President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have led tributes to the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, describing the passing of the renowned business mogul, philanthropist, and elder statesman as a monumental loss to Nigeria.
Dantata, aged 94, died in the early hours of Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow at Dantata鈥檚 passing, noting his immense contributions to the nation鈥檚 economic development and unity. 鈥淲ith the death of Alhaji Dantata today, we lost a prominent business mogul, patriot, and elder statesman who contributed significantly to the growth and development of our nation,鈥 President Tinubu said.
He continued, 鈥淎lhaji Dantata will be remembered for his industry, diligence, steadfastness, and great commitment to national unity through his many business ventures and philanthropic activities that touched countless lives of Nigerians.鈥 The President also recalled his personal relationship with the late mogul, describing Dantata鈥檚 wise counsel and support as 鈥渄eeply encouraging and beneficial.鈥
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the government, and the people of Kano State, describing Dantata鈥檚 death as 鈥渁 monumental national loss because of his sterling contributions to Nigeria鈥檚 economic growth and development.鈥 He further praised Dantata鈥檚 public-spirited philanthropy, especially in education and healthcare.
Shettima, in a separate condolence message, echoed the President鈥檚 sentiments, describing Dantata as 鈥渁n irreplaceable institution.鈥
In a statement by his media aide Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said, 鈥淲e have not just lost a leader; we have lost an irreplaceable institution. He was one of the greatest titans in Nigeria鈥檚 philosophical history whose departure marks the end of a vital chapter in the country鈥檚 economic and democratic evolution.鈥
鈥淚n African tradition, when such an elderly person transitions, a vital chapter of our history departs with them. He was indeed among the great titans, a living bridge that connected us to our past,鈥 the Vice President added.
Shettima further highlighted Dantata鈥檚 legacy, noting that he built on his family鈥檚 commercial heritage to become one of Nigeria鈥檚 most influential business figures, with interests spanning construction, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and oil and gas. He also lauded Dantata鈥檚 extensive philanthropy, which included funding schools, mosques, health centres, and supporting widows and the underprivileged across Nigeria.
Both leaders prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the deceased Jannatul Firdaus and urged the Dantata family to find the fortitude to bear the loss.