Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has offered words of encouragement to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, following reports of Dangote’s disappointment with his investments in Nigeria.
This comes in response to media reports about one of Dangote’s wealthy friends, who had initially discouraged him from investing in Nigeria, now mocking him due to the challenges facing his business operations.
In a statement on Monday via X (formerly Twitter), Obi expressed firm support for Dangote’s decision to invest in Nigeria.
He said, “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, the former governor of Anambra State, emphasised the significance of serving humanity, acknowledging that such service often comes with its own set of challenges.
“God knows that you are strong enough to overcome the challenges and contribute to building a better humanity,” he added.
Sharing from his personal experiences, Obi recounted the setbacks he faced since entering public service. “I have lost more in my own life ever since I joined public service, which I would not have lost if I remained in the private sector,” he noted.
He detailed how his savings from abroad and businesses in Nigeria were either run aground or taken over by those entrusted with their management. Despite these obstacles, Obi remains optimistic about Nigeria’s future.
Obi 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.”
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