Aliko Dangote, the Nigerian billionaire who recently declared an interest in buying Arsenal, has revealed the reasons behind his designs on the north London club.
The 58-year-old business mogul believes that buying a Premier League team will help to raise the profile of his home country. Dangote had been criticised by some people in Nigeria for not investing the domestic league there, but he thinks that the Gunners represent a better project.
“The issue is that if I buy all the Nigerian clubs, the Nigerian flags will continue to remain here,” Dangote told Forbes.
He added that, “Buying Arsenal will take the Nigerian flag worldwide. Just like whenever (Chelsea owner) Roman Abramovich is mentioned, the name of his country comes up. Everyone knows he’s Russian.”
Dangote amassed his fortune by becoming the majority shareholder in giant cement, flour and sugar companies and currently supplies 90 per cent of Nigeria’s 170million population.
His business empire also extends to oil and he is building a private refinery in one of the country’s jungle swamps due for completion in 2018.
Five years ago, Dangote attempted to buy a small stake in Arsenal but was rebuffed. He tried to take over the 15 per cent owned by Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith who eventually sold Stan Kroenke.
My friend there are people there who are help less. Why not help them. And I promise you if you ever go forward buying it. It will bring you down 👇
ReplyDeleteThe only thing about Dangote's statement that is justified is that the money he planned investing belongs to him as of now barring any inappropriate links to corrupt politicians and he has a right to spend it whatever way he likes without listening to any advice or citicism.However his reason doesn't really make full sense.If he is really interested in hoisting the country's name and profile high,he could invest the money in Nigeria by buying up a local club and bringing back home all the Nigerian international players and buying more quality players in the world footballing arena to compliment them into a highly formidable team that could challenge for first continental championships then proceed on to challenge for the world club championship within a short space of time,that would hoist the country's name and image far better and faster than buying Arsenal and provide employments for lots of nigeriand with a positive knock on effects
ReplyDeleteThe only thing about Dangote's statement that is justified is that the money he planned investing belongs to him as of now barring any inappropriate links to corrupt politicians and he has a right to spend it whatever way he likes without listening to any advice or citicism.However his reason doesn't really make full sense.If he is really interested in hoisting the country's name and profile high,he could invest the money in Nigeria by buying up a local club and bringing back home all the Nigerian international players and buying more quality players in the world footballing arena to compliment them into a highly formidable team that could challenge for first continental championships then proceed on to challenge for the world club championship within a short space of time,that would hoist the country's name and image far better and faster than buying Arsenal and provide employments for lots of nigeriand with a positive knock on effects
ReplyDeleteWhich global profile is he talking about when his company is busy sacking staff for no just course. Abeg oga invest the money wisely, better the lives of your workers and look for a local club to buy. Leave arsenal alone!
ReplyDeleteOga improve the lives of your staff and forget about arsenal. Invest wisely!!!
ReplyDelete