If you ask the average Igbo man the reason why Aliko Dangote is the richest man in Africa, he will most likely mention government favoritism in waivers, loans, and policies. If you ask him why Innoson Motors is not the official vehicle in all the South Eastern States, he will go speechless. I once had a lengthy discussion with a Jamaican about the founder and CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk. His conclusions were that Elon Musk is only exceptional because of the advantages he has enjoyed due to his white skin. Not long ago some lazy youths and artistes credited the continued success of Wizkid and Davido to their tribe and city of origin. Tomorrow if you become exceptionally successful people with the same mindset will not think about your hardship, hard work, commitment, persistence, and discipline. They will be looking for excuses that will make them feel good and discredit your rise to the top. If you are in this group, repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Aliko Dangote is not the only Hausa businessman from northern Nigeria or anywhere in Nigeria who has enjoyed favorable government policies. Just as Elon Musk is not the only White man to enjoy favorable economic policies from the United States government that is not even his country of birth. Tesla Motors enjoyed government funding as a soft loan for electric vehicles and is about to enjoy another funding for his satellite internet company. The truth is that great entrepreneurs always find ways to maximize and even game the system to their benefit. They often apply business practices that prevent their competitors from being competitive. The same can be said about Dangote Cement and Ibeto Cement, and many other competing companies like Microsoft that have been accused and found guilty of antitrust or anti-competitive business practices. If you read the story of Jeff Bezos’ rise to become the richest man in the world via Amazon you will see similar aggressive business practices.
Life can be seen presently as the survival of the most intelligent, tenacious, and courageous. There is no gainsaying the fact that the richest man in the world in the last 2 decades was a nerd called Bill Gates, the present richest man Jeff Bezos is also a nerd, and the most likely next richest man Elon Musk is also a nerd. Hip Hop’s 2 billionaires – Jay Z and Kanye West are not billionaires because of their music but because of their intelligence. Google and watch an interview of Aliko Dangote and you will forget your government conspiracy theory because of his intelligence. Intelligence has never been more important. This is more so because of the multiplicity of information in this information age. Those with the ability to process and maximize the data available to them in making everyday decisions carry the day. So, ask yourself – what have I done with the great advantage of living in an age where I can find free training online on anything I want to do or become through the internet and YouTube?
Ata Ukuta, Editor – www.towncryyers.com