“Put Me in Prison”: Dangote Reveals Why He Won’t Give Up His Phone
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that losing his mobile phone would be so difficult that he would rather face imprisonment than surrender the device.
The billionaire businessman made the remark in Lagos while unveiling his Vision 2030 plan, an initiative aimed at accelerating industrialisation and expanding Africa’s manufacturing capacity.
During the event, Dangote was asked to choose between staying without his mobile phone for seven days and losing access to his private jet for the same period.
His response showed that he considered losing his phone a far greater inconvenience than giving up his private jet temporarily.
“It’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” Dangote said.
The industrialist also revealed that his mobile phone contains more than 13,000 contacts, highlighting the extensive network of personal and professional relationships he has built over the years.
“I know that would be almost… my number — I have that number since… Twitter… I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” he said.
When asked how he had accumulated so many contacts, Dangote explained that he rarely blocks people, allowing his contact list to continue expanding.
“Wow. Wow. I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people,” he added.
Dangote’s comments offered a glimpse into his personal relationship with a device that connects him to thousands of people across different spheres of life and business.
As chairman of the Dangote Group, he oversees a conglomerate with interests in cement, fertiliser, manufacturing and petroleum refining.
His Vision 2030 plan is intended to accelerate industrial development across Africa, with a focus on strengthening the continent’s productive capacity.
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