ALHAJI ALIKO DANGOTE
Thursday, 13. May 2010, 14:57
“A man’s worth is no greater than the worth of his ambitions.”
– Marcus Aurelius Antonius, former Roman Emperor
A Unique Personality …
One of the silent realities of a successful life is the fact that hard work usually takes place when the restless crowd of humanity is fast asleep.
It has also been said many times that those who sow whilst deferring today’s gratification will, all things being equal, reap the bountiful rewards tomorrow. Indeed very few have the vision to do today what is required to survive and thrive in tomorrow’s world.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a man who grew up in kano, faced the challenges of the day like every other young boy of his age, yet because of his exceptional intelligence, diligence and commitment to excellence, Alhaji Aliko has grown to become an icon of his time, steadfastly sowing and paying his dues, remaining focused, constantly cultivating, patiently ploughing the fields of opportunity and moving diligently from one remarkable achievement to the next.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a man who approaches life with the gracious simplicity and gusto only the Eagle can muster.
The clues to this unique personality are as old as time: ambition and diligence, two qualities required on any path to success. Ambition and diligence are noble traits, but when they come spiced with humility, then one would have to keep a special space in the annals of history for any individual so blessed with these traits when crowned with the ensuing success.
The Essence of Aliko Dangote …
History will record that the man himself had a peculiar vision and an uncommon insight.
A patriot and unabashed believer in the quest to transform Nigeria into the league of leading industrialized nations, he once said:
“Yes, I believe in this country. I believe there is always going to be Nigeria. My faith and belief in this country is unshakeable. We have to live together in peace and not in pieces. Why are we important in the world today? It is because of our population. Population and our oil. It is not because the world loves the name Nigeria. No. The importance of Nigeria is the market. The population is there. The money is there. It is just a matter of having good entrepreneurs who can push this forward.”
Clearly, this is the mindset of a dogged man with global aspirations for self and country.
Aliko Dangote, The Ultimate Entrepreneur …
An incredible mind with a huge capacity for detail and an amazing grasp of figures, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, born to a reputable Muslim family in 1957, had his early education in Kano, Nigeria and later studied Business Administration at The Al-Azahar University in Cairo, Egypt. On his return to Nigeria after graduation he demonstrated focus very early on in life and started his own business as a trading concern at the young age of 21.
Today, Alhaji Aliko Dangote sits atop the eponymously named Dangote Group as President and Chief Executive of the Group. He founded the Dangote Group over 30 years ago and has nurtured the growth of this enterprise into an international business conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, salt, flour, pasta, noodles, poly products, real estate, logistics, telecommunications, steel, oil and gas, and beverages.
The Group has interests spread across several countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, offices in London, Gibraltar, Beijing and Dubai, just to list a few. He has begun the sure but gradual journey of expanding the business into new markets in sub Sahara Africa, making strategic acquisitions that add value to local economies and the continental investment landscape.
An apostle of local content development and industrial self sufficiency, Alhaji Aliko’s specialty seems to be in taking import dependent local trading companies and transforming them into full scale manufacturing and commercial champions able to ply their trade across political, social, cultural and geographical borders. This formula has worked. The transition from an import trading business to a full scale manufacturing operation has seen the Dangote Group emerge as Nigeria’s leading industrial behemoth.
Today, the Group has built the largest sugar refinery in Africa and has set itself a target to produce 1 (one) million metric tonnes of sugar per annum, whilst employing 50,000 people by the year 2015 in order to meet Nigeria’s total Sugar demand. The group has also completed the Greenfield construction of the largest cement plant in Sub-Saharan Africa with more to come. This will see Dangote Cement meeting the ambitious target of producing 20 (twenty) million metric tonnes of cement by the end of 2010 ensuring that Nigeria is self sufficient in cement production and becomes a net exporter beyond. In addition the Group has completed the construction of five fully operational flour mills and is aggressively pursuing further major cement projects in Ghana, Senegal and Zambia. The Group has 4 (four) companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and is arguably one of the biggest stakeholders in the Nigerian capital markets.
Clearly, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has made tremendous contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy as Dangote Group is today a testimony of successful and rewarding private entrepreneurship.
Philanthropy, Wealth, Society & Laurels …
In 2008, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was officially included on the Forbes Rich List of billionaires, the first Nigerian to feature on this global list. Nigerians encounter his products practically on a daily basis and his long term business focus means that Nigerians and Africans can expect to benefit more from the exploits of Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group in the near future. Clearly, the man’s vision continues to germinate and the Dangote Group steered by the pioneering vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote continues to remain on the cusp of a new dawn.
Widely acknowledged as a living example of generosity, grace and fortitude, he is obviously a man with many feathers attached to his many caps of achievement. Having recorded immense success in business, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has always endeavoured to give back to society. He is a well-known philanthropist who donates generously to many worthy causes.
