Africa’s richest man and industrial titan, Aliko Dangote, has been honoured with the prestigious Leadership Person of the Year Award, using the moment to rally both public and private sector leaders to unite in steering Nigeria out of its economic and socio-political turbulence.

Speaking at the 17th Leadership Annual Conference and Awards held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Dangote, represented by his Special Adviser, Engr Mansur Ahmed, said the time had come for deeper collaboration between government and private enterprise to forge a new path for national development.

“Given the apocalyptic developments currently unfolding in the global economic arena, it is imperative that leading stakeholders from all sectors of every economy must close ranks and collaborate to advance the interest of their nation,” Dangote said.

The award, presented by Leadership Group of Newspapers, was one of the highlights of a grand event that drew Vice President Kashim Shettima (represented by Dr. Aliyu Umar Modibbo), ministers, governors, lawmakers, business leaders and dignitaries from across sectors.

Dangote, whose business empire spans cement, oil, sugar, and more, pledged continued commitment to national development on behalf of all award recipients:

“I would like to assure Nigerians of our commitment to continue doing everything we can to collectively make Nigeria a better place for the benefit of the present and future generations,” he affirmed.

Also present to support the business mogul were senior executives of Dangote Group, including Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, Ibrahim Dikko Adamu, Anthony Chiejina, Capt Jamila MD Abubakar, Abatcha Bishara, Hashem Ahmed, and Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi.

Themed “Challenges and Opportunities in Nigeria’s Fiscal Federalism,” the conference tackled pressing national issues, underscoring the need for effective fiscal policies and inclusive economic governance.

As he adds yet another feather to his cap, Dangote continues to be a towering figure not just in business, but in shaping the continent’s future through enterprise, philanthropy, and advocacy for sustainable development.