…Warns against fake quotes, AI-generated ads exploiting Dangote’s image
The Dangote Group has dismissed as false and malicious a viral publication alleging that its President, Aliko Dangote, has distanced himself from fellow businessman Tony Elumelu, Chairman of the Heirs Group that owns the United Bank of Africa, UBA. It described the report as a fabrication with no basis in fact.
In a statement issued by its Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the company said neither Dangote nor the organisation made any such comments, stressing that claims of a rift between both business leaders were entirely unfounded.
The Group also rejected assertions that the development of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was financed through personal borrowing from friends, describing the narrative as a deliberate misrepresentation.
According to the statement, Dangote does not fund projects through personal loans from acquaintances and does not engage in such informal lending arrangements. It challenged those behind the claims to provide verifiable evidence.
Reaffirming the relationship between the two prominent entrepreneurs, the company stated that Dangote and Elumelu maintain a longstanding and cordial association, contrary to suggestions of any estrangement.
The conglomerate further raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of fabricated statements and the unauthorised use of Dangote’s name, likeness, and image in AI-generated advertisements and misleading content.
It warned that such actions pose reputational risks and could amount to fraud, putting individuals, organisations, and platforms involved on notice to immediately cease the dissemination of false information.
The Group said it would take all necessary steps, including legal action, to safeguard its reputation and that of its leadership.
Dangote Group reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity while continuing to promote industrialisation, economic self-sufficiency, and sustainable development across Africa.