Prior to his death, elder statesman and renowned business mogul, Aminu Alhassan Dantata, had revealed that he no longer enjoyed life and hoped to depart this world in good faith.
His death at age 94 was announced on Saturday, but about two and a half years ago he said life had become boring to him and was only awaiting his glorious exit.
At 91 then, Dantata disclosed this when he received the then Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shettima.
He said from a youthful age, he had the privilege of meeting many people and had engaged in friendship in all States of Nigeria but could hardly call out 10 who are still alive.
“Honestly, as I am right now, I am just waiting for my time. I no longer enjoy life anymore. I hope I depart this world in good faith.
“I hope I did not offend anyone in life. If I offended anyone, I hope they find it in their hearts to forgive me. If anybody has offended me, I have forgiven them.
“I am now the only one left in my family living with grandchildren.”
Dantata, while expressing joy and appreciation for the visit, prayed for Nigeria for everlasting peace and harmony.
“May God not leave us with our efforts alone, we pray for his continued guidance and protection,” he added.
Earlier, Shettima, who was on a consultation visit to the State, pointed that the purpose of the visit is largely to reach out to elder statesmen on the ongoing project in the North ahead of the 2023 general elections.
He was accompanied on the visit by then State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Musa Gwadabe, Brigadier General Lawal Jafaru Isah (rtd) and Tanko Yakasai.
The death of one of Nigeria’s most prominent businessmen and philanthropists, Alhaji Dantata, aged 94, was confirmed on Saturday by his Personal Private Secretary (PPS), Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who expressed his grief in a message shared with the public.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later, insha Allah,” Junaid wrote.
The funeral prayer (Salatul Janazah) for the late Dantata is scheduled to hold by 2:00 PM at Umar Bin Khattab Mosque, Gyadi-Gyadi, Kano, according to Malam Ibrahim Khalil, Chairman of the Kano Council of Ulama.
“May Allah forgive him,” the council’s statement read.
Born into the legendary Dantata family of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Dantata was the son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest men in the early 20th century. He not only upheld his family’s legacy but expanded it significantly over several decades, becoming a towering figure in Nigeria’s commercial, religious, and philanthropic spheres.
Aminu Dantata’s business interests spanned a wide range of sectors including construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas. Under his leadership, the Dantata business empire flourished and became a cornerstone of Nigeria’s private sector growth.
He also held numerous positions in both the public and private sectors, mentoring generations of entrepreneurs, policymakers, and civic leaders. Despite his immense wealth and influence, Dantata remained widely respected for his modesty, religious devotion, and unwavering commitment to community development.
His philanthropic legacy includes the establishment and funding of schools, mosques, health centres, orphanages, and support for widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. His personal foundation and low-profile donations impacted countless lives over the decades.
Alhaji Dantata’s passing has triggered an outpouring of tributes from business leaders, political figures, religious scholars, and ordinary Nigerians who benefited from his generosity and guidance.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, and a vast network of admirers who continue to uphold his enduring legacy.
Written with reports from Daily Trust
