PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have mourned the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, an elder statesman, business mogul, and philanthropist.
Dantata, who passed away at 94 in the early hours of Saturday, was a renowned and accomplished businessman.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga on Saturday, President Tinubu described Dantata’s death as a monumental national loss because of his sterling contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
In addition to his long-standing and reputed business acumen, the late Dantata served as Commissioner for Planning and Development in the old Kano State, among other public sector roles.
President Tinubu eulogised Dantata for his public-spirited philanthropy, which touched lives, especially in education and healthcare delivery.
The President recalled his relationship with the late mogul, describing his wise counsel and support as deeply encouraging and beneficial.
“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.
“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,” the President declared.
President Tinubu sent his heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the Government, and the people of Kano State on the death of Nigeria’s illustrious son.
On his part, Vice President Kashim Shettima, expressed deep grief over the passing of Dantata, saying the nation has lost an irreplaceable institution.
In a condolence message released by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, Vice President Shettima praised the late businessman for his lifetime of service, describing him as “a living bridge that connected us to our past.
“We have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution,” Senator Shettima said, describing Dantata as “one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history” whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
“In African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,” VP Shettima added.
The Vice President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing hopes that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu built on his father’s commercial legacy to become one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures. His empire spans construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and the oil and gas sectors.
Beyond business, Dantata was renowned for his extensive philanthropic work, funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.