The business and philanthropic communities in Nigeria and beyond are mourning the loss of one of their most distinguished figures, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who passed away in the early hours of Saturday at the age of 94.
According to family sources, Alhaji Dantata died at approximately 3:00 a.m. Nigerian time at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he had been receiving treatment for a brief illness.
A towering figure in Nigerian commerce, Alhaji Dantata was a pioneering industrialist and philanthropist whose legacy spans decades of economic development, charitable giving, and civic leadership. He was also the uncle of Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Born in 1931 in Kano, Northern Nigeria, Dantata played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s commercial landscape. His business acumen and commitment to community upliftment earned him national and international recognition.
In a poignant moment of reflection in 2022, Dantata expressed a sense of closure with life, stating that he had made peace with his journey and sought forgiveness from those he may have wronged, while also extending forgiveness to others.
Funeral arrangements are currently underway, with indications that his remains may be flown to Madina, Saudi Arabia, for interment in accordance with Islamic rites.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, Alhaji Aminu Dantata is remembered not only for his business empire but also for his humility, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of society.