Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his Delta State counterpart, Ifeanyi Okowa, have sent congratulatory messages to Nigerian business magnate and President of Dangote Group.
He described Dangote, who clocked 65 on Sunday, April 10 as a renowned business man, seasoned administrator, and philanthropist who has contributed immensely to the economy and livelihood of many Nigerians.
The Lagos Governor said Dangote is doing a lot for Nigeria by contributing to the growth of her economy and providing jobs and empowerment for millions of people, especially youths in different parts of the country.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, praised Dangote’s contribution to the economy of Nigeria through his various manufacturing companies in different parts of the country, especially the Dangote Fertilizer Plant and the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos.
He said, “On behalf of my wife, Ibijoke, Lagos State Government, and the good people of Lagos State, I join family, friends and business associates to congratulate you (Alhaji Aliko Dangote) on your 65th birthday celebration.
“You are a blessing to your generation considering how God has been using you to put smiles on the faces of many Nigerians working in your companies. You are an employer of labour and a respected business magnate who is contributing positively to the economy of Nigeria.
“Lagos is happy to associate with you because of the tremendous work you are doing in our State by setting up two of your major companies – Dangote Fertilizer Plant and Dangote Refinery – that have provided job opportunities for thousands of Lagosians.
“We want to thank God for the grace upon your life and for using your business acumen and philanthropic gestures for good causes in our society.
“I wish you all the very best on your 65th birthday. I pray that God will grant you long life and sound health for you to continue to contribute to humanity.”
On his part, Governor Okowa in a congratulatory message through his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, in Asaba, said that Nigerians and Africans were proud of Dangote for his massive accomplishments, which began with very little beginning in 1977.
He said that for almost a decade, Aliko Dangote had continued to top the list of Africa’s wealthiest men by dint of hard work and tenacity.
He remarked that the business tycoon’s investments in key sectors of the economy had remained a reference point for investors, and urged him to sustain his path finding role in scaling Nigeria’s and Africa’s economies.
“On behalf of my family, the government and people of Delta, I congratulate Africa’s biggest entrepreneur, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, on his 65th birth anniversary.
“As an astute businessman of immense repute, you have continued to point the way for the diversification of the nation’s economy.
“We are particularly grateful to you for the vision of building the multi-billion dollar Dangote Petroleum Refinery capable of processing 650,000 barrels per day of crude oil, making it the largest single-train refinery in the world.
“It is expected that when this facility comes on stream, it will help Nigeria conserve foreign exchange spent on importation of refined petroleum products and also eliminate subsidies to a greater percentage.
“As you celebrate this day, I join your family, business associates and well-wishers to celebrate a life of great accomplishments.
“It is my prayer that God will grant you good health and more wisdom for greater exploits in business and in your service to God and humanity.”
