her support for the arts includes her role as a patron of the Musical Society of Nigeria (MUSON), where she champions musical education and performance. Through these roles, Bella not only preserves Nigerian cultural identity but helps to project it onto a global stage.
Literary Work and Creative Expression
Bella has also ventured into storytelling. In 2022, she released a children’s book titled Soso and the Kako Leaf. Rooted in Nigerian folklore and filled with imaginative lessons, the book earned critical acclaim, including a Mom’s Choice Gold Award. It reflects her commitment to shaping young minds and promoting literacy, especially with stories that reflect African values and imagination.
Recognition and Legacy
Bella Disu’s impact has not gone unnoticed. She was named among the top 100 African economic leaders by the Choiseul Institute in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the Lagos State Government recognized her in the prestigious Eko 100 Women initiative for her exceptional contributions to society.
These honours underscore Bella’s growing legacy as a young leader with vision and impact—one who leads not just with strategy, but with compassion and clarity of purpose.
Strength and Sophistication
Bella’s strength, grace, sophistication, and influence in building not just structures, but opportunities, make her an Adesuwa woman. The roles she plays: businesswoman, changemaker, cultural steward, mentor, plus the many layers of her identity and the legacy she continues to build.
Bella Disu represents a new generation of African leadership: ambitious, inclusive, and globally minded. Whether she’s negotiating boardroom strategies, developing communities, advocating for the arts, or inspiring women to rise, she does it all with an unwavering sense of purpose. Her story is one of elegance matched with substance, and drive matched with heart.
A true inspiration and worthy inclusion as one of Adesuwa Africa Icons of note. In a world where leadership is being redefined, Bella Disu stands out—not just for what she does, but for how she does it.
