President Muhammadu Buhari and Aliko Dangote
President Muhammadu Buhari, the Northern Governors Forum (NGF) and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu have congratulated Nigerian Business Magnate, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, as he clocks 65 on April, 10.
This was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina on Sunday.
“The president joined family members, friends and associates to celebrate the milestone with the business magnate.
“Buhari shared the memorable occasion with the Dangote Group, which includes management and members of staff, and the many visionary leaders that daily redefine the livelihood of Nigerians for the better, and drive competitiveness in the economy with clear ranking of excellence in provision of goods and services.
“He affirmed the footprints of the consummate businessman in key sectors of the economy, and the remarkable results achieved in production and supply of food items, making him a household name.
“He also praised Dangote’s dynamism in buoying the economy through heavy investments in building Africa’s largest refinery, fertiliser manufacturing company, and cement factories.
“Buhari appreciated the patriotism, simplicity and wisdom that Dangote has consistently displayed, making Nigeria and Nigerians his first priority, while setting example for many that charity truly begins from home,” the statement said.
The President further wished him greater service to God, country, and humanity.
Members of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) in a statement by the Chairman of NGF and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong also described Dangote “as a pride to the North, Nigeria, and Africa On their part, adding that his business prowess has brought succor to humanity across the globe.
“The success of Dangote in the business world has impacted the lives of the citizens positively and contributed enormously to the economic growth of the country and continent at large.”
The Governors commended him for “maintaining his vision of industrialising Nigeria and Africa as well as also ensuring that the nation’s economy is developed in line with the abundant human and natural endowments of Nigeria which are largely under-utilized.”
The governors noted that they are “particularly excited about the role that Africa’s richest businessman had played, and has continued to play in creating jobs and fighting unemployment.”
Lalong said, “The Forum cherishes the goodwill and solidarity that Dangote has extended to states individually and collectively through direct investments in the local economy as well as his philanthropic interventions to the indigent, particularly victims of crises in the region who are displaced or traumatised.”
The Governors wished him God’s blessings and protection urging him to continue to “carry on with his landmark investment activities such as the refinery which is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s development.”
Also, Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, noted that the Dangote was doing a lot for Nigeria by contributing to the growth of her economy, providing jobs and empowerment for millions of people, especially youths in the country.
He further “praised Dangote’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria through his various manufacturing companies in different parts of the country, especially the Dangote Fertilizer Plant and the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.”
He said, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, Lagos State Government, and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends and business associates to congratulate you (Alhaji Aliko Dangote) on your 65th birthday celebration.
“You are a blessing to your generation considering how God has been using you to put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians working in your companies. You are an employer of labour and a respected business magnate who is contributing positively to the economy of Nigeria.
“Lagos is happy to associate with you because of the tremendous work you are doing in our State by setting up two of your major companies- Dangote Fertilizer Plant and Dangote Refinery- that have provided job opportunities for thousands of Lagosians.
“We want to thank God for the grace upon your life and for using your business acumen and philanthropic gestures for good cause in our society.
“I wish you all the very best on your 65th birthday. I pray that God will grant you long life and sound health for you to continue to contribute to humanity.”
