By NAN
Makkah: Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a prominent Kano businessman, has died at the age of 94.
Mustapha Unaid, the late Dantata’s private secretary, confirmed his passing in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
In a heartfelt message, Junaid wrote: “Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un… May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings.”
Dantata’s death marked the end of an era in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic community.
He was renowned for his contributions to commerce, Islamic scholarship, education, and humanitarian causes, building on the business empire established by his father, Alhassan Dantata.
Over the years, the Dantata family diversified its business into various sectors, including construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas.
He also served in various public and private sector leadership positions, offering mentorship to generations of entrepreneurs and civic leaders.
Meanwhile, the news of his death was also confirmed by Uba Tanko, the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), via a social media post.
He also stated that details of the late Dantata’s funeral prayer (Jana’iza) would be announced in due course.
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata was known for his business ventures in real estate, petroleum, and finance.
He was also involved in philanthropic activities, particularly in the areas of education and youth development.
Dantata once served in the Kano State Government and was a member of the Constitution Drafting Committee responsible for preparing Nigeria’s 1979 Constitution.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced yet.
According to reports, he died on Friday, and there were different accounts of the location.
Some sources indicated that he died in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, specifically at a hospital, while others mentioned Abuja.
However, the majority of sources confirmed Abu Dhabi as the place of death.
