Remarkably, my brother, the Visionary, has built the world’s largest single-train refinery in Lagos State, not in Kano. He owns the second-largest sugar refinery globally, also in Lagos, and the largest cement factory in the world, located in Kogi State.
Additionally, he has established one of the world’s second-largest fertilizer plants, which will soon surpass the biggest one in Qatar, again in Lagos State. Furthermore, he has built a fertilizer plant in Lagos that already exports globally. Aliko Dangote is a titan created by God for mankind. He is the largest private sector employer in the country and one of the top taxpayers, often paying more in taxes than the top banks combined. Without him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, such as the Apapa Oshodi-Oworonshoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.
Countries in the early stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. The United States, for example, was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford—THE MEN WHO BUILT America’s industrial landscape. These men left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving for generations, immortalized not in the material wealth they amassed but in the enduring institutions and industries they established. Their success was also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions. Similarly, today’s tech giants like Microsoft and Tesla received substantial support from the US government. For instance, in January 2010, the Department of Energy issued a $465 million loan to Tesla Motors to produce all-electric vehicles and develop a manufacturing facility in Fremont, California, for battery packs, electric motors, and other powertrain components. This initiative was part of broader efforts, such as the federal EV-charging program supported by the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (NEVI).
In India, the government has played a crucial role in supporting business titans like Gautam Adani and Mukesh Ambani, significantly boosting their companies to contribute to India’s economic growth and global presence.
Emerging market countries like Vietnam, South Africa, Brazil, and China have also benefited from government support for local businesses, jump-starting industrialization. In Vietnam, government incentives have fostered a rapidly growing technology sector. In South Africa, support for the mining industry has been essential in maintaining global competitiveness. Brazil’s substantial government investment in agriculture has made it one of the world’s leading food exporters. In China, backing for companies like Huawei and Alibaba has propelled them to global tech and e-commerce leadership.
In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is vital to recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has shattered boundaries in global business and industry. His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but also a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets opportunity. Supporting local champions like Dangote is essential for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to nurture and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress.
