Tinubu Pays Tribute To Aminu Dantata’s Legacy Of Philanthropy And Service.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has hailed the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata as a towering figure of integrity and generosity, whose lifelong dedication to philanthropy and national service profoundly shaped Nigeria’s development. Speaking during a condolence visit to the Dantata family in Kano on Friday, 18 July 2025, the President described the late business mogul as a personal friend and a patriot whose contributions left an enduring mark on the nation.
Dantata, who passed away on 28 June 2025 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 94, was laid to rest in Medina, Saudi Arabia, fulfilling his wish to be buried in the holy city. The renowned industrialist, uncle to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, was celebrated for his vast business empire spanning agriculture, real estate, construction, and finance, as well as his extraordinary charitable efforts. Notably, he donated ₦1.5 billion (£710,000) to victims of the 2024 Borno floods, reflecting his commitment to supporting those in need.
“This is a deeply personal visit for me,” Tinubu said at the Dantata family residence in Koki Quarters, Kano. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family. His life was marked by honesty, compassion, and a rare devotion to humanity.” Recalling their bond, the President noted that Dantata offered prayers and support during his 2023 presidential campaign. “I sought his blessings before the election, and he gave them. His humility and sincerity were truly remarkable,” Tinubu added.
The President urged Nigerians to emulate Dantata’s legacy of generosity, suggesting that if goodwill persists in the hereafter, “Dantata will be in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick.” He extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the people of Kano, and the nation, praying for the late elder statesman’s soul to rest in Aljannah Firdaus.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received Tinubu at Aminu Kano International Airport alongside dignitaries like Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, expressed gratitude for the President’s compassion. He highlighted Tinubu’s swift response to Dantata’s passing, including facilitating funeral arrangements in Saudi Arabia through diplomatic efforts. “Your support has shown the unity and respect you hold for Kano and our late patriarch,” Yusuf said.
Tajudeen Dantata, the eldest son of the late businessman, thanked the President for his visit, affirming the family’s commitment to upholding their father’s values. “Your presence reinforces the bond you shared with our father, and we are deeply grateful,” he said. The family, which includes three wives, 21 children, and over 100 grandchildren, vowed to continue Dantata’s philanthropic legacy.
Dantata’s influence extended beyond business, having served as Kano State Commissioner for Economic Development in 1968 and as a member of the Northern House of Assembly in 1961. His life, marked by humility despite immense wealth, continues to inspire, with Tinubu calling his passing “a monumental national loss.” As Kano mourns, the city’s residents expressed pride in Dantata’s contributions, with many welcoming the President’s visit as a testament to the late icon’s enduring impact.
