Wale Adenuga, born on September 24, 1950, is a celebrated Nigerian media mogul whose creativity spans cartooning, publishing, television production, and filmmaking. As the mastermind behind cultural staples like Super Story, Papa Ajasco, and Binta and Friends, he has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s entertainment industry, blending humor, education, and social relevance to captivate audiences for decades.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Wale Adenuga |
| Date of Birth | September 24, 1950 |
| Place of Birth | Gbongan, near Ile-Ife |
| State of Origin | Osun State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Spouse | Ehiwenma Adenuga (married since 1975) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Occupations | Cartoonist, Publisher, TV/Film Producer, Entrepreneur |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Born in Gbongan, Osun State, Adenuga grew up in a bustling household led by his father, Chief Joseph Adesanya Adenuga, a produce merchant and tobacco distributor.
His artistic flair emerged early—by age six, he was sketching characters inspired by Yoruba traveling theater icons like Hubert Ogunde.
After excelling at Ibadan City Academy, he earned a scholarship to King’s College, Lagos, and later studied Business Administration at the University of Lagos, where he honed his cartooning skills as the chief artist for the campus magazine.
Career
Publishing
Adenuga launched his career in 1975 with Ikebe Super, a groundbreaking comic magazine featuring beloved characters like Papa Ajasco.
He expanded his portfolio with Super Story (a satirical magazine) and Binta, a children’s publication, laying the foundation for his multimedia empire.
Television and Film
In 1978, he established Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), which revolutionized Nigerian TV with hits like Papa Ajasco & Company (1983), a comedy-drama series, and Super Story (1995), a socially conscious drama.
WAP’s productions, including Binta and Friends and This Life, became household staples, praised for their relatable storytelling.
Beyond entertainment, Adenuga co-founded the PEFTI Film Institute to nurture new talent and launched children’s edutainment platforms like Nnenna & Friends and the TV channel wapTV.
Personal Life
Married to Ehiwenma Adenuga since 1975, he maintains a private life focused on family and philanthropy, reflecting the values often highlighted in his productions.
Wale Adenuga Net Worth
While exact figures remain undisclosed, Adenuga’s vast media empire—encompassing publishing, TV production, and education—positions him among Nigeria’s most influential and financially successful entertainment figures.
Productions
| Title | Format | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Ikebe Super | Comic Magazine | 1975 |
| Papa Ajasco & Company | TV Comedy-Drama Series | 1983 |
| Super Story | Magazine/TV Drama Series | 1975/1995 |
| Binta and Friends | Family Drama Series | 1995 |
| Nnenna & Friends | Children’s Edutainment Program | – |
| wapTV | Family Entertainment Channel | – |
Achievements
- Nigeria Film Festival (2002): Swept awards for Best Producer, Director, Scriptwriter, and Best Drama.
- African Achievers Awards (2016): Best African TV Producer.
- National Honor (2009): Conferred with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).
Legacy
In 2023, Adenuga released An Unusual Biography: Wale Adenuga. A Pencil in the Hand of the Creator, chronicling his 45-year career. His work continues to inspire generations, cementing his status as a pioneer of family-centric storytelling in Africa.
