Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has accepted content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Bae U Barbie, invitation to appear on his YouTube show, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
Bae U extended the invitation while speaking with the billionaire about his media appearances and the need to connect with younger Nigerians interested in his business ventures.
The skit maker observed that many of Dangote’s interviews had appeared on platforms that were not popular among his generation, despite young Nigerians’ interest in investing in the billionaire’s company and participating in its initial public offering.
“Most of the interviews we’ve seen you have been on platforms that my generation don’t watch,” Bae U said.
He clarified that he was not asking Dangote to dismiss his media team but wanted the billionaire to consider appearing on his show to reach a younger audience.
Responding, Dangote acknowledged the importance of engaging young people, describing them as the future of Nigeria and Africa.
“Honestly, the future that we have is actually you, the youth. We, our own generation, really, we have not really done very well for Nigeria and also for Africa. That’s the truth,” he said.
Dangote said conversations between older and younger generations were necessary to share experiences and ideas that could contribute to national development.
He also noted that many young Nigerians were unfamiliar with the country’s past leaders and historical experiences, pointing to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s renewed presence in the public space as one reason younger people knew more about him.
Bae U interjected, saying, “Thanks to me. I gave him the platform, sir,” apparently referring to his interview with Obasanjo.
Dangote agreed that engaging younger audiences should become a priority, saying platforms that appeal to them would be important for future conversations.
The billionaire also spoke about the support and respect he receives from young Nigerians, including those he encounters abroad. He said he often agrees to take photographs with admirers, recalling how he and his grandfather had similarly sought photographs with prominent personalities during a visit to Washington when he was younger.
Dangote further addressed a viral photograph of himself, clarifying that he was not asking God for more blessings but expressing gratitude for what he had received.
“I wasn’t begging for anything. What I was saying, I was just saying that, God, you have overblessed me,” he said.
Confirming his willingness to appear on Curiosity Made Me Ask, Dangote said the discussion should be an open conversation where people could ask questions about how he built his business and achieved success.
“We will come,” he said in response to Bae U’s invitation.
