By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times, Abuja, Nigeria 

Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has pledged a total of ₦8 billion towards national development while speaking at the launch of the biography of former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), in Abuja.

The high-profile event, held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, brought together Nigeria’s political and business elite, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Yakubu Gowon, and former Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo.

In his remarks, Dangote expressed deep appreciation for the economic policies introduced during Babangida’s administration, crediting him with laying the foundation for Nigeria’s thriving private sector.

"Your Excellency, I sincerely thank you for what you have done for Nigeria. Many people may not realize it, but you played a critical role in establishing the private sector in this country. Every successful entrepreneur today has, in one way or another, benefited from the policies you implemented," Dangote said.

Reflecting on key economic reforms, he highlighted Babangida’s decision to abolish import license requirements in 1986, which paved the way for private-sector growth. He also acknowledged policies that facilitated banking licenses for entrepreneurs and granted Nigerian investors access to the oil industry.

Dangote then announced his commitment to contribute ₦2 billion annually over the next four years—amounting to ₦8 billion—to support a major national development initiative.

"Based on the scale of this project, it will take a minimum of four years to complete. I am committing ₦2 billion every year for the next four years. If the project extends beyond that period, I will continue my contributions at the same rate," he assured.

Billions Pledged for National Development

The launch of IBB’s biography, A Journey in Service, was not just a celebration of his legacy but also a platform for massive financial commitments toward national progress.

Notable pledges at the event included:

• Aliko Dangote – ₦8 billion with a promise of continued support.
• Abdulsamad Rabiu (BUA Group Chairman) – ₦5 billion.
• Gen TY Danjuma (Retd.) – ₦3 billion.
• Additional contributions worth hundreds of millions.

Beyond financial pledges, the event also sparked discussions on Babangida’s impact on governance and the increasing threat of military coups in West Africa.

In a keynote address, Nana Akufo-Addo emphasized the need to protect democracy, warning against the resurgence of military takeovers across the continent. Similarly, former Heads of State, General Yakubu Gowon and General Abdulsalami Abubakar, praised Babangida’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

The launch of A Journey in Service not only highlighted Babangida’s role in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic landscape but also reinforced the commitment of business leaders to the country’s development.