Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has said having a male heir is not a priority for him, noting that his three daughters have already distinguished themselves.
Dangote made the remarks during an interview with Arise News on Tuesday while responding to a question about whether he still wished to have a son who could carry on the family name.
The 69-year-old business mogul said he was content with what God had given him, stressing that the birth of a son does not necessarily guarantee the preservation of a family’s legacy.
“That is not my priority because God controls everything. You can pray for God to give you a son, but he might be the one to take down the name of the family. Sometimes, when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push,” he said.
Dangote, who has three daughters — Mariya, Halima and Fatima — said he had no reason to believe a son would have achieved more than his daughters.
“I don’t think a son would have done better than the three daughters I have,” he added.
His comments come amid renewed interest in his succession plans and the future of his vast business empire and personal wealth.
In July, Halima Dangote, a trustee of the Aliko Dangote Foundation, disclosed that the family had agreed to commit 33 per cent of Dangote’s estate to philanthropy.
Dangote confirmed the arrangement during the interview, saying a formal agreement had been signed to ensure that one-third of his wealth would be transferred to the foundation after his death.
“It’s a paper that we’ve signed an agreement that in case anything happens, because I won’t live forever, that one-third belongs to Dangote Foundation, and the foundation should pass that money to people,” he said.
According to Forbes, Dangote’s estimated net worth stands at $51.3 billion.
Reflecting on the path to success, the business tycoon advised young people to remain focused, consistent and patient in pursuing their ambitions.
“Work hard, be consistent, focused and know what you want to do. You can’t be a jack of all trades; concentrate, you will get there, and don’t be too much in a hurry,” he said.
