Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has shared an account of how the Prime Minister of Ethiopia demonstrated simplicity and humility by reportedly going eight years in office without using a driver.
Dangote, while speaking at an event, said the Ethiopian leader told him he had never used a driver throughout his eight-year tenure as prime minister.
According to Dangote, the incident occurred when they attended the launch of a fertiliser plant, where he discovered that the Ethiopian leader’s wife was the one driving him to the event. 
“I have a friend who is the Prime Minister of Ethiopia. Do you know what he told me? He said, ‘Look, I have been Prime Minister for the last eight years, and I have never used a driver,’” Dangote said.
Recounting the encounter, he said he asked the prime minister whether he did not have a driver, to which the leader reportedly replied that he did, pointing out that his wife was driving him.
Dangote used the account to emphasise the importance of simplicity, urging people not to allow their positions or status to make them feel superior to others.
“I always tell people that wherever you take me today, even if you take me to the worst hotel — I don’t want to use a prison as an example — I can sleep there, take my shower and live comfortably,” he said.
“Life is about simplicity. Make sure you don’t place yourself on a pedestal or think you are above others,” he added.
He stressed that people should remain humble and comfortable in different circumstances, regardless of their social standing.
