Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has said having a male heir is not a priority for him, insisting that his three daughters are capable of preserving his family’s legacy.
Dangote made the comment during an exclusive interview on Arise TV’s Morning Show with Ojy Okpe while responding to questions about the cultural expectation in Kano society that wealthy families should have a male child to carry on the family name.
The 69-year-old businessman said he believes such matters are ultimately controlled by God, adding that having a son does not automatically guarantee the continuation of a family legacy.
“Right now, that one is not really my priority,” Dangote said.
“Today as we speak, God controls everything. Sometimes, you can pray for a son, but that son might be the one to bring the family name down.”
The billionaire said people should not force what God has not given them, adding that his daughters had already shown qualities that gave him confidence in their ability to carry on his work.
“Sometimes when God doesn’t give you something, don’t push. I don’t think a son would have done better than the three daughters that I have,” he said.
