• His life’s an inspiration to many, says Tinubu

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s sacrifices to safeguard the health of the nation as patriotic and remarkable, especially, the polio and ebola interventions.

The president said this in his warm felicitations to Africa’s renowned businessman and philanthropist, Dangote, on his 60th birthday.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, in a statement, said Buhari joins the business world, Dangote’s friends and family in congratulating Forbes’ rated richest African and black man as another milestone in his life.

The president expressed the belief that Dangote “remains a shining example of the virtues of choosing entrepreneurship from an early age, treading the path of diligence, perseverance and continuous learning to build some of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies, with household names in Nigeria and beyond.

He said at 60, Dangote’s humility, simplicity and cosmopolitan outlook defies ethnic and religious persuasions in extending support to the poor and vulnerable, providing employment opportunities without discrimination, while inspiring and mentoring young Nigerians to greatness.  

The president acknowledged Dangote’s role in bolstering the economy through continuous engagement and counseling of governments on best practices in promoting the ease of doing business.

He prayed that the almighty God will grant Dangote more wisdom, good health and longer life to serve his country and humanity.

Former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has also congratulated Dangote on his 60th birthday, today, and described him as an inspiration to many people.

In a letter to Dangote, personally signed by him, Tinubu commended the business mogul for his boldness and bravery in taking the business risks he took, which, he said, have now paid off.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart said Dangote has broken all business barriers and is now helping to industrialise Africa with the operations of his Dangote Group in 17 African countries and beyond.

“Dear Alhaji Dangote, my family and I congratulate you on your 60th birthday. Your life has been an inspiration to many. From a lowly background, you rose to the top by dint of hard work and perseverance. “You have made people and made lives a lot better through the employment opportunities you have created and your other humanitarian activities,” Tinubu wrote.

Meanwhile, Dangote has said his belief in Nigeria’s economic potential remains unshaken.

Dangote, who stated this in Lagos, at the weekend, while speaking with a group of businessmen in his office, said his passion for the workability of Nigeria’s economy has been the impetus that underlines his investment decisions. He reiterated his common mantra that “Nigeria is the world’s best kept secret.”

Dangote’s birthday would be commemorated with the planting of 60 trees at the site of his world class refinery and petrochemical.