Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed that his interest in buying Arsenal football club of England is because acquiring such club will put the Nigerian flag on the global radar, just like that of Chelsea's Abramovich.
The Nigerian billionaire, who owns various organisations, both in Nigeria and some other African countries recently declared an interest in buying Arsenal but was turned down by the London club.
The 58-year-old business mogul, seriously criticised by some people in Nigeria for not investing in the country’s domestic league, but he thinks 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 (Nigeria),” Dangote toldForbes.
He added, “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 to Stan Kroenke. Punch
Acquiring Arsenal Will Boost Nigeria's Profile Globally- Dangote
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