Billionaire businessman, Aliko Dangote, was on Thursday named Forbes Africa’s Person of the Year 2014.
At the unveiling ceremony in Nairobi, Kenya, Aliko Dangote, who has played key roles in Nigeria’s development, dedicated the award to Nigeria, noting he was proud to be African.
It was his fourth nomination for the position.
The panel of judges who decided Dangote fit the bill, said “Aliko Dangote is a lion of Africa in terms of business. He is second to none when it comes to investing in Africa, not just Nigeria. He is also a capitalist with a big heart. He puts his money where his mouth is and his foundation is a step forward for a man who wants to make a difference on the continent.”
Dangote clinched the award ahead of other finalists; South Africa’s Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela; Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie; Director-General of the Securities & Exchange Commission Nigeria, Arunma Oteh and President of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka.
Thank you @forbesafrica. I am humbled by this honour. I dedicate the award to Nigeria and I am proud to be an African pic.twitter.com/KY8wllqiKu
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) December 4, 2014