Alhaji Aliko Dangote is a top industrialist and one of the richest men in the world. He has carved a niche for himself in sugar, rice and cement industry in the country. In this interview, he spoke on his private life.

Don’t you have a son?

No, I don’t have

Doesn’t it bother you that you don’t have a son?

It doesn’t really bother me. I think you have seen some people at 75 years having children.

Do you want to have kids at that age?

Don’t get me wrong. What I am saying is that you’ve seen people having children at 75. I am not saying I am going to have kids at the age of 75. But it doesn’t really bother me. I know men generally want to see that they have make children. Female children are good too and they can do well. Several women have helped and saved their families.

Don’t you have any vices?

Actually, do I have any vices? I used to, but I have quit them now. I used to gamble before, but I’ve stopped.

How did you conquer the habit?

Actually, a friend of mine; Habu Fari was instrumental to my leaving the habit. He used to visit my house everyday while I would be busy gambling. Gamblers by nature don’t run after women.

Was it high stake gambling?

I was deeply involved in it. Gambling is similar to drug addiction. Actually, it is worse than taking hard drugs.

What was your biggest loss on the gambling tables?

I was always losing money. But the loss I still vividly remember occurred when I went to a casino in London and in three days, I lost 200,000 pounds sterling from that day, I sat myself down and asked if I had seen anyone that has become a successful person through gambling.

What about casino owners?

Yes, only casino owners. Since that day, I quit the habit.

Was there any temptation to do it again?

The temptation was always there within the first-five years. But after holding myself, the urge died a natural death. It took a lot of my time. Gambling I like those who take hard drugs whenever they feel the urge, they will stop at nothing to get money to sniff the substance. It is even worse than drugs. There is a saying in Hausa that if you see your greatest enemy, gambling, you should pray that God should deliver him.

– Culled from TEMPO