On 19th July, 2023, I have a dinner date with Mr. Aliko Dangote in the one of presigious hotel in Abuja, Sheraton Hotel. It was a graceful occasion and I treasured it happily.
The day came with high hopes as I anticipated a great and precious time with him which will have long lasting effect on me. The reason for this high hopes is simple. I am meeting for the very first time with the richest and wealthiest man in Nigeria and Africa at large. According to Forbes' richlist, Aliko Dangote occupies top 100 wealthiest man in the world so its a great pleasure to be with him because more lesson will surely be learnt and great legacy built on my young mind.
Dangote Group of Companies, An establishment started by the efforts of their C. E. O, Mr Aliko Dangote is a major player in Nigeria and Africa economy. Although other companies are doing very well, Dangote takes the lead and decider of the price and market trend in the economy. His products are highly sought for and can be found in every homes. Things like sugar, salt, cement, fertilizer and latest petroleum products etc are necessary commodities in our home. So we are the real ones making him rich but how does it get to that extent is one of my reason to be in this dinner with him.
Many companies suffers a lot from the governmental agencies in the terms of taxations. They will virtually close down a business with their incessant and unfriendly taxes. Paying of taxes is legal and encouragable but when corrupt leaders take over, business literally suffered but Dangote keep standing tall above this influences from the every government that come in power still surprised me so I will ask him how he does that.
I chose this date over a million naria as option because of those point above and other lessons to be learnt. Many people might take that money which is reasonable to them because they have businesses and startups where the investment of such amount will help it to thrive and expands. Also, they have great friends like Aliko where they will leverage for their sustainability in their endeavors.
At exactly, 6:00pm, I hooped in my booked uber to take me to the location. As I entered the main hall and looked at our reserved seat, I received my first shock. Guess what? Aliko Dangote is already seated. My first lesson. An entrepreneur must be hardworking and punctual at the business date. These qualities will convince your partner and date that you are serious minded, focus and ready to be productive so every investment will be yield high returns.
After little introduction, we greet and responses was full of respect and honor. He shows great respect to me and a good listeners. Another lesson learnt which is priceless. A good leader must be a good listener and show respect to his followers. His workforce is made up of his employee and follower, when treated well with respects. Their productivity will increased as well as the growth and expansion of the establishment.
During our discussion which was timely. He taught me about how to manage cash flows and finance. He appreciate investment as a major means to management of finances. He can predict and study market trends and invest heavily on any viable sectors so that it will be productive and come back with high yield. I learnt that lesson from him.
He treated government officials very well and engage in public and social welfare like construction and management of roads and other infrastructural development as part of his welfare packages after taxes and royalties paid on time to the government. With this, Government waives some taxes and encourages him and his companies too.
Most of his family and relatives are trained to work in the company. Since they are part of the establishment, they work tirelessly not only for the renumerations but with love for the expansions of the business. Their care and upkeep are take cared by the establishment. With this idea, the workforce is strengthened with interested and clever labour as well as family empowerment principles.
At the end of the date, we exchange contacts and great friendship ensured. With his help, My contracts have been approved and some of his friends like Otedola and Athur Eze gave me, a billion naria as an investment package which will be engeared toward the crop and livestock production. With this, more people will be employed and more food for all. I really cherished that occasion and treasured it happily.
