Tinubu, Buhari mourn late business icon, Dantata

Abdullateef Fowewe

Nigeria is in mourning following the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the renowned elder statesman, business titan, and philanthropist, who died at the age of 94 in the early hours of Saturday.

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Dantata’s death as a “monumental national loss,” highlighting his exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.

“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.

“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,” he added.

Tinubu also praised Dantata’s legacy of philanthropy, especially in the fields of education and healthcare, and recalled their personal relationship, noting the late business leader’s “wise counsel and support” as “deeply encouraging and beneficial.”

The President extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the Government and people of Kano State, and the nation at large, calling Dantata “Nigeria’s illustrious son.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also paid glowing tribute to Dantata, describing him as a “business titan and visionary leader” whose impact transcended Nigeria’s borders.

“He leaves behind a monumental legacy in philanthropy and entrepreneurship that reshaped the lives of people and business settings in the country and beyond,” Buhari said in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu.

“His contributions to Islamic education, health, business, and rural development will continue to inspire many people, both within and outside the country,” Buhari added.

Buhari further commended Dantata’s “extraordinary legacy of leadership in business and philanthropy and an unmatched record in mentoring and nurturing generations of entrepreneurs, who themselves are today mentoring others and taking to philanthropy.”

“I will always cherish my interactions with him,” Buhari reflected, praying, “May Allah grant fortitude and strength to the members of the Dantata and Dangote families, the Kano Emirate Council, the government and people of the state and the country to whom the late Aminu Dantata meant a lot. May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in the old Kano State, was widely respected for his business acumen, philanthropy, and commitment to national unity.