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…As Aminu Dantata, Kano billionaire dies at 94
From Desmond Mgboh (Kano), Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Adesuwa Tsan, Idu Jude, Charity Nwakaudu (Abuja) and Lateef Dada (Osogbo)
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died yesterday in Abu Dhabi at the age of 94.
In a heartfelt condolence message issued by his spokesperson, Sanusu Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf extended his sympathies to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Kano, and Nigeria at large, describing Alhaji Dantata’s death as an immense loss to the state and the nation.
The Governor hailed Alhaji Dantata as a towering figure whose lifetime of dedication, philanthropy, and investments greatly shaped the economic and social landscape of Kano.
“Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata was not just a successful businessman but a father figure and a beacon of hope for generations. His unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Kano State and his tireless support for countless charitable causes will forever remain in our hearts,” Governor Yusuf stated.
Governor Yusuf prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late elder statesman and urged the family to find strength in his remarkable legacy.
The late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata was widely respected for his humility, philanthropy, and contribution to commerce and community development over several decades. Dantata was an uncle to Aliko Dangote and apparently one of the richest men in the region.
His departure marks the end of an era for Kano’s business community and beyond.
Reacting to the news of the demise, President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima paid tributes to the late Alhaji Dantata, describing the passing of the renowned business mogul as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at Dantata’s passing, noting his immense contributions to the nation’s economic development and unity. “With the death of Alhaji Dantata today, we lost a prominent business mogul, patriot, and elder statesman who contributed significantly to the growth and development of our nation,” President Tinubu said.
He continued, “Alhaji Dantata will be remembered for his industry, diligence, steadfastness, and great commitment to national unity through his many business ventures and philanthropic activities that touched countless lives of Nigerians.
The President also recalled his personal relationship with the late mogul, describing Dantata’s wise counsel and support as “deeply encouraging and beneficial.”
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the government, and the people of Kano State, describing Dantata’s death as “a monumental national loss because of his sterling contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.”
Shettima, in a separate condolence message, echoed the President’s sentiments, describing Dantata as “an irreplaceable institution.”
In a statement by his media aide Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said, “We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution. He was one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.”
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” the Vice President added.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari while mourning the passing of the business leader in condolence message by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, he said that Dantata left behind a monumental legacy in philanthropy and entrepreneurship that reshaped the lives of people and business settings in the country and beyond.
“His contributions to Islamic education, health, business, and rural development will continue to inspire many people, both within and outside the country.
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Former Vice President of Nigeria Kano born billionaire businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, as an earthshaking loss not only for the people of Kano State, but also Nigerian business community and Africa at large because of his immeasurable contributions to the national economy and job creation.
Reacting to the death of Dantata, Atiku said he was devastated by the passing of such an astute and veteran businessman who was a legendary figure in Nigeria and Africa and whose family name instantly rings a bell.
The Waziri Adamawa noted that Dantata was a risk taker, one of the qualities of great entrepreneurs and business investors. He said: “I’m particularly impressed by how the late Aminu Dantata transformed the family businesses from traditional buying and selling into modern civil engineering and construction services that had created thousands of jobs for Nigerians.”
Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, in his condolence message, issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir expressed grief over the death of Alhaji Dantata, and described him as “a man whose impact was deeply felt across Kano State, northern Nigeria, and the entire country.”
Former Abia State Governor and Senator representing Abia North, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, while mourning over the death Dantata said the demise was “a towering figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, whose integrity, philanthropy, and wisdom contributed immensely to national development.”
He said further: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a foremost industrialist, philanthropist, and a highly respected elder.
“He was a father figure not only to the Northern business community, but to Nigeria as a whole. His legacy of humility, generosity, and service to humanity will never be forgotten.”
He also noted that Dantata’s investments in education, industry, and faith-based causes shaped the lives of millions across generations, especially in Northern Nigeria.
“He lived a fulfilled life and left behind a name synonymous with dignity and excellence. Nigeria has indeed lost one of its finest sons,” the senator added.
On behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District, Senator Kalu extended his heartfelt condolences to the children and grandchildren of the late Dantata—many of whom shared close personal bonds with him—as well as to the government and people of Kano State.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul and consoled the bereaved family, urging them to take solace in the remarkable life their patriarch lived and the indelible mark he left on the nation.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the late Dantata was “a patriot, an accomplished businessman, elder statesman and philanthropist who made positive impacts and touched many lives directly and indirectly during his lifetime.”
In the same vein, Governor Sanwo-Olu extended his heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, and the entire people of Kano over the passing of their illustrious son.
The Acting National Chairman of the Labour Party, Senator Nenadi Usman, described late Alhaji Aminu Dantata as an iconic figure in Nigeria’s business landscape and one of the last towering industrialists of his generation in Africa.
Sen. Usman, in a press statement to express grief over Dantata’s demise over the weekend, noted that his legacy is deeply etched in the fabric of Nigeria’s economic history.
“His visionary leadership and commitment to enterprise development laid the foundation for a generation of thriving businesses and entrepreneurs. Through mentorship and investment in human potential, he inspired and nurtured countless individuals – many of whom went on to become giants in their own right.”
The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun State, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, commiserated with the Dantata dynasty
He said: “As a father to the nation and a national asset, his demise is a monumental loss to Nigeria at large. Combining business prowess with administrative proficiency is a rare attribute but found in Dantata. He sustained the business excellence of the dynasty and handed same over to his children.
“He was a rallying point. He was a detribalized Nigerian who detested preferential treatment. My interaction with him convinced me that, practically, Nigeria unity is visible. He committed himself sustaining the strength in Nigeria’s diversity,” Oluwo said.
