President Bola Tinubu on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of late elder statesman and industrialist, Aminu Dantata, describing him as “family, a pillar of humility, generosity and integrity” whose death represents a profound national loss.
The visit to Kano came in the wake of Mr Dantata’s death in Dubai on June 28, at the age of 94.
He was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1, according to Islamic rites.
The president was accompanied by a high-powered federal delegation including Senate president Godswill Akpabio, deputy Senate president Barau Jibrin and other top government officials.
Speaking at the Dantata family residence, Tinubu said the late patriarch was more than a mentor, he was part of his family.
“This is a very personal visit. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was part of my family,” the president said.
Tinubu recalled how Dantata supported him with prayers and guidance in the lead-up to the 2023 general election.
“I sought his prayers before the election, and he gave his blessings. I planned to thank him in person, but he came to Abuja instead. That was who he was, humble, sincere, and selfless.”
The president described Dantata as a rare breed, a man who lived for others and consistently embodied the values of service, integrity and compassion.
“If friendship exists in the hereafter, Dantata would be there feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He served country and humanity selflessly,” Tinubu added.
He extended condolences to the Dantata family, the people of Kano and the nation, praying, “We have lost a titan, the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”
In his remarks, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his support and solidarity since the elder statesman’s death.
He recalled that Tinubu had sent a federal delegation led by the minister of defence, Mohammed Badaru, to the Saudi funeral.
“Your outreach to the authorities in Saudi Arabia and Dubai greatly helped us. We remain deeply grateful for your support and leadership,” the governor said.
The late business mogul’s eldest son, Tajudeen Dantata, thanked the president for his close relationship with their father and for honouring his memory both publicly and privately.
“Your swift and heartfelt response after our father’s death meant a great deal to us. In life and death, you proved he was your brother and friend,” he said.
Other dignitaries present at the condolence visit included national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu, women affairs minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of state for the FCT Mariya Mahmud and minister of state for education Suwaiba Ahmad.
Also in attendance were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, elder statesman Tanko Yakassai and billionaire businessman Mohammed Indimi.
Aminu Dantata, scion of the prominent Dantata family and a key figure in Nigerian commerce for decades, was widely respected for his philanthropy, business acumen and commitment to national unity.
