Dangote Donates N8bn, Rabiu N5bn as Nigeria’s Elite Gather for IBB’s Book Launch and Library Project
The Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja witnessed a convergence of Nigeria’s most influential figures on Thursday for the launch of “A Journey in Service”, the autobiography of former Military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB). The event doubled as a fundraiser for the IBB Presidential Library Project, with notable philanthropists and business moguls making substantial contributions.
Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, pledged N8 billion, to be disbursed in N2 billion annual installments over four years. Dangote assured that if the project extended beyond the stipulated timeframe, he would continue contributing N2 billion annually until completion.
Other prominent donors included Alhaji Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder of BUA Group, who donated N5 billion, while General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd.), Founder of the TY Danjuma Foundation, contributed N3 billion.
In his remarks, Dangote lauded Babangida for policies that revolutionized Nigeria’s private sector, particularly the abolition of import licenses during his administration. According to Dangote, these reforms paved the way for increased private sector participation, which now accounts for 85% of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), compared to the government’s 15%.
“Your Excellency, I express my sincere gratitude for all you have done for Nigeria. Many may not realize that you were the architect of the private sector in Nigeria,” Dangote stated, emphasizing Babangida’s role in fostering a business-friendly environment that empowered Nigerian entrepreneurs to thrive without relying on intermediaries.
The fundraising event marks a significant step toward preserving the legacy of one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, with contributions from the nation’s business elite underscoring their support for the project’s success.
