This is the success story of the world's richest black man, a story for every young man aspiring greatness, a story based on humility, a story of how Africa’s richest billionaire, Mr Dangote of the Dangote Group received a special blessing from the late Charismatic Pentecostal preacher which changed his life.
He was born into a wealthy home in Kano, and got his first degree in Cairo, Egypt. He had always loved trading as boy. Reports say he even hawked sweets on the street as a primary school child, even though his family was wealthy; A feat which many born into weathy homes would never attempt!
Dangote is in every sense a real testament of humility right from his roots. a character traits confessed by those who've have crossed part with him.
Dangote isn't the only hard working African, neither is he the only hardworking Nigerian, nor the only humble person, in Africa, but one thing is certain is the richest.
Aliko Dangote is extremely blessed.He is ranked the 23rd richest person in the world and is said to be the second most powerful African alive.
There is hardly any family in Africa that isn't familiar with the name Aliko Dangote. Everyone has something to do with his business.
If it isn't is sugar production, then it is his salt or the cement used in the house you are living in.
With over 11, 000 people directly employed under him – not to mention, numerous distributors, contractors and other vendors who depend on his businesses to thrive. So we do not minced words when we say Dangote is really blessed.
Now the question you might ask is how did Dangote become so great, how did he attain such a height in buisness and life ?
The answer to that question will not be found in any get-rich formula or strategy or eBook.
Rather, the answer to that question lies in his humble aknowelgemennt of Gods divine presence.
There is a saying that the destiny of every man is always tied to someone. Somebody is always present at the final thereshold to your greatness, to usher you through the legendary gates of destiny and greatness. It could be anyone, all required from you at that point is your sensitivity and humility in knowing when they appear.
Well, in the case of dangote, it was The Late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. Here is the story;
Sometime ago in the early 90s, Mr.Dangote had an encounter that finally opened the pearly gates of destiny. The now late Archbishop Benson Idahosa had some guests who needed to travel back urgently from Benin to Lagos to catch their flight back to the US.
The Archbishop took his guests to the airport, but on getting was told that the last flight for the day was overbooked and that not a single seat was available.
But Archbishop Idahosa in his usual charismatic ways, asked for the plane to be delayed a few minutes and walked to the tarmac where he was allowed to address the passengers.
He pleaded with them about the desperate situation of his guests and asked that two persons donate their seats for his guests to get to Lagos.
Every one on that plane acted deaf. Some even pretended to be asleep, but still the great man of God stood in hopeful expectation
And then someone from the back of the plane stood up and asked the person next to get up too and together they both vacated their seats for the visitors from America.
On their way out of the plane, Bishop Idahosa stopped the young man in the aisle of the plane and asked him;
“Youngman, what is your name and what do you do ?
“My name is Aliko Dangote and this is my assistant. I am a trader and a businessman.”
And right there on the spot, Papa Idahosa prophesied to him saying: “the world will get up for you”
Papa Idahosah futher prayed that God should take his business beyond Africa and bless him beyond measure.
Fast foward to the future, God has finally answered that prayer.
Probably God destined that blessing for someone seated in that plane that evening. But the only catch, was a small test;
"Give up your seat for me"
- Your seat of scorn for those lesser than you are,
- Your seat of in-deference to other peoples plight and suffering,
- Your seat of selfishness and inability to share,
- Your seat of pride.
“If you will only let me help you, if you will only obey, then I will make you rich!” – Isaiah 1: 19
Who knows, Dangote’ s wealth today probably was meant for some businessman that fateful day, someone who was too proud and reluctant in his heart to offer the man of the Great servant of God his seat.
What a humbling revelation for anyone aspiring greatness in life.
Archbishop Benson Idahosa passed on in March 12, 1998.
But not without changing the lives of so many, including the life of the Great Man - Aliko Dangote.
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