Billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote has agreed to appear on comedian and content creator Adebayo Ridwan, popularly known as Bae U Barbie’s, YouTube programme, Curiosity Made Me Ask, following an appeal for him to connect with younger Nigerians.
Bae U extended the invitation during an interaction with Dangote at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos on Monday, arguing that the industrialist needed to engage audiences on platforms popular with young people.
He said many of Dangote’s previous interviews had appeared on platforms that did not attract much of his generation’s attention, despite young Nigerians’ interest in his business ventures and investment opportunities.
Dangote acknowledged the importance of reaching younger audiences, describing them as the country’s future and stressing the need for older generations to share their experiences.
“We will come,” he said, accepting the invitation without announcing a date for the interview.
The billionaire also indicated that he was open to an unrestricted conversation in which viewers could ask questions about his business journey and the experiences behind his success.
Bae U had explained that he was not asking Dangote to disregard his media team but to consider appearing on the programme after completing his existing engagements.
The creator described Curiosity Made Me Ask as a major YouTube platform and cited its interview with former President Olusegun Obasanjo as an example of its ability to bring prominent Nigerians before younger audiences.
During the interaction, Dangote also spoke about his willingness to take photographs with members of the public, including young Nigerians who approach him while he travels abroad.
He recalled visiting Washington with his late grandfather when he was younger and meeting prominent personalities, including boxer Muhammad Ali, with whom they sought photographs.
Dangote said the experience influenced his decision to remain accessible to people who approach him, despite his status as one of Africa’s wealthiest businessmen.
He also explained that a photograph he shared on social media was intended to express gratitude to God rather than ask for further blessings.
“God, you have overblessed me. Even if I am the one you created, you’ve done more than enough,” he said.
Dangote’s acceptance of the invitation could give younger Nigerians an opportunity to hear directly from the industrialist about his business experience and the lessons he has learnt. However, the date for the proposed interview is yet to be announced.
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