Meet the richest man in Africa

The continent's wealthiest businessman talks about job creation, success and the opportunities Africa provides.
Meet Africa's richest man: Aliko Dangote.  Forbes  magazine estimates his wealth at $25bn, making him the 23rd richest man in the world with a growing portfolio of investments across Africa.
The Nigerian business magnate began with a small trading firm in 1977. Today his businesses cover everything from cement manufacturing, food processing to freight.
Dangote group now employs about 25,000 people in Nigeria. It is building cement factories in 16 African countries and buying mining licences from Kenya to Zambia.
“Africa is full of opportunities and I think what we did was actually harness fully the opportunities that we met on the ground,” he says.
“We have done quite a lot in various areas. We started with trading, after we succeeded in training what we did was go into manufacturing, which is normally a very difficult area, especially in this part of the world because of lack of power. But we have been able to resolve those issues and we are able to succeed in most of what we are doing.”

They say it is better to be humble, they say that no condition is permanent. So I want to always run my [own] life – whether I have money or I don't have money, I can alwayrun it.
Aliko Dangote, Nigerian businessman
Dangote's is not a rags-to-riches story however. He comes from a wealthy Nigerian family. After losing his father at the age of eight, he was brought up by his uncle, who gave the businessman his first loan, which he then turned into the most successful business conglomerate in Africa.
“I paid [the loan] back in three months because business was so good” Dangote says.
His story, many say, shows what is possible about Africa.
On being the poorest continent's richest man for the fourth year in a row, Dangote says “it feels a little bit odd, yes it's true, but then it gives you a lot of thinking and responsibility. You ask 'what do I do to impact humanity?' And that is why we do quite a lot [philanthropically] in terms of our [Dangote] foundation.”
He adds: “We are giving back because we are creating quite a lot of jobs. We are not doing like other Africans, where most of the money is in the bank. We don't keep any money in the bank; whatever we have we fully invest and we keep on investing – and that's what we do.”
Because of his success, Dangote has taken on the aura of an economic folk hero for some. But to others he is a villain who has used his political connections to sideline the potential competition.
The post Aliko Dangote: Africa's richest man appeared first on Pointblank News .

Anelka joins Mumbai

Former France international Nicolas Anelka has joined Mumbai City ahead of the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) later this year.
The 35-year-old striker has played for a host of Europe's top clubs during his nomadic career, including the likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Juventus.
Anelka was sacked by West Brom in March after making a quenelle gesture, which is deemed to have anti-Semitic sentiments, in a Premier League clash with West Ham.
It looked as though he would join Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro, but the club announced in April that the deal was off, citing complaints about Anelka's late arrival into the country.
On Monday it was announced Anelka would join Mumbai to link up with former Germany international Manuel Friedrich, while Anelka's compatriots David Trezeguet and Robert Pires have also signed up to play in the ISL for other franchises.
"I'm pleased to join Mumbai City FC & very exciting in joining Indian Super League," Anelka posted on his official Twitter account.
"Talented international players & top Indian talent will make matches thrilling affairs. I look forward to using my ability to do well for my team in the matches we will play.
"Are you ready @mumbaicityfc ? Here I come. Looking forward to it!"
The Mumbai franchise is co-owned by Bollywood actor Ranbir Kapoor, while former Sunderland and Manchester City boss Peter Reid will manage the side.
"We are delighted to announce the signing of Nicolas Anelka and thrilled that a player with a stunning pedigree such as his is part of our team," Kapoor said.
"His abilities and experience are known the world over and I am certain his presence will give us the firepower required up front. We welcome him to the Mumbai City FC squad."

Rodgers ready to embrace Champions League challenge

Brendan Rodgers insists Liverpool will embrace the task of becoming UEFA Champions League regulars ahead of their return to the tournament.
Liverpool host Bulgarian side Ludogorets at Anfield on Tuesday in a game that will mark their first Champions League match since 2009 after finishing second in the Premier League last season.
The Northern Irishman is relishing managing Liverpool in Europe's biggest club competition and, while he is eager to ensure they progress from a group that also contains Basel and Real Madrid, the former Swansea City boss' main focus is to secure the club's long-term future in the tournament.
"We're very excited to be in the Champions League. Five years is a long time to be out of it for a club like Liverpool," Rodgers said.
"Our overriding objective first of all is to qualify and come out of the group. We'll take it one game at a time and aim for three points.
"It is one of the great clubs with a rich European heritage, and the competition needs Liverpool in it.
"The key is to ensure we remain in it for the long term, and it is a challenge that excites us as well - for us there is no fear, we will embrace it."
Rodgers revealed that defender Martin Skrtel will again be unavailable as he continues his recovery from an injury he suffered at Manchester City last month, although the Slovakian could feature against West Ham on Saturday.
"Martin has worked very hard. He joined the group yesterday [Sunday], so he is working well," Rodgers added.
"It's probably too early for this game but after a good week's training he should be ready for the West Ham.
"Apart from that, we're pretty much the same in terms of injuries."
Liverpool were knocked out at the group stage when they last entered the tournament under the guidance of Rafael Benitez.

