PRESIDENCY MOURNS THE PASSING OF BUSINESS ICON, ALHAJI AMINU DANTATA
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have joined Nigerians in mourning the passing of elder statesman, renowned industrialist, and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who died in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 94.
In a statement issued by his media aide Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dantata’s death as a monumental national loss, highlighting his immense contributions to Nigeria’s economic development, philanthropy, and public service.
“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 stated. He also recalled their personal relationship, describing Dantata’s wise counsel and moral support as “deeply encouraging and beneficial.”
The late Dantata served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in the old Kano State and was widely revered for his business acumen and generosity, especially in the areas of education and healthcare delivery. President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the Government, and the people of Kano State, praying for the peaceful repose of the departed icon.
In a separate statement, Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed profound grief, describing the late Dantata as an “irreplaceable institution” and “a living bridge that connected us to our past.”
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history. His death marks the end of a vital chapter in our economic and democratic journey,” Shettima said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President praised Dantata’s lifetime of service, integrity, and philanthropy, noting his enduring legacy in the business world and humanitarian circles. He offered heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family and prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born on May 19, 1931, Alhaji Aminu Dantata hailed from the prestigious Dantata family of Kano. He built on the legacy of his father, Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business leaders, with interests spanning construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and real estate.
Beyond commerce, he was deeply committed to nation-building and community development, dedicating substantial resources to the construction of schools, mosques, health centres, and welfare programs that benefited thousands across northern Nigeria.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of entrepreneurs, public servants, and philanthropists across the country.