The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade, has described Alhaji Aliko Dangote as a visionary industrialist whose creativity, research-driven approach, innovation, and resilience have shaped a formidable business and industrial empire.
In a congratulatory message marking Dangote’s 69th birthday, conveyed through his director of media and publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the monarch said the business magnate’s unwavering commitment to national growth and development has elevated him beyond Nigeria and Africa to global prominence while also advancing wealth creation and employment generation.
The Alaafin noted that since the establishment of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the organisation has set new standards in philanthropy, distinguishing itself as a benchmark for impactful charity and humanitarian interventions.
He further described Dangote as a leading figure in industry, a symbol of entrepreneurial excellence and a model of philanthropy. According to the monarch, beyond his status as Africa’s richest man and one of the continent’s largest employers of labour, Dangote remains widely recognised for his enduring commitment to social responsibility and charitable causes.
“His philanthropic milestones through the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) are not only legendary and exemplary but also unparalleled.
“Alhaji Aliko Dangote has always risen to the occasion whenever needs of philanthropic interventions arise. He has made transformative contributions to Nigeria’s national growth and development, primarily through industrialization, import substitution, massive job creation, and infrastructure investment.
“As the founder of the Dangote Group, he has shifted Nigeria from a heavily import-dependent economy to a self-sufficient, exporting nation in key sectors like cement, fertilizer, and petrochemicals. Aliko Dangote Foundation has carved a niche through its philanthropic initiatives.”
Oba Owoade pointed out that as a founding member of the National Peace Committee headed by former Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), every keen observer of developments in our polity can attest to the landmark nationalistic and statesmanship roles this committee has played (is still playing) to pull the country from the brinks and stabilize it whenever it starts teetering towards the crescendo of crisis.
“Alhaji Dangote is inspired by his voracity for philanthropy as a man with a large heart of gold, who understands that wealth without purpose is a liability,” he added.
The Alaafin therefore congratulated Alhaji Dangote on his birthday, saying, “You are a visionary leader whose dedication and foresight not only continue to drive our dear country to greater heights but also guide the country through uncharted waters with grace, wisdom, and unstoppable drive. Here’s to another year of breaking boundaries and setting new benchmarks.”
Packaged by Mayowa Owogbade
