Aliko Dangote has said having a male heir is not something he considers a priority, saying his three daughters are more than capable of taking over his business empire when the time comes.
The billionaire businessman, who is from Kano, spoke about the issue during an interview with Arise TV. He was asked whether he still wanted a son, especially because of the traditional importance often placed on male heirs in his home state.
Dangote said he leaves such matters to God and does not believe people should force what may not be meant for them.
He 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.”
According to him, his three daughters Halima, Fatima and Mariya are already involved in the family business, and he said he has been paying attention to how each of them handles things.
Asked if he could see any of them eventually taking charge of the group, he said yes.
“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.
The billionaire is comfortable with the idea of his daughters carrying the family business forward. From what he has seen of them, he believes they have the drive and ability to keep growing the company after his time.
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