The Chairman of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has said that Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri’s style of leadership has made the state a safe haven for investment.
Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, spoke on Friday at Government House, Yenagoa, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between his firm and the state government on investments in various sectors. The sectors include oilfield and gas development, agro-allied processing, seaport and infrastructure. The visit was a follow-up to the governor’s visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lekki, Lagos in July 2024 and an earlier meeting between both parties at Nassau, The Bahamas, during the AFREXIM annual meeting in June 2024.
Dangote expressed delight that work at his gas pipeline project in the state had been smooth and commended the state government for the cooperation.
The business magnate described Bayelsa as naturally endowed and assured that his company will partner the state to create jobs and train youths. He explained that his decision to invest in the state was borne out of a desire to show to the world that Bayelsa was safe for business.
On the state’s economic potential, the Dangote Group chairman said developing the Agge Deep Seaport and the state’s gas potential would make Bayelsa prosperous.
Earlier, Governor Douye Diri lauded Dangote for keeping to his promise to visit the state, saying it stood him out as a forthright businessman. Senator Diri said Bayelsa was not only rich in oil and gas, but also in natural resources, some of which had been tapped while others were waiting to be harnessed.
The Bayelsa governor expressed the optimism that the visit would positively impact the state, the Dangote Group as well as the federal government.