Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
AFRICA’S richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said having a male heir is not a priority for him, stressing that any of his daughters could eventually take over his business empire.
Dangote, who is 69, made the remarks during an interview with Oji Okpe on Tuesday’s edition of What’s Trending on Arise News Television.
The billionaire said he was proud of his daughters and would be comfortable with any of them succeeding him, rather than insisting on having a son to carry on the family name.
“I’m proud of my daughters. One of them could take over from me,” Dangote said.
He cautioned against trying to force circumstances that God had not ordained, noting that having a male heir would not necessarily guarantee the preservation of the family name.
“If I insist on having a son, he may be the one that will take down the name of the family,” he said.
Dangote added: “What God does not give to you, don’t push it.”
According to him, a professional manager would not be considered to be in charge of the conglomerate because such would not be able to take risks as someone who’s part of the Dangote family.
He said he wouldn’t have been able take the risks of venturing into the energy industry if he were a professional placed in charge of the conglomerate.
His comments come amid renewed discussions about succession, family businesses and the role of women in taking over major corporate enterprises.
Dangote founded the Dangote Group, one of Africa’s largest business conglomerates, with interests spanning cement, sugar, salt, fertiliser and petroleum refining.
