Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last presidential election, has lauded Nigerian billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote for investing in Nigeria, News About Nigeria reports.
Obi said this amidst recent regrets shared by the richest man in Africa following the challenges he has been facing with the federal government and the operation of the Dangote Refinery.
Recall that Dangote had recounted how a friend who had dissuaded him from investing in Nigeria mocked him when the back-and-forth issues with the FG concerning the operation of the refinery started.
In response to this, the former Anambra state governor, in a statement released on his official X account on Monday, noted that Dangote’s friend was wrong.
According to Obi, the billionaire businessman did well by investing in the growth and development of the country.
The statement partly reads, “Recently, the media was awash with a comment of disappointment credited to Alhaji Aliko Dangote, where he said that one of his wealthy friends, who earlier discouraged him from investing in Nigeria, now mocks him, following the many challenges that have continued to contend with his business operations. My dear elder brother, Alhaji Dangote, I want you to know that your friend is wrong. You did the right thing by investing in the productivity, growth, development, and progress of our beloved nation, through your many business ventures, irrespective of the challenges and obstacles that now stand in your way.”
While encouraging Dangote to be steadfast in his commitment to the growth of the nation, Obi recounted all he has lost by transitioning from the private sector to the public sector, adding that he still faces some challenges even from the government.
He, however, noted that God will continue to grant them help to overcome as they look forward to a better Nigeria.
“I have lost more in my own life ever since I joined public service, which I would not have lost if I remained in the private sector. From all my savings from abroad, which I brought back home, to the businesses I started in Nigeria, which were either run aground or taken over by those entrusted with their management, I endured them all. Till today, I still face similar challenges where most times one is either being harassed by the government or the same system meant to protect you. But I believe that God kept us for this, and has empowered us to bring positive change and shine the light on the dark areas of our nation. I encourage you to remain resilient in the face of the present challenges, not for material gains, but for the development and progress of the nation and a better humanity. It may have been a long night, but the glorious dawn of our nation shall come eventually, and we will enjoy the New Nigeria we have all laboured for because It is POssible, if we persevere.”
