Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a revered Kano-born business mogul, philanthropist, and elder statesman, recently passed away at the age of 94 in Dubai, sparking widespread national mourning across Nigeria and beyond. Following his demise, Saudi Arabian authorities swiftly granted approval for his body to be transported from Dubai to the holy city of Medina for his final Islamic rites. This arrangement fulfills his long-held wish to be laid to rest beside his late wife, Hajiya Rabi’a Dantata, who passed away in 2023.

The transportation and burial arrangements faced a brief delay due to the weekend break, which impacted the pace of documentation and approval processes. However, Alhaji Mustapha Junaidu, Dantata’s Principal Private Secretary, confirmed on Sunday that all necessary approvals for the transfer to Medina were secured. The Janazah (funeral prayer) was scheduled to take place on Monday morning, signifying the swift resolution to the logistical challenges. In honour of the late mogul, the Kano State chapter of the Council of Ulama had earlier conducted a special Islamic prayer session, known as Salatul Ga’ib, in Kano on Saturday, drawing thousands of mourners and high-profile dignitaries.

Born in 1931 in Kano, Alhaji Aminu Dantata was the last surviving child and direct descendant of the iconic Alhaji Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s wealthiest merchants of the early 20th century. Inheriting a legacy of entrepreneurial excellence, Aminu Dantata took charge of the family’s vast business interests in the 1960s. Under his astute leadership, the Dantata Group expanded into a sprawling conglomerate with significant ventures in construction, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, and real estate, establishing itself as a household name in Nigeria. He was the visionary founder of Express Petroleum and Gas Company Ltd., which grew into a major player in the Nigerian oil industry, and a leading figure in the promotion and establishment of Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank.

Beyond his monumental achievements in the private sector, Alhaji Aminu Dantata played crucial roles in public life and community development. He served as the pioneer Commissioner of Economic Planning and Development in the newly created Kano State from 1967 to 1976, was a member of the Northern House of Assembly representing Kano Province, and contributed to the 1979 Constitution Drafting Committee. His influence extended to philanthropy, where he made substantial donations to numerous worthy causes, including education initiatives, healthcare, and the promotion of Islamic causes. He was widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to humanitarian services, consistently enhancing human dignity through scholarships and health interventions.

Alhaji Dantata was also a staunch advocate for human capital development and mentorship, inspiring countless individuals to achieve greatness. His foresight and belief in building people, not just businesses, significantly influenced the remarkable success of his nephew, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s wealthiest man. This legacy of mentorship is considered a guiding light for generations of young entrepreneurs he mentored and molded.

Tributes poured in from across the globe, reflecting his profound impact. The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, lauded Dantata’s humility, compassion, and simplicity, stating that he uplifted Nigeria’s economy and people through his wisdom in commerce and philanthropy. Both the Labour Party and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) urged the federal government to immortalize Alhaji Dantata, emphasizing his contributions to national development and his exemplary life of enduring enterprise. The League of Northern Democrats (LND) described him as a 'creator of wealth' and 'transformer of business,' highlighting his high standards of corporate social responsibility and devout Muslim faith.

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), in a statement, expressed deep sadness over the demise of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, whom they affectionately referred to as 'Aminu Dogo' due to his iconic tall stature. The ACF recognized him as one of Arewa’s finest elders and accomplished statesmen, crediting him with initiating the movement that led to the establishment of the ACF in 2000 and providing crucial financial resources for its sound footing. His son, Alhaji Tajudeen A. Dantata, currently serves as the ACF’s financial secretary. Further tributes came from Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, who noted Dantata's global business reach and role as an architect of Nigeria’s socio-economic development, and the Kogi State government, which described him as an 'institution' symbolizing integrity and national progress. Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Mayor of Urhoboland, Eshanekpe Israel, also extended their condolences, acknowledging his ingenuity, generosity, and impactful life.

In recognition of his towering figure in Nigerian history, the federal government dispatched a high-level delegation to his burial in Medina. The delegation was led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, alongside the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s passing marks the end of an era, but his indelible marks on the sands of time, through his contributions to commerce, public service, and philanthropy, will continue to inspire generations.