Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State said the president of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, understood Nigerians better than some politicians in the state.
Mr Mohammed made the comment in Bauchi State when officials of the Dangote Foundation paid him a courtesy visit.
The governor explained that some residents Bauchi held Mr Dangote in high esteem and saw him as an icon of hope.
According to him, this was because the businessman had been lending support in terms of empowering women and the vulnerable in Nigeria.
The governor said: “He has shown it by his pedigree as a person who has excelled in business and commerce and of course, lending support in terms of empowerment to the less privileged is there for everybody to see.
“He is not only building institutions like education and health all over the world but also going down to the vulnerable groups, the informal sector that is keeping Nigeria and putting food on the table.
“By this foresight, he has shown that at least he understands Nigeria better than most of us that are politicians because he knows the people taking care of the family,” said Mohammed.
The governor, however, pleaded with the Dangote group to invest in Bauchi State, adding that the state was one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
“We know the pedigree and capacity of Dangote group, what they set out to do, they do it scientifically and systematically.
“I’m pleading with you to come and look at what we have here. We have peace in Bauchi and your investment will be protected because it’s the most peaceful state in Northern Nigeria.”
Earlier, Group Executive Director of the Dangote Foundation, Monsur Ahmed, stated that the foundation was committed to working with the state government to explore opportunities that would bring economic activities to the state.
He added that such investments would enhance opportunities for the citizens of Bauchi, particularly in providing jobs for the youth.
NAN
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