KEY POINTS
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President Tinubu visited the Dantata family in Kano, calling the late Aminu Dantata “the conscience of the country” and honoring his legacy of humility and generosity.
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The visit highlighted the personal bond between Tinubu and Dantata, who had supported the President’s 2023 campaign with prayers and goodwill.
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Aminu Dantata, a philanthropic giant and last son of Alhassan Dantata, was buried in Madinah, Saudi Arabia; tributes have continued to pour in from across Nigeria and beyond.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid a personal condolence visit to the family of the late business tycoon and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, in Kano, describing him as a towering figure whose life was defined by selflessness, humility, and service to Nigeria.
During the visit on Friday, July 18, 2025, Tinubu reflected on the depth of his relationship with the late Dantata, saying the Kano-born industrialist was more than a national icon — he was like family.
“This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano,” Tinubu said at the Dantata residence. “He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family.”
Aminu Dantata, who passed away on June 28 in Dubai at the age of 94, was the last surviving son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s foremost pre-independence merchants. His legacy includes decades of philanthropy, business leadership, and unwavering contributions to social and religious causes.
President Tinubu recalled seeking Dantata’s counsel and blessings before the 2023 general elections, describing him as a moral compass whose words carried deep weight.
“I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back to thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja,” Tinubu noted. “That was the kind of man he was—humble, simple, and sincere.”
President says Dantata’s legacy will live on as a symbol of national goodwill and spiritual generosity
The President, visibly moved during the visit, praised Dantata’s enduring spirit of generosity, recalling his lifelong commitment to public service, charity, and the betterment of society.
“If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick,” Tinubu said. “He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people. We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”
Alhaji Aminu Dantata was buried on July 1 in the holy city of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic rites. His passing has drawn condolences from global leaders and traditional rulers alike, who acknowledged his impact across philanthropy, business, and interfaith dialogue.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, who received the President, expressed gratitude for Tinubu’s support during the burial arrangements. He noted that the president’s outreach to leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE helped ease the logistics of repatriation and burial.
“The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support,” Governor Yusuf said. “We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful.”
The governor also prayed for continued strength and good health for the president as he leads efforts to build a more united and prosperous Nigeria.
On behalf of the Dantata family, Tajudeen Dantata, the eldest son of the late patriarch, thanked the president for the heartfelt visit and for acknowledging his father’s lasting influence.
“Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough,” Tajudeen said. “You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend.”
Tajudeen also recalled Tinubu’s longstanding relationship with the family, citing private and public engagements that spanned decades and symbolized trust and mutual respect. Dantata’s contributions went far beyond business success. He was known for quietly funding education, healthcare, mosque constructions, and relief for disaster victims. Through his foundation and personal resources, he sponsored scholarships, fed thousands during Ramadan, and supported widows and orphans across Nigeria.
Internationally, he served as a bridge between Nigerian leaders and the Middle East, fostering cultural and economic exchanges. He remained deeply respected by the business community, religious scholars, and civil society organizations alike.
Though he lived a private life, Dantata’s legacy will continue through the many lives he touched and the institutions he helped strengthen.
