Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Industries Limited, has announced that he is currently taking a well-deserved break following the completion of his refinery project.
He revealed this information while speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new 43-storey First Bank Head Office at Eko Atlantic City in Lagos.
The $20 billion, 650,000-barrel refinery and petrochemicals project has disrupted the oil and gas market in Africa and beyond, with the refinery now exporting refined products to countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Despite facing challenges during the construction of the refinery, Dangote described it as the biggest risk of his life and mentioned that he went through a tough time. However, he stated at the event that he is now taking a rest after successfully delivering the project.
Dangote also praised his friend and ally, Mr. Femi Otedola, the Chairman of FirstHoldCo, for his bold move in constructing the new 43-storey First Bank Head Office in Eko Atlantic.
He said Eko Atlantic is the new City of Lagos and with FirstBank joining the list of corporate entities in the emerging industrial hub, more banks would come in.
Dangote however stated that Otedola had also invited him to come to Eko Atlantic, adding, “Maybe soon, not now I’m resting right now. Having delivered the refinery I need some rest but I’ll come, I’ll be here very soon. So I want to congratulate you (Otedola) and the entire board and management of First Bank for taking this bold move of building a massive edifice in the new City of Lagos.”
The groundbreaking is being attended by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, Governors of Lagos, Ogun and Ondo – Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Dapo Abiodun and Lucky Aiyedatiwa respectively.
Others are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamza; former Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, among others.
Other billionaires and CEOs in attendance included CEO of Pacific Holdings, Dr. Deji Adeleke; CEO of Sapetro, Senator Daisy Danjuma; Ambassador Gilbert Chagoury; Alhaji Mustapha Indimi, among others
