Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Industries Limited, says having a son is not a priority for him, as he is happy with the achievements of his three daughters.
Dangote, 69, said this in an interview aired by Arise News on Tuesday while responding to questions about whether he wanted a male heir to continue the family name.
“That is not my priority because God controls everything. You can pray for God to give you a son, but he might be the one to take down the name of the family. Sometimes, when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push,” he said.
He also said he did not believe a son would have achieved more than his daughters, Mariya, Halima and Fatima.
“I don’t think a son would have done better than the three daughters I have,” Dangote said.
His comments came as attention grows around his succession plans and wealth. In July, Halima Dangote said the family agreed to give 33 per cent of his estate to charity.
Dangote confirmed that an agreement had been signed to transfer one-third of his wealth to the Dangote Foundation after his death.
“It’s a paper that we’ve signed an agreement that in case anything happens, because I won’t live forever, that one-third belongs to Dangote Foundation, and the foundation should pass that money to people,” he said.
Forbes estimates his wealth at $51.3bn.
He advised young people to work hard, stay focused and avoid rushing success.
“Work hard, be consistent, focused and know what you want to do. You can’t be a jack of all trades; concentrate, you will get there, and don’t be too much in a hurry,” he said.
Dangote also recalled starting his career as a distributor.
“I started business only selling four trucks as a distributor and not an importer,” he said.
