Kano’s business community and Nigeria’s philanthropic circles are in mourning following the death of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, the pioneering industrialist and uncle to Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote. The nonagenarian passed away in the early hours of Saturday at an Abu Dhabi hospital, family sources confirmed.
“He died at about 3 am Nigerian time at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, where he was recuperating from a brief illness,” disclosed a close family associate. Preparations are underway to transport his remains to Medina, Saudi Arabia for burial, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The business magnate had remarkably foreshadowed his own passing during a poignant December 2022 encounter with then Vice Presidential candidate Kashim Shettima at his Kano residence.
“I have travelled to all the states in Nigeria and I have done things with people across all states, many were friends but sadly, of all the people I know, I can hardly call out 10 that are still alive,” Dantata had reflected during the visit.
At that meeting, the then 91-year-old patriarch made peace with his mortality, telling guests: “I’m no longer enjoying life and rather hope to depart to the great beyond faithfully.” He extended forgiveness to those who wronged him while seeking same from anyone he might have offended.
Dantata’s legacy spans generations as one of Northern Nigeria’s earliest industrialists and most generous philanthropists. His business empire laid foundations for modern commerce in the region, while his charitable works touched countless lives across socioeconomic strata.
As arrangements continue for his final journey to Medina, tributes are pouring in from Nigeria’s business and political elite, all acknowledging Dantata’s unparalleled role in shaping Northern Nigeria’s economic landscape. His passing marks the end of an era for indigenous enterprise in Africa’s most populous nation.
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