Pedro expecting tough APOEL test

Pedro is anticipating a difficult challenge when Barcelona begin their UEFA Champions League campaign at home to APOEL on Wednesday.
On paper, the Cypriot outfit represent the weakest opponents in Group F, which also includes Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain, both reigning champions of their respective domestic leagues.
Barcelona will come into the clash as firm favourites and they boast a strong home record in this competition, with just one defeat in their past 27 matches at Camp Nou.
Despite that run, Pedro is not expecting an easy ride against Giorgos Donis' men.
"We'll be playing against a physical side that tracks back well," he said. "I'm sure it'll be a difficult game.
"Every year we work hard to reach the Champions League final. It was a shame to lose to Atletico [Madrid, in the quarter-finals] last year.
"We're really up for it this season and hoping to win the title. But it's always hard, especially in the knockout phase."
Luis Enrique - who was in the Barca side last time they faced Cypriot opposition in 1996 - makes his European managerial debut, hoping to build on the positive start to his tenure which has seen the Catalan giants win both of their La Liga matches so far without conceding a goal.
APOEL have done likewise in the defence of their domestic title but will have their work cut out in a bid to repeat the heroics of the 2011-12 campaign, when they defied the odds to reach the quarter-finals before taking on Real Madrid proved a step too far, as Barca's fierce rivals won 8-2 on aggregate.
Donis' charges have already played four matches in this season's competition, coming through the third qualifying round and then the play-off stage to reach the group phase for the third time in their history.
Following a 4-2 aggregate win over HJK, APOEL gained a 1-1 draw in Denmark against AaB before trouncing their opponents 4-0 in the return leg to reach the first round proper.
Dani Alves missed Barcelona's 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday with a knee injury and remains a doubt, as does Thomas Vermaelen (hamstring), although both trained with the squad on Monday.
Neymar came off the bench to score both goals in that victory and could be in line to start, with Gerard Pique also pushing for a recall after playing the second half in place of Javier Mascherano against Bilbao.
Meanwhile, the visitors have fitness doubts over Tasos Papzaoglou (stomach), Stathis Aloneftis (ankle) and John Arne Riise (knock), who won the competition in 2005 with Liverpool.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

In case you have visit this blog recently and you are not happy about not finding recent post here. Am very sorry for that. Henceforth, i promise to make it up to you. Thanks for always being available 

I can achieve all my dreams at Liverpool says Suarez

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is adamant that he can achieve all of his goals with the club, despite playing down their title chances.
Suarez expressed a desire to leave Anfield in the close-season for a side playing in the UEFA Champions League, with Premier League rivals Arsenal seeing an approach for the Uruguayan knocked back.
However, the former Ajax man has since committed his future to Liverpool, penning a new long-term contract.
The 27-year-old is enjoying a magnificent season, his 23 goals helping put Brendan Rodgers' side on course for a place in next season's Champions League.
Although Suarez is unsure of Liverpool's title credentials, he is confident he can win silverware with the club, who currently sit fourth in the top-flight, just four points behind leaders Chelsea.
"We have 12 games left and let's see what we can achieve," Suarez told The Liverpool Echo.
"Can we win the title? I'm not sure. I think this season the Premier League is so difficult. Every team can lose games. Man City, Chelsea and Arsenal have been dropping points.
"We are very strong at home and we must keep going like this. We must just focus on every game. In football you never know what can happen.
"To be in the Champions League is what we all want. This is our objective – to play in it next season.
"We have a very good team playing at a good level and we believe we can get in the Champions League.
"I watched the games on TV this week and when you hear that Champions League music that's motivation in itself.
"I want to be there with Liverpool. It's an unbelievable competition. It's where we want to be – playing against the top teams in Europe.
"Stevie (Gerrard) has told me about Champions League nights at Anfield. He said when you have played Champions League football at Anfield you will never forget it. I want to try it for myself.
"When I arrived here I said it was my dream to play for Liverpool and play Champions League here. I know I can achieve my dreams here."

PHOTO: Olamide show off his #15million Range-Rover

Congratulation #boss