Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote has called on Nigerians, irrespective of their social, tribe or political inclination, to take their own part in nation building, saying the responsibility of building the nation should not be left to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu alone.
Dangote made this call, while speaking at the book launch ceremony to mark the 80th birthday celebration of a renowned elder statesman and Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Chief Khamis Olatunde Badmus, in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Saturday.
Dangote who said that the responsibility of building Nigeria should not be left to President Bola Tinubu alone underscored the importance of collective resolve by every citizen and corporate organisations to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
He, however, urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders.
According to him, “Nigerians must believe in our country, have a real unity and make sure that nation-building is not done by Mr President alone but by all of us collectively, we must always pray for our leaders to make sure they succeed, once they do, it will be better for all of us.”
Dangote who launched the book with the sum of N100million, said Badmus is a businessman who keeps his faith, saying “I was a young businessman when I knew Baba. I want the young entrepreneurs especially students to learn from this nobleman.
“The celebrant has been a great man who has held on to his religion; he is a very religious person and also an astute businessman. We have been together for a very long time, since I was also a young man hustling to make money.
“But he has been able to maintain his business and his religion, so I admire and respect him. This made me leave Lagos, I drove for four hours to and I am driving four hours back. May God give him long life and continued blessings.”
Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo whose message was delivered by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, said Badmus always make God his partner in all his endeavors which makes him successful.
He admonished the celebrant to imbibe healthy living by sleeping 8 hours every day, undertaking one hour daily exercise and only eating twice a day to guarantee longevity.
In Adeleke’s remarks, he added that Asiwaju Badmus is a huge blessing to the Osun people, the Yoruba race, Nigerians and black Africa as a whole.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi prayed for the celebrant for longevity and urged the youths and young entrepreneurs to emulate him for hard work, perseverance and diligence.
