It is said that the struggles and triumphs of a great man lies in their stories. Behind every successful individual lies a narrative of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Gbenga Adigun, an entrepreneur and visionary leader, is no exception. While his accomplishments speak volumes, there are facets of his journey that remain untold – until now.
Below are the things people hardly know about him:
1. Family Background: Gbenga Adigun was born to Pius Adigun, a distinguished engineer in glass manufacturing, and Mrs. Aderonke Adigun, a savvy businesswoman. His upbringing instilled in him the values of hard work, integrity, and entrepreneurship from an early age.
2. Educational Journey: Adigun pursued his secondary education at Model College, Ojo, and Mason College, Festac Town, Lagos. He furthered his studies at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, earning a Bachelor of Technology degree in Pure & Applied Mathematics. Adigun’s thirst for knowledge led him to attend impactful courses both locally and internationally, including prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Strathmore Business School, Henley Business School, and Lagos Business School.
3. Banking & Finance Experience: With a strong foundation in mathematics, Adigun embarked on a successful career in the Banking & Finance sector, where he spent over 12 years. He began his journey with Guaranty Trust Bank and eventually transitioned to Nigeria’s largest non-bank Financial Institution, ARM. His tenure in the banking industry honed his financial acumen and strategic thinking, setting the stage for his entrepreneurial endeavors.
4. Entrepreneurial Leap: In a bold move in 2020, Adigun made a 360-degree switch across industries, venturing into the Construction and Construction Logistics sector. This transition marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey, where he founded Rebar Perfecta, a dynamic construction support firm specializing in dredging, distribution of sharps, and other services within the marine industry.
5. Rapid Growth & Industry Leadership: Despite the challenges of entering a new industry, Adigun’s strategic vision and unwavering determination propelled Rebar Perfecta to become a frontrunner in the Construction Support / Construction Logistics space within a remarkably short span of three years. His ability to navigate complexities and capitalize on opportunities underscores his entrepreneurial prowess.
6. Awards & Accolades: Adigun’s exemplary leadership and commitment to excellence have garnered widespread recognition within the business community. In 2023, Rebar Perfecta was honored by African Brands Media as one of ‘The Africa’s 100 Most Valuable Brands,’ solidifying its position as a trusted name in the industry. Adigun himself was bestowed with the prestigious Africa’s Infrastructure Building Support Brand CEO of the Year 2023 award by the Africa Brands CEO Forum, in addition to receiving the African Leader of Integrity Merit Award for entrepreneurship excellence.
7. Community Engagement: As a stakeholder in the Nigerian construction and real estate industry, Adigun actively engages with the community through seminars, workshops, and media platforms. He shares his insights and experiences to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and contribute to the development of the industry.