The Dangote Foundation under his able Chairmanship has had a positive impact on very many lives. The Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of all Nigerians through support for projects which tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and quantity of health and education and promotes economic development at the community level. For many years the Foundation has run a feeding programme and has built many boreholes, providing water to both rural and urban communities across the country. The Dangote Foundation has committed immense resources to health care intervention across the nation, building and funding hospitals such as the N1 Billion (One Billion Naira) recently donated towards building a world class International Cancer Centre in Abuja, Nigeria to fight the scourge of this terrible disease in the country. The Foundation donates much needed equipment such as kidney dialysis machines whilst providing the consumables and funding the manpower training required in utilizing the equipment to ensure free treatment to all in need. Intervention in the area of education sees the Dangote Foundation spending millions annually on scholarship grants from primary right through tertiary education, providing much needed capital to set up institutions such as the N200 million (Two Hundred Million Naira) grant to the Katsina Islamic University, building infrastructure such as sports complexes, classrooms and laboratories. A current initiative of the Foundation will see thousands of youths across the country gainfully employed. The Foundation will provide capital, products and training through carefully selected cooperatives and similar bodies guaranteeing an income approximately 3 and a half times the current minimum wage to each participant in this empowerment scheme. The scheme’s impact on economic development at community level will enrich not only the lives of participants but all those around them.
In recognition of his achievements and philanthropy, many awards have been conferred on him, including the following:
The prestigious ZIK Award for Leadership conferred on him in 1992, in recognition of his significant contributions to business in Nigeria.
Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – one of the nation’s honorary awards was deservingly conferred on him in 2000 by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, CGFR, the President & Commander- In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Cross River State Roll of Honour Award –2002 was conferred on him by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Donald Duke on October 1, 2002 as the Best Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
First- Ever Fellowship Award by Lagos State Polytechnic was also conferred on him in recognition of his immense contribution to the socio-economic development of the country on October 14, 2002.
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in Business Management (DSc. - Honoris Causa) was bestowed on him by the University of Calabar, Cross River State on November 23, 2002.
Distinguished Fellowship Award by Nigerian Law School in May, 2004
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)- another national honour conferred on him by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in November 2005
Entrepreneur of the Year Award- ThisDay Awards 2006
Chief Executive Officer of the Year Award- ThisDay Awards for Excellence and Good Governance 2006 and 2007
Most Respected Chief Executive Officer of the year – PricewaterhouseCoopers, October 18 2007
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology – (D.Tech - Honoris Causa) was bestowed on him by the Federal University of Technology, Minna on October 27 2007
Corporate Citizen of The Year – ThisDay Awards, 2008
Africa Entrepreneur of The Year Award – County Of Los Angeles California, May 2008
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition – Member of Congress, United States of America, May 2008
Pioneer Chancellor, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State – March 10 2009
Beyond The Dangote Boardroom …
Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds the time to serve on very many Boards and accepts invitations to membership of very many bodies contributing his quota to the growth of this Nation, Africa and the world beyond. He sits on the Board of the National Council of Nigeria (Vision 2020), Mohammed Bello Endowment for Justice and Jurisprudence, The Kano Foundation, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, the Heart of Africa project, Junior Achievement of Nigeria (JAN) to name a few.
Similarly, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a Member, Governing Council, Institute of Directors (IODs) Nigeria, Member, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD Business Group), Member – Nigeria Development Group. He also serves as a member of various committees such as N.E.E.D.S. He is the current President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a Member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a humanitarian foundation set up by the former President of the United States of America to strengthen the capacity of people throughout the world and meet the challenges of global interdependence. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum and served as Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum on Africa in 2008.
Special Recognition from Home …
Every worthy academic laurel, every honour adds to a man. However this particular award is very special, coming from the citadel of culture and knowledge, the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK) in Kano State.
Kano is indeed special to Aliko Dangote. Aliko was born and raised in the schools and precincts of Kano. It was in this ancient and majestic city that he learnt the complex rules of Life. In Kano, he imbibed very early on in life the ageless virtues and norms of commercial success. He turned what Kano gave him into a global success story.
As an alumnus of Al-Azahar University in Cairo, Egypt, this latest award of an honorary doctorate degree from Bayero University Kano is further recognition of his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Kano state and the country at large.
The BUK award reinforces his belief that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations and that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Aliko Dangote is a devoted family man whose life is further enriched by children and grandchildren who weave their special magic into this tapestry of life to complete an amazing success story.
– Marcus Aurelius Antonius, former Roman Emperor
A Unique Personality …
One of the silent realities of a successful life is the fact that hard work usually takes place when the restless crowd of humanity is fast asleep.
