##Biography
Dangote's parents, Hajiya Mariya Dangote (née Dantata) and Mohammed Dangote lived in Kano, Kano State, British Nigeria. His father was a businessman and his mother was the granddaughter of Alhassan Dantata. Dangote was born on 10 April 1957. He attended school in Kano, in Kano State, for his primary and secondary education.His mother, Mariya Sanusi Dantata, was the daughter of businessman Sanusi Dantata. Through his mother, he is the great-grandson of Alhassan Dantata, the richest person in West Africa at the time of his death in 1955. Dangote's brother, Sani (1959/60–2021), was also a businessman
##Early Life and Educational Background
Dangote was educated at the Sheikh Ali Kumasi Madrasa, followed by Capital High School in Kano. In 1978, he graduated from the Government College, Birnin Kudu. He later received a bachelor's degree in business studies and administration from Al-Azhar University in Cairo
##Career
The Dangote Group was established as a small trading firm in 1977, the same year Dangote relocated to Lagos to expand the company. Today, it is a multi-trillion-naira conglomerate with operations in several African countries, including Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, and Togo
Dangote has expanded his business interests to cover food processing, cement manufacturing, and freight. The Dangote Group dominates the sugar market in Nigeria and is a major supplier to the country's soft drink companies, breweries, and confectioners
##Net Worth
As of December 2024, Aliko Dangote's net worth is estimated at $28.1 billion, making him Africa's richest man and the wealthiest Black person globally. The bulk of his wealth comes from his stake in Dangote Cement, which operates across multiple African nations
##Personal Life
Dangote has been married four times, three of which ended in divorce. His children include Zainab Dangote, Halima Dangote, Fatima Dangote, and Salma Dangote. In July 2018, he revealed his desire to marry a new wife, stating that he needs to "calm down a bit"
##Philanthropy
Aliko Dangote is a dedicated philanthropist, with a focus on health, education, and economic empowerment. In 2014, he made an initial endowment of $1.25 billion to the Aliko Dangote Foundation. He has also collaborated with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to fight polio and other issues
##Awards and Recognition
Dangote has received numerous awards and honors, including:
Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), one of Nigeria's highest honors
Forbes Africa Person of the Year 2014
Clinton Global Citizen Award 2015
Honorary citizenship of Arkansas state, USA
##Conclusion
Aliko Dangote is a renowned businessman, philanthropist, and founder of the Dangote Group. His inspiring story, leadership, and philanthropic efforts make him a true icon in the industry.