Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed support for Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, following reports of Dangote’s disappointment with his investments in Nigeria.
In response to media reports that one of Dangote’s wealthy friends, who initially discouraged him from investing in Nigeria, is now mocking him due to the challenges facing his business operations, Obi took to social media platform X to show his solidarity.
“My Dear Elder Brother, Alhaji Dangote, I want you to know that your friend is wrong. You did the right thing by investing in the productivity, growth, development, and progress of our beloved nation through your many business ventures, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles that now stand in your way,” Obi stated.
Obi, a former governor of Anambra State, highlighted the significance of serving humanity, noting that such service often involves overcoming various challenges. He expressed confidence in Dangote’s ability to rise above the current difficulties and continue contributing to Nigeria's development.
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Drawing from his own experiences, Obi shared how he faced personal setbacks since entering public service. He mentioned the losses he incurred, including his savings from abroad and businesses in Nigeria, which were either mismanaged or taken over by others. Despite these obstacles, Obi remains optimistic about Nigeria's future.
He encouraged Dangote to persevere, stating, “I encourage you to remain resilient in the face of the present challenges, not for material gains, but for the development and progress of the nation and a better humanity.”
In a recent interview with PREMIUM TIMES on July 23, Dangote revealed his disappointment with the situation. “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the interest of his country. He blamed his action on policy inconsistencies and shenanigans of interest groups. That friend has been taunting me in the past few days, saying he warned me and that he has been proven right,” Dangote said.
Despite these challenges, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to solving major issues in the country through his investments, particularly his refinery project, and questioned why some people were working against him.
Peter Obi’s message of encouragement underscores the importance of resilience and commitment to national development in the face of adversity.
