President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to Africa’s foremost industrialist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on the occasion of his 68th birthday. In a heartfelt tribute, the President described Dangote as an enduring symbol of African enterprise and a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s economic future.
The message, delivered through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Dangote’s transformative impact on the African economic landscape and his commitment to nation-building through job creation, industrialization, and philanthropy.
President Tinubu commended Dangote’s leadership of Dangote Industries Limited—Africa’s largest conglomerate with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, petrochemicals, and most recently, oil refining. The President noted that the success of these ventures has not only strengthened Nigeria’s industrial capacity but also repositioned Africa as a hub of investment potential.
“Aliko Dangote’s life embodies hard work, generosity, and faith in Nigeria’s potential. His willingness to invest in people and nation-building reflects profound business ingenuity and love for humanity,” the statement read.
Among the most notable achievements lauded by the President was the completion of the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery. Touted as the largest single-train refinery in the world, the facility is already reshaping Nigeria’s petroleum industry by reducing dependence on fuel imports and creating over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Tinubu also acknowledged the far-reaching contributions of the Dangote Foundation, one of Africa’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Through the Foundation, Dangote has championed causes such as healthcare, education, nutrition, and disaster relief, improving the lives of millions across Nigeria and beyond.
“He has consistently used his wealth not just to grow industries but also to uplift communities. His philanthropy reflects a deep sense of responsibility and compassion,” Tinubu said.
The Foundation’s landmark initiatives include the construction of modern hospitals, the donation of billions of naira for COVID-19 relief, and ongoing scholarships for underprivileged students.
In addition to celebrating Dangote’s life and accomplishments, President Tinubu used the occasion to urge Nigerian youth to take a cue from Dangote’s entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasized the importance of hard work, vision, and resilience in building a prosperous nation.
“Let Aliko Dangote’s journey remind our young people that greatness is attainable through diligence, innovation, and an unwavering belief in one’s country. Our youth must become job creators, not just job seekers,” he stated.
This call to action aligns with Tinubu’s administration’s broader economic agenda, which prioritizes youth empowerment, job creation, and the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as pillars of sustainable development.
Aliko Dangote’s birthday is not only a personal milestone but also a moment of national pride. As Africa’s richest man, with a net worth consistently ranked among the global elite by Forbes, Dangote remains a powerful symbol of African excellence on the international stage.
Over the years, he has received multiple honors, including the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), the second-highest national honor in Nigeria, and numerous honorary doctorate degrees from prestigious universities.
Internationally, he serves on various global economic platforms, including the United Nations’ Global Compact Board and the World Economic Forum’s Global Business Council, where he advocates for inclusive growth across emerging markets.
Tinubu’s congratulatory message is one of many tributes pouring in from across sectors. Prominent Nigerian business leaders, policymakers, foreign investors, and members of the public have all lauded Dangote’s enduring contributions to economic development.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in his own tribute, described Dangote as “a national treasure whose work continues to inspire the business community.” Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised Dangote’s investment in Lagos, including the recent launch of a fertilizer plant expected to boost agricultural productivity nationwide.
As Dangote turns 68, he remains a towering figure in both Nigerian and African economic discourse. His entrepreneurial journey—from humble beginnings in Kano to becoming a global industrialist—is a testament to what vision, discipline, and patriotism can achieve.
President Tinubu’s message not only celebrates Dangote’s accomplishments but also reaffirms the administration’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs.