Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said he would rather go to prison than have his phone taken away, describing it as something he cannot do without.

Dangote made the remark while responding to a question about choosing between spending a week without his phone or his private jet.

“I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean, taking my phone away is no-go area,” he said.

The billionaire industrialist explained that he has used the same phone number since 2000 and has more than 13,000 contacts saved on his phone.

He added that he rarely blocks people because many people have his number, noting that he answers his calls.

“You know how many contacts I have on my phone? Yesterday, we were together. We tried to watch a film together, and then your phone was just buzzing and buzzing. So, I know that would be almost impossible.”

“I have had that number since 2000. I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone. I don’t like blocking people. So, a lot of people have my number.”

Dangote also spoke about his habit of driving himself, revealing that he sometimes travels without a driver or security personnel.

Recounting an encounter with an associate, Samad, Dangote said the latter was surprised to learn that he had driven himself to a meeting.

“I drove myself. I parked my car and, you know, I’m a better driver than my driver,” he said. (Nigerian Tribune)