As he clocks 60 today, the President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has said his belief in Nigeria’s economic potentials remains unshaken.

While speaking with a group of businessmen in his office in Lagos at the weekend, Dangote said his passion for the workability of Nigeria’s economy had been the impetus that underlined his investment decisions, reiterating his common mantra that “Nigeria is the world’s best kept secret.”

Extolling Dangote, whose birthday will be commemorated today with the planting of 60 trees at the site of his world-class refinery and petrochemical plant, President Buhari, in statement by his spokesman Femi Adesina, said he joined the business world and Dangote’s friends and family in congratulating him “for his patriotism and kind-heartedness in always making sacrifices to safeguard the health of the nation, most remarkably the polio and Ebola interventions.”

He added that Dangote remained a shining example of the virtues of choosing entrepreneurship from an early age, treading the path of diligence, perseverance and continuous learning to build some of the world’s largest manufacturing and distribution companies.

President Buhari commended the cosmopolitan outlook of the entrepreneur “who defies ethnic and religious persuasions in extending support to the poor and vulnerable, providing employment opportunities without discrimination, while inspiring and mentoring young Nigerians to greatness.”

Former Lagos State governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, also congratulated Dangote, describing him as an inspiration to many people.

In a letter to Dangote personally signed by him, Asiwaju Tinubu commended the business mogul for his boldness and bravery in taking the business risks he took, which he said have now paid off.

The All Progressives National Congress (APC) National Leader said Dangote has broken all business barriers and is now helping to industrialise Africa, with the operations of his Dangote Group in 17 African countries and beyond.

In the letter dated April 9, 2017 and released in a statement by his Media Office, Tinubu said: “Dear Alhaji Dangote, my family and I congratulate you on your 60th birthday. Your life has been an inspiration to many. From a lowly background, you rose to the top by dint of hard work and perseverance.”

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara also congratulated the business mogul.