A statement from Mr Adenuga’s company said with the conferment, the business mogul becomes the first Nigerian to be decorated with the award.

The president bestowed the prestigious award on Mr Adenuga at the inauguration of the new Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi, Lagos.

Explaining why the French Government decided to confer the country’s highest honour on Mr Adenuga, President Macron said the businessman is “a true role model for Africa” who has contributed immensely to the growth of the African and French economy.”

President Macron applauded Mr Adenuga on his promotion of the French language and culture in Nigeria, and also commended Bella Disu, Mr Adenuga’s daughter who conceived, coordinated and executed the Alliance Française project.

Mr Macron disclosed that in his two and half years in Nigeria, he could testify that Nigeria holds one trump card that is more important to surmount all challenges it may be facing now. This, he said, is the “incomparable spirit of entrepreneur, tenacity and ability to think out of the box,” adding that “ Mr Adenuga personifies all these qualities.”

The audience at the event included Governor Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos, Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and captains of industry.

In 2012, Nigerian government conferred the award of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Nigeria’s highest honour for a civilian who is not in government, on Mr Adenuga.

He is also a recipient of Ghana’s highest civil award, the Companion of the Star of Ghana (CSG).