The death of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a towering figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic sectors, has drawn heartfelt tributes from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94 in the United Arab Emirates, leaves behind a legacy that transcends business and speaks deeply to the values of leadership, national unity, and community upliftment.
President Bola Tinubu described Dantata’s passing as a colossal national loss. Through a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu praised Dantata’s immense role in Nigeria’s economic development and his unwavering dedication to nation-building. The president highlighted Dantata’s outstanding legacy in both public and private sectors. Notably, the late mogul once served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in old Kano State, showcasing his contributions beyond entrepreneurship. Tinubu further extolled Dantata’s commitment to philanthropy, especially in the areas of healthcare and education. Recalling his personal relationship with the deceased, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Dantata’s wise counsel and constant support. He noted that Dantata’s industry, resilience, and patriotism made him not just a business icon but a beacon of unity whose charitable efforts touched countless lives. Tinubu extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the people of Kano, and the nation at large.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari also paid tribute, describing Dantata as a visionary businessman whose influence in philanthropy and entrepreneurship reshaped Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. In a statement issued by his aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari acknowledged Dantata’s transformative contributions to Islamic education, rural development, and business mentorship. The former president lauded the late mogul’s humility despite his wealth and business success, noting that Dantata’s leadership of one of Nigeria’s most respected business families paved the way for generations of entrepreneurs who continue to impact society. Buhari stated that Dantata’s legacy would endure across West Africa due to the sheer scale of his charitable acts. He concluded by offering prayers for the Dantata family and emphasizing how he personally valued his interactions with the late patriarch.
Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed profound sorrow over the loss, calling Dantata “an irreplaceable institution” whose death marked the close of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s history. In his statement issued in Abuja, Shettima praised Dantata’s multifaceted legacy as both a symbol of Nigeria’s economic evolution and a moral anchor in its democratic journey. According to the vice president, Dantata was not merely a successful businessman but a “living bridge” to the nation’s past—someone who embodied the values of hard work, integrity, and service. His impact, Shettima emphasized, extended beyond wealth to include the building of communities, uplifting of widows, and consistent support for underprivileged citizens.
Beyond these tributes, it is important to reflect on Dantata’s life in its totality. Born into the influential Dantata family in Kano, he inherited a legacy of trade and expanded it across multiple sectors including construction, oil and gas, agriculture, banking, and manufacturing. Yet, his success was never limited to wealth accumulation. Dantata became synonymous with generosity, often funding the construction of mosques, schools, and healthcare centers throughout the country. His philanthropic gestures helped shape the social fabric of northern Nigeria in particular and the nation in general.
The national grief expressed by the country’s top leaders underlines the magnitude of Dantata’s influence. His contributions spanned generations, mentoring future leaders, nurturing business talent, and remaining an unwavering supporter of charitable causes. His demise is not just the loss of an individual but the fading of an era marked by deep national commitment, enterprise, and humanitarianism.
In death, as in life, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata remains a powerful reminder of what it means to build a legacy rooted not only in wealth but in service
to humanity.
