Africa’s Richest Man

Fri, Mar 8, 2013

By publisher

3 MIN READ

Forbes, an international fortune-rating magazine, still lists Aliko Dangote, president of Dangote Group of companies as the 43rd richest man in the world and first in Africa

|  By Anayo Ezugwu  |  Mar. 18, 2013 @ 01:00 GMT

FOR the third time in a row, Aliko Dangote 55, has retained his position as the richest man in Africa and moved from 76 in 2012 to 43 in the latest world ranking with a net worth of $16.1 billion as at March 4, 2013. According to Forbes, Dangote is self-made, making money from his investments in cement, sugar and flour.

The fortune rating magazine is impressed with Dangote’s dexterity in making money, especially with his charity works through which he gives back to the society. In the wake of the flood that ravaged many cities in Nigeria, killing at least 360 people and left more than two million people homeless, Dangote donated N430 million to the victims and the presidential committee, headed by Dangote also gave N2.5 billion to the relief effort.

His words: “We should give while we are alive and also when we are young and capable. Sometimes, we need to have the genuine experience of deprivation and poverty in order to appreciate the need to be our brother’s keeper.” Recently, Dangote gave N6million to the families of the slain health workers in Kano State and donated N130 million to the Super Eagles of Nigeria for winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa.

Dangote, who was born on April 10, 1957 in Kano, now lives in Lagos. He read Business Studies at the Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt. On November 14, 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan awarded him Nigeria’s second highest honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.

Mike Adenuga, 59 chairman of Globacom was the second Nigerian on Forbes’ list. He was ranked the 267th richest man in the world, 5th in Africa and second in Nigeria. He made his mark through his telecommunication and oil and gas companies. He is using his foundation to help the society in all human endeavours by supporting initiatives that will enhance the socioeconomic development of the country. He is using the foundation to raise young Nigerians through Glo football academy, Glo scholarship and promotion of primary health care in the rural areas. He also donated $1 million to the Super Eagles of Nigeria after winning the continental tournament in South Africa.

Adenuga was born on March 29, 1953, in Ogun State. He read Business Administration at Northwestern State University, Alva, Oklahoma, US. On September 17, 2012, President Goodluck Jonathan awarded Adenuga Nigeria’s second highest honour, Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, GCON.