Nigerian billionaires Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu bag merit awards in Niger

Nigerian billionaires Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu have received the Commander of the Order of Merit of Niger Award, a national award presented in recognition of their contributions to the country of Niger.

Dangote, Africa’s richest businessman, is presently worth $19.8 billion due to his 86-percent stake in Dangote Cement Plc, while Rabiu’s $5.5-billion net worth makes him the eighth wealthiest person on the continent.

The billionaires, who received the awards on Wednesday in Niamey from Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum, have both played significant roles in the country’s economic growth and poverty eradication through their businesses and philanthropic organizations.

Bazoum stated that his country cherishes Nigeria as one of its closest neighbors and friends while presenting the awards at a ceremony commemorating Niger’s independence from France in 1960.

The Nigerien politician also lauded the efforts of “brother Nigerians” such as Dangote and Rabiu, who have helped increase understanding between the two countries and acted as agents for social and economic development.

The president also awarded the Aliko Dangote Foundation a national award in recognition of its health-related programs, including a $500,000 grant to help fight a meningitis and cholera outbreak.

Nearly a week ago, Rabiu launched a $3-million development initiative in Niger through his philanthropic organization, the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa), as part of his efforts to eradicate poverty and drive sustainable development in the country.

The $3-million development initiative aligns with ASR Africa’s vision of “unlocking sustainable development opportunities in Africa, by Africans, for Africans.”