President Muhammadu Buhari and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on Sunday congratulated astute businessman and philantrophist, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on his 60th birthday, describing him as an inspiration to many people. Dangote clocks 60 today, April 10, 2017.

President Buhari in a statement joined the business world, Dangote’s friends and family in congratulating the richest African and black man for reaching the diamond milestone.

Buhari noted Dangote’s patriotism and kind heartedness “in always making sacrifices to safeguard the health of the nation, most remarkably the polio and Ebola interventions”.

“The President believes the global business mogul remains a shining example of the virtues of choosing entrepreneurship from an early age, treading the path of diligence, perseverance and continuous learning to build some of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies, with household names in Nigeria and beyond,” Buhari said in a statement by Mr. Femi Adesina, his media adviser.

Buhari commended Dangote’s humility, simplicity and cosmopolitan outlook.

He especially remarked on how Dangote “defies ethnic and religious persuasions in extending support to the poor and vulnerable, providing employment opportunities without discrimination, while inspiring and mentoring young Nigerians to greatness.”

The President also acknowledged Dangote’s role in bolstering the economy through continuous engagement and counselling of governments on best practices in promoting the ease of doing business.

On his part, Asiwaju Tinubu in a letter to Dangote personally signed by him, commended the business mogul for his boldness and bravery in taking the business risks he took, which he said have now paid off.

The All Progressives National Congress (APC) national stalwart said Dangote has broken all business barriers and is now helping to industrialise Africa, with the operations of his Dangote Group in 17 African countries and beyond.

In the letter dated April 9, 2017 and released in a statement by his Media Office, Tinubu said: “Dear Alhaji Dangote, my family and I congratulate you on your 60th birthday.

“Your life has been an inspiration to many. From a lowly background, you rose to the top by dint of hard work and perseverance.

“The boldness and bravery you demonstrated in taking the business risks you took have paid off. You have shown that with resilience, we can always convert risks and challenges to opportunities.

“Today, you are that African man that has broken all barriers. With operations in over 17 African countries including Nigeria, the awesome Dangote Group you established is helping to industrialise Africa.

“You have made people and made lives a lot better through the employment opportunities you have created and your other humanitarian activities.

“I wish you many more years in life. I pray that Allah grants all you need to continue to impact the lives of many more people.”

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