Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed how attached he is to his mobile phone, saying he would rather be jailed than be forced to give up the device.

According to report, Dangote shared the view during an event in Lagos where he presented his “Vision 2030” plan, which focuses on advancing industrialisation across Africa.

The businessman was asked to choose between going for seven days without his phone and losing access to his private jet for the same period.

In his response, Dangote indicated that being separated from his phone would be the more difficult option, describing the possibility as something he would not accept.

“Ah… I think it’s easier you put me in prison than to take my phone away. So, you know, I mean taking my phone away is no-go area, okay?” he said.

The billionaire also disclosed that his phone holds more than 13,000 contacts, pointing to the scale of his personal and business connections.

“I know that would be almost… my number — I have that number since… Twitter… I have more than 13,000 contacts on my phone,” Dangote said.

Asked about the unusually large contact list, he explained that he does not readily block people, a practice he suggested had helped the list grow over time.

“Wow. Wow. I hardly… I don’t like blocking people, so a lot of people,” he added.

The disclosure highlights the role of mobile communication in maintaining relationships for the industrialist, whose business activities span several sectors of the African economy.

Dangote heads Dangote Group, a conglomerate with interests in cement production, fertiliser, manufacturing and petroleum refining, among other areas.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sworn in Mr Olayemi Sanusi and Mrs Adenike Ademokun as commissioners, charging them to place the interest of the state above personal considerations, political differences and sectional loyalties.

Abiodun gave the charge on Monday during the swearing-in ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where he urged the new commissioners to demonstrate integrity, humility, fairness and commitment to public service.

L-R: The newly appointed Commissioner, Mrs Adenike Ademokun; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele; and another newly appointed Commissioner, Mr Olayemi Sanusi, during their swearing-in at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.

The governor charged them to remain accessible to the people, listen attentively to their concerns and exercise prudence in the management of public resources, stressing that their appointments must translate into tangible benefits for the people.

He also emphasised the importance of continuity in governance, urging the commissioners to preserve institutional knowledge, maintain proper records and ensure that ongoing projects and programmes were completed.

Abiodun advised them to familiarise themselves with the priorities of his administration, understand the status of existing projects and bring fresh energy, sound judgment and a strong sense of responsibility to their assignments.

“Public confidence grows when citizens can see that those they entrusted with leadership understand their needs and act to address them,” he said.

The governor further urged the new commissioners to embrace teamwork, respect the professionalism of the public service and collaborate effectively with the ministries, departments and agencies under their supervision.

“Your ability to listen, inspire confidence, make informed decisions and translate policies into outcomes will determine the contribution you make to our collective mission.

“Bring your experience to bear, remain willing to learn and support your colleagues in the pursuit of common objectives,” he said.

Abiodun noted that the value of public office should be measured by the problems it helps to solve and the opportunities it creates, adding that the responsibility before members of the State Executive Council was to consolidate existing achievements, address unfinished priorities and leave behind a stronger and more prosperous Ogun State.

Describing the period as the final lap of his administration, the governor said the remaining months required urgency, discipline, political maturity and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

“We are now in the final lap of this administration. This period demands urgency, discipline, political maturity and a steadfast pursuit of excellence.

“Your appointments, therefore, come at a very significant moment. You are joining a government with substantial achievements and important responsibilities still to fulfil.

“History will assess our stewardship through the consequences of our decisions and the difference our service has made in the lives of the people.

“Let us, therefore, approach the months ahead with a clear sense of purpose and a determination to make every opportunity count,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the newly sworn-in commissioners, Mrs Adenike Ademokun expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in them, assuring the governor that they would not take the appointments for granted.

She pledged their commitment to giving their best in support of the administration’s efforts to sustain development and improve the welfare of residents across the state.

The 48th annual Presidential Night of Association of Friends kicked off on Saturday with a health walk.

The event was led by the President of the Club, Dr Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen: Below are pictures from the event;