I Had My PhD at 26 but Still Ambitious

“I don’t have regret about life because I have enjoyed the ride” was his response when asked about his view to life at 60 as he welcomes this reporter into his Ikeja, Lagos office. Looking smart in a navy blue suits, his ageless looks contradicts a man who would turn 60 in a couple of hours. Without doubt, Dr. Gbolahan Alli-Balogun’s life is a lesson in hardwork, perseverance and above all, that one should never take one’s pedigree for granted. Born on June 26, 1957 into the famous Alli-Balogun family of Lagos Island. Apart from his solid pedigree which gave him a comfortable start in life, he is a brilliant and jolly good fellow, whose penchant for quality education has invariably paved the way for his many successes. He is not only integrity personified, he is also imbued with sterling qualities and a sense of humour that is second to none. He had his early education in Lagos before proceeding to Abeokuta for his secondary education. At age 17 in 1974, he gained admission to the then University of Ife where he read economics graduating in 1978 when he was barely 21. He would later cap it with a masters and doctoral degree in Economics at age 26. After a successful career at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs and the banking sector, he walked away to start his own business. In 2004, he floated AdonaiNet which later pioneered the trade alert in Nigeria. He has since conquered many terrains in hiscareer life and still ready to explore. As he turns 60 he tells Funke Olaode his journey

through life and why he is not ready to slow down