The director-general of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’Agundi, has announced the cancellation of his 52nd birthday celebration in respect and mourning of the late elder statesman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata.

Dr. Dan’agundi made the announcement while receiving some members of his staff who had gathered at his office to celebrate his birthday and convey their best wishes on the occasion of his new age.

Expressing his heartfelt gratitude, the NPC director-general commended his team for their unwavering support and dedication to the development and progress of the agency. “I am deeply thankful for your commitment and hard work. Without your dedication, the remarkable achievements we have made since my assumption of office would not have been possible,” he said.

However, Dr. Dan’agundi noted that this year’s birthday falls at a solemn time for the nation and for him personally, as the country mourns the loss of a great leader and benefactor Dantata. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the cancellation of the celebrations in light of the passing of our respected father figure and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. His contributions to society and his selfless generosity have left an indelible mark on all of us,” he added.

He urged everyone to remember and honour the legacy of Alhaji Dantata by continuing to strive for excellence and productivity in their respective fields. “Let us channel our grief into renewed commitment to service and productivity, in the spirit of the late Alhaji Dantata’s lifelong dedication to community development,” Dr. Danagundi emphasized.

The Director General also took the opportunity to call for unity and solidarity during this period of national mourning, encouraging all Nigerians to uphold the values of compassion, generosity, and hard work exemplified by the late elder statesman.