Emir Sanusi Responds to Shettima’s Claim That Lagos Produced Dangote and BUA Founder

KANO, Nigeria — The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has responded to remarks by Vice President Kashim Shettima suggesting that Lagos State produced Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote, and BUA Group founder, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

Speaking at a gathering of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), Sanusi acknowledged Lagos' pivotal role as Nigeria’s commercial hub but argued that the success of the two Kano-born business magnates was rooted in the entrepreneurial culture and business heritage they inherited from their families.

According to the Emir, Dangote and Rabiu moved to Lagos to expand their enterprises and learn advanced business management practices in the country’s economic capital, not to learn the fundamentals of trade.

“These businessmen went to Lagos to learn how to operate businesses on a larger scale, not to learn how to do business,” Sanusi said.

His remarks came in response to comments made by Vice President Shettima at the Invest Lagos 3.0 conference, where he praised Lagos as a major driver of economic growth and investment, stating that the state had produced both Dangote and Rabiu.

Sanusi, however, emphasized Kano’s long-standing reputation as a centre of commerce and entrepreneurship, noting that both the Dangote and Rabiu families emerged from established business backgrounds in Kano before expanding their operations across Nigeria and beyond.

The Emir maintained that the achievements of the two industrialists were the result of a combination of Kano’s deep-rooted trading tradition and the opportunities provided by commercial centres such as Lagos.

He also urged Nigerian entrepreneurs to focus on acquiring modern management skills, embracing innovation, and investing in large-scale industrial development to drive economic growth and job creation.

Sanusi’s comments have sparked debate on social media, with some observers viewing Shettima’s statement as a tribute to Lagos’ business-friendly environment, while others argue that Kano’s historical role in nurturing generations of successful entrepreneurs should not be overlooked. :::

This version follows a standard news structure, with a strong lead, balanced attribution, clear context, and a neutral journalistic tone.

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