Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has advised Nigerians to shun the craze for expensive gadgets like the newly released iPhone 17, revealing that Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, sticks to a simple Android phone.
In a post shared on his X account on Thursday, Omokri said, “Zoom in on the phone Alhaji Aliko Dangote is using, and you will notice that it is not an expensive iPhone 17 Pro Max or any fancy device. It is a regular Android phone, and not even a new one at that. Yet, according to Forbes Magazine, this is the wealthiest person in Africa, the 86th richest human on Earth, and the Black person with the highest net worth on this planet.”
Omokri explained that during his stay with Dangote in Lagos, he observed the billionaire’s modest habits — a reflection of simplicity and true contentment.
“In the few days I spent with him in Lagos, Nigeria, last week, this was the only phone I saw Alhaji Dangote use. His genuine simplicity and contentment are such attractive virtues. It is no wonder that God has blessed him impactfully,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to stop buying costly phones just to impress others, stressing that a phone’s value lies in its function, not its price tag.
“A phone is not a financial investment. It is a utilitarian device whose primary purpose is to help you communicate with others beyond your physical presence. Therefore, conversations you have on a phone are more important than the brand and price of your phone.”
Omokri also cautioned consumers against vanity-driven purchases, adding that global brands profit from people’s obsession with status symbols.
“As such, resist the urge to buy an iPhone 17, whether real or a clever fake from China, or any other expensive phone brand, as a status symbol. iPhones are an excellent choice of phone. I recommend them. Do buy one if you need it. But let your consumption be driven by need, not by vanity.”
He further warned that companies like Apple depend on planned obsolescence, designing products to go out of style quickly, in order to keep consumers spending on newer versions.
“If your old phone is still working, use it and invest your extra money. Apple, the maker of iPhones, has already planned the obsolescence of the iPhone 17. As you read this, the iPhone 18 is already in production. Planned obsolescence is a business strategy of every luxury brand!”
Urging Nigerians to invest wisely rather than chase social validation, Omokri said, “Refuse to go broke in the desire for social status. Even if you are already rich, invest your money, like Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and make more to help the less privileged among humanity. Spending to attain social ranking is a ruse because the minute you buy that latest item, the producers are already set to release a later model that will make yours outdated.”
“And while saving is a good habit, frugality can never make you rich. Banks use your savings to make between 18% and 24% return on investment. Then they give you 2% savings interest, and you celebrate. How much is inflation? 21%. You are getting 19% below the inflation rate. Your money is reducing. That is why you should invest and make a return on investment higher than the inflation rate,” He added.
