FAMOUS Kano business tycoon and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata has died aged 94.
A family source confirmed the death to News Point Nigeria, saying their father died at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, Friday night.
‘He died at about 3am Nigerian time at a hospital in Abu Dhabi.
‘Arrangement is ongoing to fly him back to Nigeria for burial and Jana’iza (Funeral) time and place will be communicated soon’, the source told this newspaper.
The renowned philanthropist is one of the pioneer industrialists in Kano, reputed to setting up a formal business environment with organisational structure.
The Principal Private Secretary, PPS, to the deceased, Mustapha Junaid, also confirmed the demise in a post on his Facebook handle.
Junaid wrote, “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with 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.”
“The Janazah (funeral) details will be shared later insha Allah,” the post further read.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Dantata was the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest men in the early 20th century. He not only upheld his family’s legacy but expanded it significantly over several decades, becoming a towering figure in Nigeria’s commercial, religious, and philanthropic spheres.
Dantata’s business interests spanned a wide range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas. Under his leadership, the Dantata business empire flourished and became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s private sector growth.
He also held numerous positions in both the public and private sectors, mentoring generations of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and civic leaders. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Dantata remained widely respected for his modesty, religious devotion, and unwavering commitment to community development.
His philanthropic legacy includes the establishment and funding of schools, mosques, health centres, orphanages, and support for widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. His personal foundation and low-profile donations impacted countless lives over the decades.
Alhaji Dantata’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from business leaders, political figures, religious scholars, and ordinary Nigerians who benefited from his generosity and guidance.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a vast network of admirers who continue to uphold his enduring legacy.