Segun Atanda/
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has showered praises on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as his visionary leadership in spearheading landmark infrastructure projects, notably the Bar Beach Land Reclamation and Eko Atlantic City initiatives that have transformed flood-prone areas of Victoria Island into thriving urban hubs.
In an open letter titled “Appreciation,” the Founder and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited described Tinubu as the “Asiwaju of Africa,” lauding him for conceiving the Eko Atlantic City project in 2008, a now iconic 1,000-hectare modern city protected by an 8.5-kilometre-long sea wall.
“The project has transformed a coastline once plagued by ocean surges into a vibrant district defined by a modern skyline and attracting significant investment,” Dangote stated. “Those of us who live in Victoria Island are much better off for it.”
He referenced the recent tragic flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas, where over 100 lives were lost, as a reminder of the urgency of climate resilience — an effort he believes Tinubu proactively tackled with the reclamation project that now safeguards key commercial arteries such as Ahmadu Bello Way, Adetokunbo Ademola Street, and Bishop Oluwole Street.
Dangote also commended the President for initiating other legacy infrastructure projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, both being executed by Hitech Construction Company Limited.
“These moves recall successful Dutch land reclamation methods, like those used in Zeeland, Netherlands, to transform submerged land into usable territory,” he stated.
In recognition of Tinubu’s climate-forward leadership, Dangote revealed that the Aliko Dangote Foundation will soon unveil a Climate Fund dedicated to supporting vulnerable communities in Nigeria affected by flooding and rising sea levels.
“As we commiserate with the families of those who died in the Texas flooding, we are also grateful for your compassionate and visionary leadership,” he wrote. “May Almighty Allah continue to guide and inspire you to greater heights for the benefit of all Nigerians.”
Dangote’s letter underscores the growing corporate recognition of infrastructure as a tool for environmental resilience and economic growth.
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