Aliko Dangote, the continent’s wealthiest individual, has stated that he would prefer a prison sentence over being separated from his smartphone, highlighting his heavy reliance on the device for daily communication.
The billionaire businessman made the remark in Lagos while presenting his “Vision 2030” plan, which focuses on accelerating industrialisation across Africa.
Dangote was asked to choose between spending seven days without his phone and losing access to his private jet for the same period.
Responding, he said losing his phone would be far more difficult to accept.
“Ah… I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” he said.
The industrialist also disclosed that his phone contains more than 13,000 contacts, reflecting the extensive network of people he has connected with over the years.
“I know that would be almost… my number — I have that number since… Twitter… I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” Dangote said.
Asked how his contact list had grown so large, he explained that he rarely blocks people.
“Wow. Wow. I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people,” he added.
Dangote heads the Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement, fertiliser, manufacturing and petroleum refining, among other sectors.
What You Should Know
During a presentation in Lagos detailing his Vision 2030 industrialisation agenda, billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote shared personal insights into his communication habits, revealing that he stores over 13,000 contacts on his device.
- Positive Impact: Highlights the dedication and active personal engagement of a major business leader who remains directly accessible to thousands of associates.
- Potential Concerns: Offers no direct economic or financial risks to everyday citizens, serving primarily as an intriguing personal anecdote from a prominent business figure.
