Aliko Dangote has been awarded the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for West Africa, for creating wealth, value and employment in the region.

The Award was conferred at a ceremony held in Lagos, where Dangote received the Masters Award from Ernst & Young, although in his absence he was represented by Dangote Group Managing Director Knut Ulvmoen.

Presenting the Award, Ernst & Young Regional Managing Partner for West Africa Henry Egbeki explained that winners had been chosen based on those creating the most value and wealth through their activities, and also contributed to employment in the region.

He went on to consider the path to achievement, noting that there are no short-cuts to the long-standing hard work and dedication that is required in order to succeed in business, particularly in an African context.

Egbeki predicts a rise in African success stories breaking on to the global arena, based on the positive trends that are becoming apparent in many countries and regions on the continent.

Ulvmoen receiving the Award on behalf of Dangote said that he felt the Award was well deserved, as the activities of the Dangote Group had helped show the world that African corporations are capable of delivering on a global scale.

Meanwhile, Goddie Ibru took home the Life Achievement Award for his extensive entrepreneurship activities spanning multiple industry sectors, contributing to building the current business environment in Nigeria.

Ibru thanked Ernst & Young, commending their work towards forwarding West African entrepreneurship and aspirations.

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