Having a male heir not my priority – Aliko Dangote

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, says having a son to inherit his business empire is not a priority as he believes his three daughters, Halima, Fatima and Mariya, are all capable to take over his business in future.

In a chat with Arise TV, Aliko was asked if he still considers having a male child, particularly given the traditional expectations surrounding male heirs in Kano, his home state.

Responding, the 69-year-old businessman said

“God controls everything. And for me, really, sometimes, yeah, you can pray for God to give you a son, but that son might be the one that would tear down the name of the family. So sometimes when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push.

Even if I had a son, I don’t think the son would have done better than these three daughters that I have.”

When asked whether he could see one of his daughters taking charge of the group, Dangote said

“I think, yes, I can see one of them. I’ve been watching all of them, so I can definitely see one of the three that can actually lead.

They are very, very interested in the business. I’m not forcing them to come and be part of this business, no. They are very interested, and they enjoy it,” he said

Dangote said he believed his daughters could surpass his achievements and take the company to a higher level.

Watch a clip from his interview below