Aliko Dangote advocates for African leadership training through Olusegun Obasanjo Leadership Institute

Dangote made this call during a visit by OOLI leadership to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos. He described OOLI as a strategic platform for leadership renewal on the continent, emphasizing its unique position to offer experiential workshops and bespoke training for leaders aiming to transform their nations. Dangote also encouraged African leaders to embrace continuous learning and utilize OOLI as a partner in governance and development.

During the visit, former President Olusegun Obasanjo recounted a past interaction with Dangote that led to the transformation of Nigeria's cement industry. Obasanjo recalled questioning Dangote about importing cement despite Nigeria's limestone deposits, to which Dangote responded that importing was more profitable. Obasanjo then asked what could be done to encourage local production, and Dangote suggested tying import ability to production commitment.

This intervention, according to Dangote, led to Nigeria becoming a major cement producer, surpassing Saudi Arabia and becoming the largest in Africa and the Middle East. He credited Obasanjo's strategic mapping for changing his business trajectory and enabling cement production expansion across several African countries. Professor Samuel Adedeji Daramola, Deputy Chief Executive of OO