Dangote urges leadership institute to train African presidents, governors

President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has called on the Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute to take the lead in training African presidents, prime ministers, governors and senior policymakers to strengthen governance and accelerate development across the continent.

Dangote made the call on Friday during an engagement with the leadership of the institute and the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library during their visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos.

According to a statement issued by Professor Elvis Otobo, Media Consultant to the Deputy Chief Executive, Professor Adedeji Daramola, Dangote described the institute as a strategic platform capable of driving leadership renewal across Africa.

“The Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute is exactly what Africa needs at this critical time. With President Obasanjo and other outstanding African past presidents at its core, OOLI is uniquely placed to deliver experiential leadership workshops and bespoke training for African leaders who genuinely want to transform their nations,” Dangote said.

Mr Dangote further urged leaders across the continent to embrace continuous learning and position leadership development at the centre of governance reforms.

“If Africa is serious about changing its development story, then our leaders must embrace continuous learning.

“OOLI offers the right platform—rooted in African experience, yet globally oriented—to make that happen,” he added.

Obasanjo recounts cement industry turning point

Speaking during the visit, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recounted how a conversation with Dangote years ago helped transform Nigeria’s cement industry and reshape industrial development across Africa.

Mr Obasanjo recalled inviting Dangote for a meeting at a time when the businessman was heavily involved in cement importation.

He said he questioned why Nigeria continued importing cement despite abundant limestone deposits.

“He told me honestly, ‘It is more profitable for me to import and sell than to produce here.’ That was the truth. So I asked him, ‘What can I do to make you produce cement locally?’”

According to Mr Obasanjo, Dangote proposed linking import approvals to local production commitments.

“He said, ‘Make it unprofitable to import cement as it is. Tie my ability to import cement to my commitment to produce cement,’” Mr Obasanjo stated.

Dangote highlights industrial growth

Reflecting on the outcome of that policy direction, Dangote said Nigeria has grown into a major cement-producing nation.

“Today, Nigeria produces more cement than Saudi Arabia. We are the largest producer of cement in Africa and the Middle East,” he said.

Mr Dangote credited the intervention for changing the trajectory of the business and enabling expansion into several African markets including Ghana, Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

“Obasanjo’s leadership strategic mapping changed the trajectory of our business. That decision has benefitted multiple African economies. This is the kind of practical leadership OOLI can teach to presidents and policymakers,” he added.

Institute reaffirms leadership mandate

Speaking on behalf of the institute, Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive of OOLI representing the Director-General, retired Lieutenant General Martin Luther Agwai, appreciated Dangote’s endorsement and praised the refinery’s impact on Africa’s economy.

“We appreciate the enormous impact of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the entire conglomerate on Africa’s economy.

“OOLI’s mandate is clear: to raise leaders who deliver measurable results,” Mr Daramola said.

He added that the institute had assembled diplomats, academics, practitioners and facilitators from across the world to strengthen leadership capacity across African countries.

“Our programmes are experiential, practical and grounded in real-world leadership challenges. With the right curriculum and facilities, OOLI is ready to support presidents, prime ministers, governors and senior officials committed to transformational leadership,” he stated.

Mr Daramola reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to becoming a continental hub for leadership excellence with focus on governance, peacebuilding, economic transformation and sustainable development.