LAGOS, Nigeria — Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has hosted Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, and BUA Group Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu to a special dinner in honour of Lagos State Deputy Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat.
The private gathering at Otedola’s residence brought together three of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures for an evening dedicated to honouring Hamzat as he pursues his ambition to lead Lagos State.
The dinner comes amid growing political attention surrounding the race to succeed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose tenure is approaching its constitutionally scheduled end in 2027.
Hamzat, who has served as deputy governor since 2019, is seeking to secure the APC governorship ticket as the party prepares for the next electoral cycle. His ambition places him among the political figures seeking to shape the future leadership of Nigeria’s commercial capital.
Otedola, Dangote and Rabiu are major players in Nigeria’s private sector, with business interests spanning energy, cement, manufacturing, food processing and other strategic industries. Their presence at the gathering brought together influential figures from the country’s corporate landscape at an event held in Hamzat’s honour.
Lagos occupies a central position in Nigeria’s economy, serving as a major hub for finance, trade, manufacturing and investment. Consequently, the contest to determine its next governor is expected to attract significant attention from political stakeholders and the business community.
While the dinner was organised in Hamzat’s honour, no formal endorsement of his governorship ambition by Otedola, Dangote or Rabiu was announced. The gathering nevertheless offered a high-profile occasion for the deputy governor to receive goodwill as he pursues his political aspirations.
