Lessons in Humility from Aliko Dangote’s Example
There is a powerful image making the rounds: Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, Africa’s richest Black man with an estimated net worth of $28.5 billion in 2026, kneeling on a prayer mat before God.
This is the same man who built Africa’s largest industrial empire—spanning cement, sugar, fertilizer, and the continent’s 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery. Yet, despite his extraordinary wealth and global influence, he still bows in worship.
The image carries a profound message: if the man who seemingly has everything still depends on God, what makes the rest of us think we can succeed without Him?
Sadly, we live in a generation that forgets too quickly. The moment prosperity arrives, gratitude begins to fade. Success often gives birth to pride, and pride disguises itself as busyness.
Some people secure a few lucrative contracts or land prestigious jobs, and suddenly church becomes “too far,” worship becomes “too demanding,” and the local congregation that once prayed for them is no longer good enough. They stop paying their tithes. They forget the pastors and spiritual mentors who stood with them during seasons of hardship.
Many now desire only the grandeur of magnificent cathedrals, forgetting that their breakthrough was conceived in humble, unpainted church buildings with broken fans and bare floors where faithful believers lifted them up in prayer.
God does not bless His children so they can abandon their roots. He blesses them so they can return to strengthen His work and uplift His people.
As Scripture reminds us:
“Honour the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing.” — Proverbs 3:9–10
This same attitude of pride sometimes extends beyond the church. People abandon lifelong friends, neglect their villages, and distance themselves from traditional institutions that nurtured them. They expect their communities to honour them while forgetting to honour where they came from.
If your hometown lacks development, contribute to its growth. If the palace needs restoration, help rebuild it. A tree that forgets its roots cannot stand forever.
Jesus Christ Himself gave humanity the greatest example of humility. Though He was the King of Kings, He was born in a humble manger (Luke 2:7). He washed the feet of His disciples (John 13:14). He willingly carried a cross He did not deserve (Isaiah 53:5). Even in His moment of greatest agony in Gethsemane, He prayed:
“Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” — Matthew 26:39
If Christ humbled Himself before the Father, how much more should we?
C.S. Lewis beautifully captured the essence of humility when he wrote:
“True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.”
The Bible repeatedly reminds us that pride is temporary, but humility attracts God’s favour:
“For dust you are and to dust you will return.” — Genesis 3:19
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” — 1 Peter 5:6
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” — James 4:6
Money can buy mansions, but it cannot purchase humility.
Influence can open doors, but it cannot buy genuine peace.
Success may earn applause, but it can never replace sincere gratitude.
As another Sunday arrives, let us all pause for reflection. Remember those who prayed for you. Appreciate those who stood by you when you had little or nothing. Reach out to old friends, support your local church, honour your community, and never forget your roots.
Because the higher God lifts you, the lower you must bow.
Like Aliko Dangote on his prayer mat, may we always remember that every breath we take, every business deal we close, every achievement we celebrate, and every miracle we experience ultimately comes from God.
Happy Sunday. Stay humble.
Comrade Emmanuel Fateman
PRO, Forward Bola Ahmed Tinubu ICG
Editor, This is Africa Magazine and Tabloid
Publisher, Hope International Magazine
Otuekong ke Efik Eburutu
Ifaibom Eniong Abatim
Pioneer Director General
Greater Calabar City Development