By Zik Gbemre
Nigerians shouldn’t put their angers and frustrations on Aliko Dangote. He is a shrewd business man like any other entrepreneur, investor. Our elites should blame political leaders of the oil rich South-South for their failures rather than attacking Dangote. In our Delta, every person wants to be in government. The politicians and their activities have produced a lot of reckless people who are usually rewarded. The richest people are the violent ones in the South-South. Gunrunners, thugs, community tyrants, with no legitimate skills whatsoever have become role models in the society. The likes of ex-militants are usually in corridors of power who are also the ‘power-brokers’.
In business, you compete with others in survival of the fittest and strongest with business acumen sometimes takes it all. In Urhobo land for example, apart from the first generation of Urhobo business people/entrepreneurs like Michael Ibru, David Dafinone, Gamaliel Onosode, E.O Esiso, W.T Odibo, P.B. Djebah, James .O. Edewor, M.U Ahwinahwi, B.B Bakpa, Harrison Jefia, Alice Obahor, Agnes Lady Agbaza, M.O. Kpohraro, F.U. Oroke, J.K.B. Gbemre, J.E. Ukueku, Pius Nosiovwe Origho, Patrick .A Gbinijie,Yard Ogba Okoloko,T.J Sokoh, S.D. Obar, Edward Gbagbeke Sido, David.O.Ekiugbo, David Oghen, Jefia Notoma, T.G Ogigbah, Wilson Mega, S.M. Urhioke, J.D. Yembra, A.T. Rerri, Idiegbe, Atumu,Cyril Ikanone,D.D Opuama, F.V. Oputu,Jeremiah Cousin Mosheshe, etc., do you see any of our people of this era who really want to go into genuine business?
The above mentioned Urhobo people did well in businesses and professions as shrewd business people and entrepreneurs but as at of today, nearly every person is eyeing politics of ‘do or die’ to grab ill-gotten wealth.Political nonentities have now become significant people who brand selves as successful Urhobo people in every community of Delta. Same with other tribe’s people in the entire Delta state. According to Aliko Dangote,no new refinery has been built for the past 35 years in Africa. We should commend Aliko Dangote for building a refinery of such high capacity inclusive of petrochemical plants.
The Federal Government and NNPCL must commend Dangote for breaking the jinx and give all possible support for his refinery to go into full production that will put end to importation of fuels. Importation of fuels and generators are draining the economy of Nigeria.Why blaming Aliko Dangote for his successes in his businesses as a greedy and selfish business person when the people put all their focus on politics of stealing common wealth? Dangote understands Nigeria and applies his wisdom to use the opportunities available to do business that makes him to excel well. Should Nigerians blame him for his successes recorded so far? Nigerian elites put their lives in politics and Dangote puts his life in businesses. Dangote succeeds because he has uncommon business acumen. They should not blame him for the failures of society, in my opinion. Business is open for every Nigerian to do and not only Dangote.
The purpose of every business person is to maximise profits. I am a Deltan and Urhobo man so, I am writing and taking examples of reality from the Urhobo land I am familiar with but this problem is prominent in the entire South-South and not only in Urhobo land. The best way to get rich overnight is to go into politics to loot. These people listed in Urhoboland worked hard to earn their wealth. Never should Nigerians put their angers on Dangote and his businesses. All over the world, business people are always shrewd.
Zik Gbemre,
July 7, 2024
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