President of the Dangote Group Aliko Dangote has been described as a rare gem and kind hearted industrialist for nurturing trading and commercial activities in North and across Nigeria for almost four decades.
Speaking when he visited the Dangote pavilion at the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair, Alhaji Salisu Sambajo, said: “ I can say confidently that Aliko has been supporting us for the past 40 years, and he has lifted us up when our businesses where going under.”
Mr. Sambajo is a Kano based international business tycoon, and chairman of the Sambajo General Enterprises Limited. He’s considered one of the biggest business names in northern Nigeria.
“Aliko’s support in growing commercial activities in the North and all over the nation cannot be quantified. The history of Nigeria’s commerce, and indeed of industrialization, cannot be completed without his name topping the list. It’s only God that can reward him,” he said.
The business mogul added: “I am telling you this confidently because I am one of the beneficiaries of his generosity. No one can deny his kindheartedness and support, and God is with such people.”
He recalled that Mr. Dangote had committed billions of naira through Bank of Industry for the development of small businesses in Nigeria, adding that the Fund was expected to create one million jobs.
The business mogul also recalled that Mr. Dangote had supported the Federal Government with billions of naira during the 2012 flooding in Nigeria.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, we read it in the news that Aliko donated billions of naira. All these are coming from one person. Nigeria should be grateful to him,” he said.
He added that: “ Also remember that at the peak of the Boko Haram crisis, Aliko Dangote had donated a housing estate worth billions to the Internally Displaced persons in Borno State. I can go on and on. His interventions are so numerous.”
According to the businessman, “Aliko has since stopped working for himself. All he has been doing is to lift people out of poverty. I remember whenever we recorded losses, Aliko will lift us up again and again. I don’t want to go into specifics. He’s a very kind and generous person. He deserves all our respect and it’s a big honour that God created such a man in Nigeria.”
Mr. Sambajo said it is not for nothing that Mr. Dangote, is Nigeria’s biggest private sector employer.
The business mogul traced relationship with Mr. Dangote to over 40 years, adding that he has been a great philanthropist who has his country and Africa at heart.
Mr. Sambajo described the upcoming Dangote Refinery as a legacy project that will positively impact the country’s economy.
Dangote Group is the major sponsor of the ongoing 44th Kano International Trade Fair.