Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has emphasised humility and a simple lifestyle, saying his wealth doesn’t stop him from adapting to basic living conditions.
Dangote spoke at the Vision 2030 event on Monday, where he also honoured an invitation from popular content creator Adebayo Ridwan, known as Bae U Barbie, to appear on his YouTube show, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
According to the billionaire, living simply matters, and no one should let success or money make them feel bigger than others.
“And also to show people that, look, in life, you have to be as simple as you can, because anybody can be anybody,” he said.
Dangote stated that despite his status, he can comfortably stay anywhere and manage with whatever is available.
“Today, if you take me to anywhere, if you take me to the worst hotel, I can sleep, I can have my shower, I can leave,” he said.
“So because life is about simplicity, and make sure that, look, don’t take yourself up there,” he added.
He cited his friendship with the Prime Minister of Ethiopia as an example of simplicity in leadership, noting that the prime minister served for eight years without a driver.Dangote recalled asking him, during a trip to commission a fertiliser plant, why he had no driver, and he said his wife drives him.
The remarks followed an invitation from Bae U, who told Dangote that younger Nigerians want to hear directly from business leaders like him. Still, they mostly don’t watch the platforms where he has previously interviewed.
In his response, Dangote said the youth represent the future and older generations owe them honest conversations about their experiences.
“Honestly, the future that we have is actually you, the youth. Our generation, really, has not done very well for Nigeria or Africa. That’s the truth,” he said.
He added, “So we need to sit down with some of you and discuss our own experience with you.”
Dangote noted that young Nigerians have continued to show him support and respect, which is why he is always willing to take pictures with members of the public.
He recalled meeting notable personalities in Washington with his late grandfather when he was young and asking for photographs, an experience that shaped his approach to relating with people.
