Businessman and philanthropist Femi Otedola has emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to support visionary leaders in the nation.
Mr Otedola’s outburst comes amid the ongoing feud between his fellow businessman, Aliko Dangote and the oil regulatory body, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Agency (NMDPRA), over the former’s refinery located in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
In a post shared on X Tuesday, Otedola described Dangote as a visionary man and also highlighted his immense investments in the country.
He wrote, “My brother, the Visionary, has built the largest single train refinery in the world, not in Kano, but in Lagos State. He is the owner of the second-largest sugar refinery in the world, also in Lagos State, and the largest cement factory in the world, not in Kano, but in Kogi State.
“Aliko Dangote is also the largest private sector employer of labor in the country, and his companies are among the largest taxpayers.
“If not for him, we would still be importing cement. His contributions extend beyond industrial facilities to critical infrastructure, having built major roads such as the Apapa Oshodi-Owonrosoki Express Road, Wharf Road, and the Obajana-Kabba Road.”
He pointed out examples of men who where visionaries during their own time. He noted that in their days, government were in support of their vision..
He continued, “Countries in the nascent stages of industrialization require visionary leaders. This is why it’s no surprise that the United States was built by the vision and tenacity of a few remarkable individuals—Cornelius Vanderbilt, John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, and Henry Ford, the men who built America’s industrial landscape.
“These men left the world without these assets but left behind a legacy that has kept their country thriving generation after generation.
“These visionaries were also supported by their government, which recognized the importance of fostering local champions.”
He went further to enumerate industries and company which started off and had the backing of the government which made them achieve global results. He therefore encouraged the Nigerian government to do the same for Aliko Dangote.
“In Nigeria, we have our own titans, and it is imperative that we recognize and support them. Aliko Dangote has broken every boundary in worldwide business and industry.
” His contributions are not just a testament to his brilliance but a beacon of what is possible when vision meets opportunity.
“Supporting local champions like Dangote is crucial for our national development and economic independence. Let us continue to foster and support these visionaries who drive our nation’s progress,” he added.
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