SUB-HEAD:
Businessman dismisses social media claims, clarifies interest in public offer participation
NEWS REPORT:
Billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has denied reports alleging that he funded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, describing the claim as false and misleading.
In a statement released on Monday, Otedola said he had not invested any money in the refinery project, contrary to circulating reports on social media.
“Reports claiming that Femi Otedola funded the Dangote Petroleum Refinery are completely and utterly false. He has not invested a single kobo, not one dollar, not one naira,” he said.
Otedola clarified that rather than financing the refinery, he had expressed interest in participating in its forthcoming public offer through a special allocation.
He also dismissed claims that the President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, approached him or other Nigerian business leaders for funding.
“At no point did Alhaji Dangote request financing from Mr Elumelu, Mr Adenuga and myself,” Otedola stated.
According to him, the Dangote Group has the capacity and structure to independently raise capital for its projects without external solicitation of the kind alleged.
The businessman described the report as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and create unnecessary tension within Nigeria’s private sector.
“This is calculated mischief and a deliberate attempt to create rifts and sow discord within Nigeria’s closely knit and respected private sector leadership,” he said.
Otedola further noted that the individuals mentioned in the claims have long-standing records of building businesses, creating jobs, and contributing to Nigeria’s economy.
He warned those responsible for spreading the claims to desist, stressing the importance of accurate information in public discourse.
“Social media is not a tool for manufactured drama. Nigeria deserves truth, not lies dressed up as insider information,” he cautioned.
