Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said he does not consider having a son a priority, stressing that his three daughters are capable of carrying on his family’s legacy and potentially leading the Dangote Group.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Arise News, the Nigerian business magnate said he could see his daughters eventually taking leadership roles in the business empire he founded.
“I can see my daughters eventually leading the Dangote Group; I was given that opportunity too myself,” he said.
Dangote explained that he was not forcing his daughters to join the family business, but said they had developed a genuine interest in the company and enjoyed being involved.
He advised them to focus less on wealth and more on contributing to the growth of the economy.
“I tell them not to focus on the money,” he said, adding that he and his family remained “very down to earth” despite their wealth.
Reflecting on his own success, Dangote disclosed that he bought his first aircraft at the age of 22, four months before turning 23.
He, however, criticised what he described as a misplaced focus on luxury among some wealthy individuals.
“When I see people buying aircraft, and they don’t have a single factory, it means they are not helping the growth of the economy,” he said.
Having a son is not my priority
The billionaire was also asked about expectations within Kano’s traditional society regarding the need for a male heir to carry on a family name.
In response, Dangote said he was not focused on having a son, arguing that having a male child does not necessarily guarantee the preservation of a family’s legacy.
“That is not my priority,” he said.
He noted that while people may pray for a son, the eventual outcome may not always be what they expect.
“For me, sometimes you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one to take down the name of the family, so sometimes, if God doesn’t give you something, don’t push it,” he said.
Dangote said he was satisfied with his three daughters and expressed confidence in their potential.
“I don’t think a son would have done better than these 3 daughters I have,” he added.
His comments highlight his view that family legacy should not necessarily be tied to having a male heir, while also pointing to the possibility of his daughters playing significant roles in the future leadership of the Dangote business empire.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi
SOURCE: Arise News
