There was an outpouring of cheers and standing ovation as Africa’s foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote, joined 44 distinguished Nigerians to receive an award at a ceremony organised by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The award ceremony at the weekend in Abuja, comes shortly after his inclusion in the list of 100 world’s most influential people by Time Magazine.
In his remarks, President of the National Association of Nigerian Students, Comrade Olushola Oladoja, described Mr. Dangote as a visionary leader whose company has reshaped industries and inspired millions of young Nigerians.
He praised the business magnate’s resilience, discipline, and commitment to national development, noting that his achievements continue to serve as a powerful source of motivation for students across the country.
The NANS President further commended Mr. Dangote for his job creation strides, industrial growth, and philanthropy, noting that his impact goes beyond business success to include meaningful contributions to education.
He added that the award was presented to Mr. Dangote, “in recognition of your outstanding contribution to economic development, institutional strengthening and national transformation through impactful service to the private sector and national development.
“Your visionary leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence continue to drive sustainable growth, create opportunities and advance Nigeria’s socio-economic development.”
Representative of Mr. Dangote, Fatima Wali Abdurrahman, conveyed appreciation on behalf of the industrialist and the Dangote Group.
Mrs Wali-Abdurrahman, who is a Regional Director and Senior Adviser to Mr. Dangote, noted that education remains a cornerstone of Mr. Dangote’s philanthropic efforts, with scholarships, infrastructure development, and institutional partnerships forming key pillars of its intervention.
According to her, these efforts are driven by a belief that investing in education is critical to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
The ceremony, which marked NANS’ 45th anniversary, brought together student leaders, policymakers like the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, Vice Chancelor of Lagos State University, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Adeola Ajayi, former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute of Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, and the Vice-Chancellor of Bayero University, Prof. Haruna Musa, among others.
Also honoured were the Ministers of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, among others.
