In Nigeria’s dynamic corporate landscape, few figures embody the fusion of business acumen, cultural patronage, and social responsibility as profoundly as Belinda Ajoke Olubunmi Disu — widely known as Bella Disu. As Executive Vice Chairman of Globacom and CEO of Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited, she exemplifies a modern renaissance woman: innovative, empathetic, strategic, and fiercely committed to impact.
Her journey from a teenage intern to a respected leader steering multimillion-dollar enterprises is a testament to vision, resilience, and purposeful ambition — values that resonate deeply in a nation striving for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Early Life and Educational Foundation: Built on Legacy, Driven by Purpose
Born into the illustrious Adenuga family on May 29, 1986, in Lagos, Bella inherited a legacy of enterprise and discipline. Her father, Dr. Mike Adenuga, is the founder of Globacom — one of Africa’s leading telecommunications companies. But rather than ride on her pedigree, Bella charted her own course. Her academic journey began at Corona School and Queen’s College, Lagos, before she completed her secondary education at Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls.
At just 14, she enrolled at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, earning a degree in Political Science and International Relations — a bold, early step into the global arena. She later attained a Master’s in Leadership from Northeastern University. These milestones fortified her with analytical rigour, a global outlook, and the leadership foundation she would need to navigate high-stakes industries.
Corporate Rise: Transforming Globacom and Real Estate with Strategy and Substance
Bella joined Globacom in 2004 as a sales executive at just 18. Despite being the founder’s daughter, her path was anything but smooth.
“The assumption is that I had an easy ride… The truth is the exact opposite—he pushed me and gave me rigorous tutelage,”
she once recalled. Her father, known as “The Bull,” ensured she earned every accolade through merit, not name.
In the two decades, Bella has led with a distinctive mix of humility and drive. Her leadership style is deeply collaborative. As she reflected during a team training session,
“Our commitments define us and drive our results. Staying true to our word… is essential to building strong relationships, achieving great results, and cultivating lasting success.”
Under her watch, Globacom has expanded its technological footprint — including moves toward 5G adoption — and has built strategic partnerships with global players like Nokia Alcatel-Lucent and Vocalcom Technology. Her influence extends beyond Nigeria into the broader West African market, establishing Glo as a tech-forward, innovation-driven African telecommunication brand.
In parallel, Bella’s foray into real estate through Cobblestone Properties and Estates Limited has reshaped how premium spaces are developed in Nigeria. Since its inception in 2011, Cobblestone has delivered landmark projects such as Bella’s Place and the luxury development,The Mall, Ile-Oja at Opebi (Ikeja), Sisi Paris. Her aim?
To create “iconic living and business spaces that enrich lives and contribute to sustainable community development.”
These are projects that reflect Bella’s commitment to quality, innovation, and excellence in real estate development. Her roles reflect her multi-sectoral leadership, a hallmark of her versatility and forward-thinking.
Beyond her executive roles, Bella Disu holds several prestigious board memberships, serving as a non-executive director on the board of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, a leading construction company. She is also a member of the Nigerian Institute of Directors and the Nigerian Institute of Management.
Bella Disu also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Abumet Plc, the company has recorded extraordinary growth. From a financial loss in 2021, the company achieved a 307% increase in profit after tax in 2024, a transformation she attributes to
“strategic leadership at the Board level, the dedication of our management team, and the collective effort of every Abumet employee.”
Reflecting on their achievements, Bella noted, “From boardroom strategy to on-site execution, we are shaping the future of façade solutions in Nigeria.” One of Abumet’s landmark innovations is the deployment of unitized curtain walls for a skyline-defining Lagos project. These walls not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also improve energy efficiency through cutting-edge insulation technologies.
Bella brings strategic oversight and transformational thinking to Nigeria’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, with her involvement in these organisations showing her versatility and commitment to contributing to the country’s infrastructural development.
Beyond the Boardroom
Bella’s commitment to women’s advancement is perhaps one of her most inspiring attributes. Through SheGlows, an initiative under the Globacom umbrella, she fosters a platform for women’s growth in business and leadership. Speaking at the 2024 SheGlows Summit, she shared:
“Our goal was to provide practical tools for women to grow in both their careers and personal lives… This summit was born from a desire to build, mentor, and support the amazing women of the @globacomlimited family.”
Her advocacy is not just talk — it’s action. From finance literacy sessions to simultaneous cinema hangouts in five cities featuring Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, she creates safe, empowering spaces for women to learn, connect, and lead. “It highlighted the significance of women having an impactful and amplified voice,” she said about the film, underscoring her passion for historical narratives that inspire action.
Bella’s cultural involvement is further evidenced by her role in establishing the Alliance Française Mike Adenuga Centre in Lagos in 2018 — a landmark institution promoting arts and cultural exchange. For this, in 2019, she earned France’s Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres — a rare honor.
Bella’s belief in inclusive progress led her to establish the Bella Disu Foundation, which focuses on education, women’s empowerment, community outreach, youth development, and health. Whether through CSR partnerships or digital literacy initiatives, she ensures no community is left behind. “I firmly believe that human capital is the greatest asset of any company,” she noted — a philosophy that drives her foundation’s people-centered programs.
Balanced Life
Beyond her public achievements, Bella remains grounded. Married to Jameel Disu and a mother, she balances family with an intense professional schedule — exemplifying the kind of wholeness today’s young leaders aspire to. Her lifestyle reflects both elegance and purpose, as seen in her poised social media presence and candid reflections on leadership and motherhood.
Conclusion
Bella Disu stands as a beacon of what visionary leadership can achieve in Africa. Her story is not just about corporate success — it’s about discipline, integrity, and the courage to transform. Whether she’s speaking to a hall of executives or mentoring young women, her message is clear:
“If you solely rely on being silver spoon kids to seek relevance, you’ll be mere onlookers in the journey of life.”
In Bella, we find the blueprint for Africa’s future — one led by purpose, powered by innovation, and anchored in values. She isn’t just leading companies; she’s nurturing a legacy that will inspire generations to come.