Billionaire Nigerian business man,
Aliko Dangote, was weekend named as the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014.
Other finalists of the most coveted award were South Africa’s Public Protector,
Thuli Madonsela, Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie,
Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, (SEC), Arunma Oteh
and President of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka.
In
selecting Dangote, the panel of judges noted that “Aliko Dangote is a lion of
Africa in terms of business. He is second to none when it comes to investing in
Africa, not just Nigeria. He is also a capitalist with a big heart. He puts his
money where his mouth is and his foundation is a step forward for a man who
wants to make a difference on the continent,” This was Dangote’s fourth
nomination for the prestigious awards. Other past finalists include his
Highness Dr. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (2011), James Mwangi (2012) and Akinwumi
Adesina (2013). Also feted during the event was Donald Kaberuka, president of
the African Development Bank. Kaberuka, who received the lifetime achievement
award. Chairman, CMA Investment Holding, Rakesh Wahi, described Forbes as a
brand, synonymous with entrepreneurship, inspiration, success, failure, getting
up after failure and never giving up despite all the odds. He said Forbes
highlights journeys of hope; of trials and tribulations of people who despite
all challenges have the courage and determination to see their dreams to
fruition. Commenting on the Forbes Person of the Year Award, he said: “This is
our fourth Person of the Year Event. The mission of this event is to honor one
exceptional leader from the African continent, who has made an impact not only
on the industry he or she serves, but who also has touched the lives of people,
and in doing so is a role model for future generations of business leaders. The
person who we are about to honor today, personifies all the values of the
Forbes brand”.
While giving his acceptance speech, Dangote said he considered
it an honour to be nominated for the award and thanked the organisers for the
priviledge of choosing him as the “Forbes Man of the Year”. Revealing that
Dangote Group is already in 16 African countries, he assured that the Group
will continue to expand its footprints across the continent because “we believe
that it is only Africans themselves that can develop Africa for the Africans”.
Dangote said: “Of course there are challenges, but which are not insurmountable
as long as we stay united in our resolve to overcome them. If we all join hands
together, we can emancipate Africa from poverty, ignorance and disease - the
triple obstacles to our development as a people”
ThisDay (online)
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