Tinubu, Buhari, Shettima, Atiku, Govs, Barau, others mourn Dantata
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late elder statesman, business mogul and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata.
Dantata died early Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 94.
His death was confirmed via a Facebook post by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Junaid.
READ ALSO: Kano business tycoon, Aminu Dantata dies at 94
According to report, the late billionaire would be buried in Saudi Arabia, according to his wish.
Muslim clerics held a funeral prayer for Dantata’s corpse in absential at the Umar bn Khattab mosque, along Zaria Road, Gyadi-gyadi, Kano.
In addition to his business acumen, Dantata served as the Commissioner for Planning and Development in the old Kano State, among other public sector roles.
President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Northern Governors’ Forum, and other prominent Nigerians mourned Dantata’s death.
Tinubu, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the billionaire’s death as a monumental national loss.
The President praised his contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
He eulogised Dantata for his public-spirited philanthropy, which touched lives, especially in education and healthcare delivery.
READ ALSO: Over 200,000 farmers to pioneer regenerative agric projects by Dantata Foods
The President recalled his relationship with the late mogul, describing his wise counsel and support as deeply encouraging and beneficial.
“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.
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.
READ ALSO: Dantata donates ₦1.5bn to flood victims in Maiduguri
Similarly, Shettima expressed grief over the passing of Dantata, saying the nation lost an irreplaceable institution.
In a condolence message, 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,” the Vice President said.
READ ALSO: Legends lost! An era closes! A nation mourns!, by Abiodun Komolafe
He described the Dantata as one of the greatest titans in Nigeria’s philosophical history whose departure marked the end of a vital chapter in the country’s economic and democratic evolution.
The Vice President extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, expressing the hope that they would “find the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” even as he prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus.
Expressing his condolences, Atiku remarked that Dantata’s passing was a profound loss to the nation.
READ ALSO: How President Tinubu welcomed billionaire businessman Alhaji Dantata to Aso Rock
The former Vice President, who reacted to the news of the business mogul’s death via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, said he (Dantata) was not merely a towering business icon but regarded as a profound conscience of his generation.
He stated, “The passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a patriarch of industry, philanthropy, and public virtue, marks the end of an era and the loss of one of the last great custodians of Nigeria’s moral and entrepreneurial heritage.
“Alhaji Dantata was not merely a business icon; he was a conscience of his generation. Through quiet philanthropy, principled leadership, and an unshakable commitment to uplifting society, he etched his name into the soul of our nation.”
READ ALSO: Aminu Dantata donates over N50 million to DOGA
Also commiserating, on behalf of the Northern Governors’ Forum, the Chairman of the forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, described the death of the Kano State-born industrialist as a monumental national loss and the end of a remarkable era.
Yahaya through his Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House, Ismaila Misilli, noted that the deceased was one of Africa’s wealthiest and most respected private sector figures.
“His demise marks the end of a remarkable era; an era defined by visionary enterprise, uncommon generosity, rare humility and integrity,” Yahaya’s message partly read.
Former Abia State governor and current Senator representing Abia North, Orji Uzor Kalu, in a statement released on Saturday, praised Dantata as a colossal figure in Nigeria’s business world.
In his remarks, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, described the loss of the elder statesman as a significant blow to Nigeria’s business and humanitarian landscape.
READ ALSO: Second wife of Kano business tycoon Aminu Dantata dies in Saudi Arabia
In a heartfelt condolence message issued on Saturday, Wamakko, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District and a former Governor of Sokoto State, praised the late Dantata’s towering legacy in commerce and community service.
The senator extended his sympathies to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and the wider business community, praying that Allah (SWT) grants the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus and strengthens the hearts of those he left behind.
In his message, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, said the patriarch’s demise was a monumental loss to Nigeria at large.
READ ALSO: Nigerian political leaders have failed the electorates – Aminu Dantata
The monarch, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, noted that he was a detribalised Nigerian who detested preferential treatment.
He stated, “My interaction with him convinced me that, practically, Nigeria unity is visible. He committed himself sustaining the strength in Nigeria’s diversity.”
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