It has also been said many times that those who sow whilst deferring today’s gratification will, all things being equal, reap the bountiful rewards tomorrow. Indeed very few have the vision to do today what is required to survive and thrive in tomorrow’s world.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a man who grew up in kano, faced the challenges of the day like every other young boy of his age, yet because of his exceptional intelligence, diligence and commitment to excellence, Alhaji Aliko has grown to become an icon of his time, steadfastly sowing and paying his dues, remaining focused, constantly cultivating, patiently ploughing the fields of opportunity and moving diligently from one remarkable achievement to the next.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a man who approaches life with the gracious simplicity and gusto only the Eagle can muster.
The clues to this unique personality are as old as time: ambition and diligence, two qualities required on any path to success. Ambition and diligence are noble traits, but when they come spiced with humility, then one would have to keep a special space in the annals of history for any individual so blessed with these traits when crowned with the ensuing success.
The Essence of Aliko Dangote …
History will record that the man himself had a peculiar vision and an uncommon insight.
A patriot and unabashed believer in the quest to transform Nigeria into the league of leading industrialized nations, he once said:
“Yes, I believe in this country. I believe there is always going to be Nigeria. My faith and belief in this country is unshakeable. We have to live together in peace and not in pieces. Why are we important in the world today? It is because of our population. Population and our oil. It is not because the world loves the name Nigeria. No. The importance of Nigeria is the market. The population is there. The money is there. It is just a matter of having good entrepreneurs who can push this forward.”
Clearly, this is the mindset of a dogged man with global aspirations for self and country.
Aliko Dangote, The Ultimate Entrepreneur …
An incredible mind with a huge capacity for detail and an amazing grasp of figures, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, born to a reputable Muslim family in 1957, had his early education in Kano, Nigeria and later studied Business Administration at The Al-Azahar University in Cairo, Egypt. On his return to Nigeria after graduation he demonstrated focus very early on in life and started his own business as a trading concern at the young age of 21.
Today, Alhaji Aliko Dangote sits atop the eponymously named Dangote Group as President and Chief Executive of the Group. He founded the Dangote Group over 30 years ago and has nurtured the growth of this enterprise into an international business conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar, salt, flour, pasta, noodles, poly products, real estate, logistics, telecommunications, steel, oil and gas, and beverages.
The Group has interests spread across several countries – Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Senegal, offices in London, Gibraltar, Beijing and Dubai, just to list a few. He has begun the sure but gradual journey of expanding the business into new markets in sub Sahara Africa, making strategic acquisitions that add value to local economies and the continental investment landscape.
An apostle of local content development and industrial self sufficiency, Alhaji Aliko’s specialty seems to be in taking import dependent local trading companies and transforming them into full scale manufacturing and commercial champions able to ply their trade across political, social, cultural and geographical borders. This formula has worked. The transition from an import trading business to a full scale manufacturing operation has seen the Dangote Group emerge as Nigeria’s leading industrial behemoth.
Today, the Group has built the largest sugar refinery in Africa and has set itself a target to produce 1 (one) million metric tonnes of sugar per annum, whilst employing 50,000 people by the year 2015 in order to meet Nigeria’s total Sugar demand. The group has also completed the Greenfield construction of the largest cement plant in Sub-Saharan Africa with more to come. This will see Dangote Cement meeting the ambitious target of producing 20 (twenty) million metric tonnes of cement by the end of 2010 ensuring that Nigeria is self sufficient in cement production and becomes a net exporter beyond. In addition the Group has completed the construction of five fully operational flour mills and is aggressively pursuing further major cement projects in Ghana, Senegal and Zambia. The Group has 4 (four) companies listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange and is arguably one of the biggest stakeholders in the Nigerian capital markets.
Clearly, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has made tremendous contribution to the growth of the Nigerian economy as Dangote Group is today a testimony of successful and rewarding private entrepreneurship.
Philanthropy, Wealth, Society & Laurels …
In 2008, Alhaji Aliko Dangote was officially included on the Forbes Rich List of billionaires, the first Nigerian to feature on this global list. Nigerians encounter his products practically on a daily basis and his long term business focus means that Nigerians and Africans can expect to benefit more from the exploits of Aliko Dangote and the Dangote Group in the near future. Clearly, the man’s vision continues to germinate and the Dangote Group steered by the pioneering vision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote continues to remain on the cusp of a new dawn.
Widely acknowledged as a living example of generosity, grace and fortitude, he is obviously a man with many feathers attached to his many caps of achievement. Having recorded immense success in business, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has always endeavoured to give back to society. He is a well-known philanthropist who donates generously to many worthy causes.
