*A a monumental national loss – Tinubu
WorldStage Newsonline– Prominent Kano businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has died at 94.
His death was announced on Saturday by his Private Secretary, Malam Mustapha Abdullahi-Junaid.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata.
“May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. Details of the Janazah will be shared later, in sha Allah,” Junaid said in a statement.
Dantata, a scion of the influential Dantata family, was widely respected for his significant contributions to commerce, Islamic scholarship, education and humanitarian causes.
He played a pivotal role in expanding the family’s business empire, inherited from his father, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest merchants in the early 20th century.
Over the decades, Dantata diversified the family’s interests into construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas sectors.
He also held several public and private sector leadership roles, mentoring generations of entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
Beyond business, he was revered for his modesty, religious devotion and commitment to community development across Northern Nigeria.
Through his charitable foundation and personal philanthropy, Dantata supported the construction and operation of schools, mosques, health centres, orphanages and social welfare programmes.
The family said further details of the funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.
TINUBU MOURNS
President Bola Tinubu mourns the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, an elder statesman, business mogul, and philanthropist.
Dantata, who passed away at 94 in the early hours of Saturday, was a renowned and accomplished businessman.
President Tinubu described Dantata’s death as a monumental national loss because of his sterling contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
In addition to his long-standing and reputed business acumen, the late Dantata served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in the old Kano State, among other public sector roles.
President Tinubu eulogised Dantata for his public-spirited philanthropy, which touched lives, especially in education and healthcare delivery.
The President recalled his relationship with the late mogul, describing his wise counsel and support as deeply encouraging and beneficial.
“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.
“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 declared.
President Tinubu sends his heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the Government, and the people of Kano State on the death of Nigeria’s illustrious son.
