State – Nigeria: Enterprenuer extraordianaire, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has described the potential of Ogun State, in Western Nigeria, fitting for an industrial giant in the African continent.

The President/CEO of Dangote Group said if the state’s abundant natural resources are fully tapped it could become the next industrial hub on the continent.

The businessman, made this observation in Abeokuta while speaking at the just concluded two-day Ogun State Investors’ Forum tagged ‘Ogun State Open for Business.’

The Alhaji Dangote advised the state government to fervently pursue the Olokola Free Trade Zone project as it bears the potential to open up the state’s economic and rank it amongst the top business destinations throughout the continent.

He quipped: “Ogun State has what it takes to become the giant of Africa because it has a joint Free Trade Zone with Ondo, called Olokola, where the government can facilitate the building of the biggest port in Africa. Truly by having Olokola port, Ogun will have more business than all other ports put together…”

Dangote also pointed out that by having that port within the confines of the state, it would become bigger than any other state within Africa because of its proximity to Lagos, whose port was already congested. He advised the state government to quicken the commencement of linking of the eastern gas with the west, which would  help set up a petrochemical industry in the state and also bring about a solution to power shortage which affects enterprise and regular life.

Commodities titan, Aliko Dangote is the 54th richest person in the world. His investments spans across Africa, with interests in cement, textile, oil and gas, amongst others.  He recently acquired significant stakes in cement companies in Senegal, Zambia and Tanzania.