Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group, has penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, commending his visionary leadership and impactful contributions to infrastructure development and flood control initiatives in Nigeria. Dangote’s letter, made public by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, serves as a powerful endorsement of Tinubu’s administration, particularly highlighting the transformative Eko Atlantic City project and ongoing nationwide superhighway constructions. This public appreciation comes amidst criticisms of the Tinubu administration, with Dangote’s perspective offering a contrasting narrative of tangible achievements and forward-thinking leadership.
Dangote’s commendation centers on the Eko Atlantic City project, a monumental land reclamation endeavor that has not only protected Victoria Island from the ravages of coastal erosion but also provided valuable land for residential, commercial, and recreational purposes. Drawing a parallel between the Eko Atlantic City’s success and the devastating floods experienced in Kerr County, Texas, Dangote underscores the foresight and efficacy of Tinubu’s initiative in safeguarding a vital area of Lagos. He lauds the project as a lasting legacy, benefiting residents and businesses alike, and praises Tinubu’s ongoing commitment to addressing perennial flooding issues in other parts of Lagos.
Furthermore, Dangote extends his accolades to encompass Tinubu’s commitment to broader infrastructural development. He specifically acknowledges the ambitious Lagos-Calabar coastal highway and the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway projects, both being undertaken by Hitech Construction Company Limited. Dangote emphasizes the significance of the Sokoto-Badagry superhighway as a revival of a long-stalled, 48-year-old project, showcasing Tinubu’s dedication to realizing crucial infrastructural goals. These projects, according to Dangote, are indicative of Tinubu’s commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
Dangote further connects Nigeria’s land reclamation endeavors to similar successful initiatives in Zeeland, Netherlands, where submerged land has been transformed into productive areas for agriculture and settlements. He highlights the ingenuity and perseverance demonstrated in the Dutch project, drawing a parallel to the Eko Atlantic City project and commending Tinubu for embracing such an ambitious and transformative approach to land management. This comparison serves to underscore the global significance and innovative nature of the Nigerian project, positioning it as a model for sustainable land development.
Beyond praising the President’s achievements, Dangote, through the Dangote Industries Limited, expressed condolences to the victims of the Texas flooding, highlighting the shared global challenge of natural disasters. The letter concludes with a significant announcement: the Aliko Dangote Foundation’s upcoming contribution to a Climate Fund dedicated to supporting vulnerable regions within Nigeria susceptible to natural disasters. This commitment underscores Dangote’s recognition of the importance of proactively addressing climate change and its impact on Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
Onanuga, in sharing Dangote’s letter, emphasized its significance as an “honest assessment” of Tinubu’s leadership, directly countering criticisms leveled against the administration. Dangote’s perspective, rooted in his extensive experience in business and development, provides a credible and impactful endorsement of Tinubu’s vision and accomplishments. The open letter, therefore, serves as a powerful counter-narrative, highlighting the tangible progress being made under Tinubu’s leadership and emphasizing the long-term benefits of his infrastructural and environmental initiatives. Dangote’s public support carries significant weight, showcasing the confidence of a prominent business leader in Tinubu’s ability to deliver on his promises and drive positive change in Nigeria.
