Wale Adenuga facts for kids

Wale Adenuga (born September 24, 1950) is a famous Nigerian producer, publisher, and former cartoonist. He is well-known for creating popular shows like Ikebe Super, Binta and Friends, and Super Story. His company, WAP, turns these stories into TV shows.

Early Life and Education

Wale Adenuga grew up in Ibadan. His father was a tobacco merchant. He went to Ibadan City Academy for his O-Level certificate. Later, he attended King's College, Lagos for his higher school certificate. While there, he even started a pop band!

University Days and First Steps in Publishing

In 1971, Adenuga began studying Business Administration at the University of Lagos. He worked in the cartoon section of the university's magazine and quickly became the Chief Cartoonist. After graduating in 1975, he launched his first comic, Ikebe Super.

Creating Popular Characters

His comic Ikebe Super introduced many well-known characters. These included Papa Ajasco, Pa Jimoh, and Boy Alinco. Later, a female character named Miss Pepeiye also joined the cast. Wale Adenuga also created other magazines. Super Story focused on funny stories about society, and Binta was a special publication for children.

From Print to Television

In the late 1980s, Nigeria's economy made it hard for magazines to succeed. So, Wale Adenuga decided to switch from print to television.

Early Movies and TV Shows

Before the big growth of the Nigerian film industry (Nollywood), Adenuga released a movie called Papa Ajasco in 1983. This movie was based on the main character from his Ikebe Super comic. Papa Ajasco made history as the first English comedy film in Nigeria. Most movies at that time were in the Yoruba language.

In 1995, a film version of Binta was released. Two years later, in 1997, the television series Papa Ajasco (which used to be called The Ajasco Family) started airing on AIT. It became very popular! The TV show brought back the old characters and introduced a new one, Pa James.

Building Institutions for Education

Wale Adenuga is also dedicated to education.

Binta International School

On September 24, 1994, Wale Adenuga and his wife, Ehiwenma, opened Binta International School in Lagos. This school was founded to help improve education in Nigeria.

Pencil Film and Television Institute (PEFTI)

In 2004, Adenuga opened the Pencil Film and Television Institute (PEFTI). This school teaches students about producing, directing, and Cinematography (how to film movies). In 2009, PEFTI was even featured in a Danish documentary about the Nigerian film industry.

Recognitions and Awards

Wale Adenuga has received many awards for his work:

• In 2002, he won five awards at the Nigeria Film Festival. These included Best Producer, Best Script Writer, Best Director, Best Television Drama, and Best Socially Relevant Television Production.
• In 2009, he was honored as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

Personal Life

Wale Adenuga has been married to Ehiwenma since 1975.

See also

• List of Nigerian film producers