Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, recently joined forces with Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote, in New York's Times Square. The high-profile appearance was to unveil a massive Nasdaq digital billboard promoting the ongoing Initial Public Offering of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals. The billboard, towering above one of the busiest commercial intersections in the world, displayed a bold message: "Made in Nigeria. Built for the World."
The unveiling of the Times Square billboard is part of a global marketing push for the Dangote Refinery's historic public offering, which officially opened on September 14 and runs through October 13. The offering includes 4.1 billion ordinary shares on the market at a price point of ₦525 per share. The goal is to raise approximately ₦2.15 trillion ($1.6 billion USD) if fully subscribed, with a minimum subscription of just 10 shares to encourage retail participation.
Davido and Dangote were seen standing together, gesturing toward the screen and exchanging thumbs-up signals, as they waved to a gathering crowd of onlookers and fans who recorded the moment. The activation bridges Nigerian pop culture and global finance, placing one of Africa's largest industrial undertakings directly in front of an international audience. This collaboration generated widespread excitement online, with fans praising the initiative as a proud display of Nigerian industry and entertainment uniting on a global stage.
Beyond the business implications, the pairing highlights a long-standing personal relationship between Davido and Dangote. Davido has previously spoken publicly about his family's close bond with Dangote, describing the industrialist as a longtime mentor and family friend who has offered him guidance throughout his career. This personal connection adds a unique dimension to the promotional effort for the Dangote Refinery's public offering.
The Dangote Refinery, located in Lekki, Lagos, is a significant industrial undertaking in Nigeria. With the public offering, Dangote aims to give everyday investors a direct stake in the megarefinery. The industrialist has referred to the issuance as an "IPO for the people." This approach is expected to encourage broader participation across Nigeria and the African continent.
The event also drew attention to the presence of Davido's wife, Chioma, who was seen at the event. The interactions between Davido and Dangote created widespread chatter on African social media, with many fans and observers commenting on the significance of the collaboration. The promotion of the Dangote Refinery's public offering is set to continue until October 13.
The partnership between Davido and Dangote has been seen as a strategic move to promote Nigerian industry and entertainment globally. The unveiling of the Times Square billboard has generated significant interest in the Dangote Refinery's public offering, which is open to investors until October 13. Key aspects of the offering include 4.1 billion shares at ₦525 per share, aiming for ₦2.15 trillion ($1.6 billion USD) and a minimum subscription of 10 shares.
Key points
- The Dangote Refinery's historic public offering opened on September 14 and runs through October 13, offering 4.1 billion ordinary shares at ₦525 per share.
- Davido and Dangote's collaboration in Times Square promotes the refinery and highlights their personal relationship.
- The initiative aims to give everyday investors a direct stake in the megarefinery located in Lekki, Lagos.
