Dangote agrees to appear on Isbae U’s ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’

Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has accepted an invitation to appear on content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Isbae U Barbie’s YouTube show, Curiosity Made Me Ask, following a conversation about reaching younger Nigerians through digital platforms.

Dangote confirmed his acceptance during Isbae U’s visit to Dangote Refinery in Lagos on Monday, saying he was willing to sit down with young people and answer questions about his business journey and achievements.

“We will come,” he said in response to the invitation.

The invitation followed Isbae U’s argument that Dangote needed to engage younger audiences on platforms they regularly watch rather than rely mainly on conventional interview formats.

“Most of the interviews we’ve seen you have been on platforms that my generation don’t watch,” Bae U said.

The content creator also pointed to young Nigerians’ interest in Dangote’s businesses and investment opportunities, including the planned initial public offering of his company. He argued that an appearance on the programme would allow the billionaire to address their curiosity directly.

“I’m not saying you should sack your media team. No, but you know, when you finish,” he said before asking when the billionaire would appear on his show.

Dangote agreed that reaching younger audiences should become a priority, describing young people as central to the future of Nigeria and Africa. He also acknowledged that his generation had not done enough for the continent.

“Honestly, the future that we have is actually you, the youth. We, our own generation, really, we have not really done very well for Nigeria and also for Africa. That’s the truth,” he said.

He said conversations with younger Nigerians could help them understand the experiences of older generations and the lessons they had learnt.

“So we need to sit down with some of you and discuss our own experience with you,” he added.

Dangote also addressed his relationship with members of the public, explaining why he welcomes requests to take photographs with him despite his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest businessmen.

ALSO READ: FG to act against Ponzi schemes in Nigeria – Oyedele

He recalled how he and his grandfather approached prominent personalities in Washington to take photographs when he was younger. According to him, the experience shaped his attitude towards people who approach him for pictures today.

The businessman said people around him sometimes tried to prevent members of the public from taking photographs with him, but he preferred to accommodate their requests. He added that he appreciated the support and respect he received, including during his trips abroad.

He also clarified the meaning of a photograph of himself that circulated on social media, dismissing suggestions that he was praying for further blessings.

“I wasn’t begging for anything. What I was saying, I was just saying that, God, you have overblessed me,” he said.

He said he wanted the conversation to be open enough for people to ask him directly how he built his business and attained his current position.