The Dangote Foundation under his able Chairmanship has had a positive impact on very many lives. The Foundation focuses on improving the living conditions of all Nigerians through support for projects which tackle hunger and water supply problems, strengthen the quality and quantity of health and education and promotes economic development at the community level. For many years the Foundation has run a feeding programme and has built many boreholes, providing water to both rural and urban communities across the country. The Dangote Foundation has committed immense resources to health care intervention across the nation, building and funding hospitals such as the N1 Billion (One Billion Naira) recently donated towards building a world class International Cancer Centre in Abuja, Nigeria to fight the scourge of this terrible disease in the country. The Foundation donates much needed equipment such as kidney dialysis machines whilst providing the consumables and funding the manpower training required in utilizing the equipment to ensure free treatment to all in need. Intervention in the area of education sees the Dangote Foundation spending millions annually on scholarship grants from primary right through tertiary education, providing much needed capital to set up institutions such as the N200 million (Two Hundred Million Naira) grant to the Katsina Islamic University, building infrastructure such as sports complexes, classrooms and laboratories. A current initiative of the Foundation will see thousands of youths across the country gainfully employed. The Foundation will provide capital, products and training through carefully selected cooperatives and similar bodies guaranteeing an income approximately 3 and a half times the current minimum wage to each participant in this empowerment scheme. The scheme’s impact on economic development at community level will enrich not only the lives of participants but all those around them.
In recognition of his achievements and philanthropy, many awards have been conferred on him, including the following:
The prestigious ZIK Award for Leadership conferred on him in 1992, in recognition of his significant contributions to business in Nigeria.
Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) – one of the nation’s honorary awards was deservingly conferred on him in 2000 by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, CGFR, the President & Commander- In-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Cross River State Roll of Honour Award –2002 was conferred on him by the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Mr. Donald Duke on October 1, 2002 as the Best Entrepreneur and Philanthropist.
First- Ever Fellowship Award by Lagos State Polytechnic was also conferred on him in recognition of his immense contribution to the socio-economic development of the country on October 14, 2002.
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science in Business Management (DSc. - Honoris Causa) was bestowed on him by the University of Calabar, Cross River State on November 23, 2002.
Distinguished Fellowship Award by Nigerian Law School in May, 2004
Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)- another national honour conferred on him by the Federal Republic of Nigeria in November 2005
Entrepreneur of the Year Award- ThisDay Awards 2006
Chief Executive Officer of the Year Award- ThisDay Awards for Excellence and Good Governance 2006 and 2007
Most Respected Chief Executive Officer of the year – PricewaterhouseCoopers, October 18 2007
Honorary Degree of Doctor of Technology – (D.Tech - Honoris Causa) was bestowed on him by the Federal University of Technology, Minna on October 27 2007
Corporate Citizen of The Year – ThisDay Awards, 2008
Africa Entrepreneur of The Year Award – County Of Los Angeles California, May 2008
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition – Member of Congress, United States of America, May 2008
Pioneer Chancellor, Kano University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State – March 10 2009
Beyond The Dangote Boardroom …
Alhaji Aliko Dangote finds the time to serve on very many Boards and accepts invitations to membership of very many bodies contributing his quota to the growth of this Nation, Africa and the world beyond. He sits on the Board of the National Council of Nigeria (Vision 2020), Mohammed Bello Endowment for Justice and Jurisprudence, The Kano Foundation, Nigerian Economic Summit Group, Nigeria Investment Promotion Council, the Heart of Africa project, Junior Achievement of Nigeria (JAN) to name a few.
Similarly, Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a Member, Governing Council, Institute of Directors (IODs) Nigeria, Member, New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD Business Group), Member – Nigeria Development Group. He also serves as a member of various committees such as N.E.E.D.S. He is the current President and Chairman of Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a Member of the Clinton Global Initiative, a humanitarian foundation set up by the former President of the United States of America to strengthen the capacity of people throughout the world and meet the challenges of global interdependence. He is also a member of the World Economic Forum and served as Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum on Africa in 2008.
Special Recognition from Home …
Every worthy academic laurel, every honour adds to a man. However this particular award is very special, coming from the citadel of culture and knowledge, the prestigious Bayero University Kano (BUK) in Kano State.
Kano is indeed special to Aliko Dangote. Aliko was born and raised in the schools and precincts of Kano. It was in this ancient and majestic city that he learnt the complex rules of Life. In Kano, he imbibed very early on in life the ageless virtues and norms of commercial success. He turned what Kano gave him into a global success story.
As an alumnus of Al-Azahar University in Cairo, Egypt, this latest award of an honorary doctorate degree from Bayero University Kano is further recognition of his invaluable contributions to the growth and development of Kano state and the country at large.
The BUK award reinforces his belief that the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations and that service to humanity is the best work of life.
Aliko Dangote is a devoted family man whose life is further enriched by children and grandchildren who weave their special magic into this tapestry of life to complete an amazing success story.
You must be King Kabir Adam
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