**THE FRONT LINES**
Today, we celebrate Senator Musa Adede, a man renowned for his golden heart, as he turns 70. There are countless reasons to raise a toast to him—not only for his remarkable life but also for his ability to overcome challenges and emerge as a significant figure in politics, business, and philanthropy.
As we give thanks for this remarkable achievement, we also honor a consummate grassroots politician, a savvy self-made businessman, and an extraordinary philanthropist, whose influence is deeply etched in the realms of business, politics, and community service.
To say that Musa has touched lives would be an understatement. He embodies kindness and generosity, possessing a heart that truly shines. While some may view him as aloof or arrogant, beneath that exterior lies a man of deep compassion. He can be formidable and direct, but those who stand firm find that he is a good listener. If you present a genuine intention, he has an incredible capacity for surprise.
Musa was born in 1954 and demonstrated his ambitions early on, paving the way as a trailblazer in Cross River, especially in the northern region of the state. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Hertfordshire in the UK, along with a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies and Data Processing from Hatfield Polytechnic, as well as a Higher National Diploma from the East College of Technology in London. After this extensive education, he returned to Nigeria ready to take on the world.
After Dr. Joseph Wayas, who became President of the Senate in 1979, Musa was the next individual from Obanliku to take on the challenge of a Senate seat, stepping in after Sen. Kanu Agabi was appointed Attorney General of the Federation by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2000. When the Cross River North Senatorial seat became vacant, he entered the race and emerged victorious in a fiercely contested primary. He went on to defeat his APP rival, Paul Ukpo, in the main election.
However, his victory was marred by a legal battle initiated by his opponent, who questioned the legitimacy of his academic credentials. Musa’s resilience shone through, and he ultimately prevailed in court just months before the end of his term.
Determined to continue serving his constituents, he re-entered the race in 2003. Despite winning a significant primary orchestrated by Olisa Metuh, a review committee in Abuja annulled his victory, awarding it instead to the late Senator Greg Ngaji. Nevertheless, Musa’s legacy in the Senate remains undeniably impactful.
His roles included Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transport, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Financial Crimes, and he served as a member on a variety of other committees, including Aviation, Environment, and Defense, among others. He also contributed as a board member of NEPZA (Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority) and played a significant role in the 2014 Nigerian National Conference, co-sponsoring the Cabotage Bill that aimed to promote indigenous coastal trade.
In 2014, as the Chairman of the Transportation Committee, he proposed a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s national transportation system, aiming for an interconnected network across all modes of transport coupled with robust security measures, advocating for the establishment of a National Transportation Commission.
However, his journey has not been without hardship. Musa faced imprisonment under Col. Omenka of DMI, where he was detained for nearly two years due to suspected involvement with a childhood friend, Col Musa Gwadabe, who was alleged to be part of a coup plot against late Gen. Sani Abacha.
In the business sphere, Senator Adede stands tall, with interests spanning oil and gas, shipping, real estate, manufacturing, banking, and automobiles. His most recognizable investment is in aviation, with Kings Airline representing a leading force in private jet charters, operating a fleet of top-tier Bombardier jets.
His companies not only provide jobs for expatriates but also uplift local communities, contributing to employment opportunities in various operations. Musa, a grassroots leader, has fostered community development by building bridges, donating a cathedral to his community, offering numerous scholarships to underprivileged students, and facilitating countless job opportunities for the people of Cross River.
As we commemorate his life and contributions, may God continue to guide and protect him, blessing him with long life and prosperity, for he truly is a remarkable individual.
