FEMI OTEDOLA HOSTS ALIKO DANGOTE @ 60

k nown as Africa's wealthiest black man is something wears effortlessly on his sleeve But this is not the first time his family has been acclaimed with such status. His great-grandfather, Alhassan Dantata, was also regarded as Africa's richest man at the time of his death. So clearly, attaining such heights runs in the fam-ily. That Aliko is a household name is without a doubt. A lot is known about his business acumen and philanthropy but not much is known about the man himself. A legend of our time. A first amongst equals. So today, I have chosen to talk about the man behind the name. According to his brother, Sani Dangote, Aliko's rising star was already apparent because at such young age, he was already selling sweets. But even at that, I do not think Aliko had any idea of just how high his star would soar. As a young man, he got a small loan to start his business. Fast forward decades later, the Dangote group plays the leading role in Cement, Sugar, Noodles, Salt, Flour, Steel, Beverages, Logistics, Telecommunications, 01 and Gas, Real Estate, Pasta and Afro Sacks. But what is most endearing about Aliko is that even with his fame and fortune, his simplicity and humility is second to none! With a time schedule as crazy as his obviously is, Aliko always honours most invitations even if he just flew in that night! He goes the extra mile to please his friends from all works of life, no mater how big or small. Such is his demeanor because he is approachable. What is even more touching is Aliko's ability to return calls and texts! One would think that with a man that busy, he would not have the time to do so, but Aliko finds the time. That is a man that values friendship regardless of the person's status or lack thereof. For a man of his repute and worth, one would have assumed Aliko would roll out the drums in opulence and splendor to mark his 60th but that was far from it. He wanted no fanfare and preferred to mark it quietly, preferably with just family and few friends. But alas, those who hold him dear (and there are many of such) insisted of doing something worthy and befitting of a man of his status. As a great philanthropist, the list of donations and ventures Aliko has taken on to better the lives of Nigerian dtizens are too many to mention and as a friend and mentor, his positive influence too much to write. So to say he was deserving of the various events hosted on his behalf is putting it very mildly. The three parties held for Aliko, were hosted by his long time friend and brother' from another mother, Femi Otedola, his very good friend AIGBOJE AIG-IMOUKHUEDE and his dear' sister' Kavita Chellarams, all of whom have shared many happy years of business and friendship with Aliko. In one of the many speeches made at various times during the course of the celebrations, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II made a reference to Aliko's closeness to his mother and said any man who does not hold his mother in high regard or is not close to her can never be successful in life and Aliko is a living testimony of that. Aliko is very close to his mother. They share a strong bond and regardless of his wealth and stature, Aliko still pays reverence to her and she in return, plays a pertinent role in his life till date. Aliko's three daughters also spoke and sang his praises. They mentioned how big a role he has played and is still playing in each of their lives. It was obvious for all to see, the na-ked admiration they have for their loving father and grandfather and the strong bond they share with him. When goodwill mes-sages were played out on the video at one of the events, very admirable comments were made with utmost respect for the celebrant. Some of such people recorded were Bill Gates, Bono and Bill Clinton. Aliko himself made a moving speech in response by first thanking everyone for coming and going on to say he valued his friends and loved ones much more than he valued his wealth. This comment, coming from a man who has everything money can buy, revealed the importance of relationships and the added value of it in ones existence. In fact, a funny, but oh-so-endearingly-cute incident hap-pened at Kavita's dinner for Aliko. Aliko had asked Kavita's six-year old grandson when he, Aliko, could come and take him out and the young boy replied that he would have to check his own schedule which ignited so much laughter from everyone! This also reminded me of what happened to the late Nelson Mandela when he met a young lad of the same age The boy had appar-ently asked Mandela his name and when Mandela told him, he proceeded to ask Mandela who he was! To both these young lads, Aliko and Mandela were just adults no different from any-body else! Ah... the sheer innocence of youth! At all the three events, Aliko expressed so much gratitude to his various hosts and enjoyed himself by letting his hair down. His demeanor remained calm as always and jovial throughout. No high tables No security. No protocol. No high service. Ev-eryone and anyone had access to him. He had an ear for every single person that approached him and exchanged jokes. He was accessible. He was reachable. With a man like Aliko, greatly admired and respected for his towering presence on the global stage, remaining down to earth and staying humble is a feat that defies all odds. He is a shining example of how success should not dictate your personality. No matter who, what or where you are in life, building long-standing relationships with mutual respect remains top priority.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALIKO!