Africa’s Richest Man and Billionaire, Aliko Dangote. with an estimated worth over $20 Billion was on Thursday awarded the Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014. Dangote beat a number of strong contenders for the much coveted award to emerge as this year’s winner. The unveiling ceremony was held in Nairobi, Kenya as reported by CNBC Africa. Other finalists include: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Nigerian author, Arunma Oteh, Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank, and Thuli Madonsela, South Africa’s Public Protector.
According to Rakesh Wahi, Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Africa Business News (ABN) at the event, “The mission of this event is to honour one exceptional leader from the African continent, who has made an impact not only on the industry he or she serves, but who also has touched the lives of people, and in doing so is a role model for future generations of business leaders,” said wahi.
On selecting Dangote, the panel of judges said “Aliko Dangote is a lion of Africa in terms of business. He is second to none when it comes to investing in Africa, not just Nigeria. He is also a capitalist with a big heart. He puts his money where his mouth is and his foundation is a step forward for a man who wants to make a difference on the continent,”.
Dangote took to Twitter to show his appreciation for the award and said “Thank you @forbesafrica. I am humbled by this honour. I dedicate the award to Nigeria and I am proud to be an African”
Thank you @forbesafrica. I am humbled by this honour. I dedicate the award to Nigeria and I am proud to be an African pic.twitter.com/KY8wllqiKu
— Aliko Dangote (@AlikoDangote) December 4, 2014