, L –R , President , Dangote Groups of Companies , Alhaji Aliko Dangote being welcome by President Muhammadu Buhari while the Emir of Kano , Mohammed Sanusi -11 looks on during the visit of Blackstone to the Presidential Villa , Abuja ..yesterday (28-08-2015) . GODWIN OMOIGUIPresident Muhammadu Buhari joined a chorus of other big men in the world to celebrate Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, as he clocked 60 years old on Sunday.
“President Buhari joins the business world, Dangote’s friends and family in congratulating the Forbes’ rated richest African and black man for his patriotism and kind heartedness in always making sacrifices to safeguard the health of the nation, most remarkably the polio and Ebola interventionsm,” the presidency said in a statement to THE SIMON ATEBA NEWS.
“The President believes the global business mogul 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.
“As Dangote clocks 60, President Buhari commends the humility, simplicity and cosmopolitan outlook of the entrepreneur who 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 acknowledges 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 prays that the almighty God will grant Dangote more wisdom, good health and longer life to serve his country and humanity,” the statement read.
The President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, also felicitated with the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, Saraki described Dangote as a business guru, philanthropist, role model, and Africa’s biggest industrialist.
“Alhaji, you are Nigeria’s flagbearer across Africa as you make success of different industries across the continent and we are proud of you,” the Senate President said, “It is our prayer that Almighty Allah (swt) will continue to endow you with more wisdom, great energy, good health and immeasurable grace to serve humanity for many more years.
“Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns.”