President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of late industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, describing him as a “titan of integrity, humility, and generosity” whose life was devoted to service and compassion.
During the visit to the Dantata family home in Kano, the President recalled the personal connection he shared with the late business magnate and the enduring impact of his legacy.
“This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” President Tinubu said.
According to a statement released by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President offered prayers and words of comfort, describing the late elder statesman as a man who “lived for others.”
“If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” the President stated.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata passed away on Saturday, 28 June 2025, in Dubai at the age of 94. He was buried on Tuesday, 1 July, in Madina, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Reflecting on their shared history, President Tinubu said, “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere.”
He extended his condolences to the Dantata family, the people of Kano, and the entire nation. “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” he prayed.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, who spoke on behalf of the state government and its people, expressed appreciation for the President’s presence and support. He praised Tinubu’s timely intervention, including dispatching a federal delegation to Saudi Arabia led by the Minister of Defence to attend the funeral.
“The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support,” the governor noted. “We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful.”
Governor Yusuf also acknowledged the earlier condolence visit by Vice President Kashim Shettima and another federal delegation before the President’s own appearance in Kano.
“We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria,” he added.
On behalf of the Dantata family, the eldest son, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, thanked the President for his swift and heartfelt response.
“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,” he said. “We witnessed your relationship with him before you became President. We saw how you engaged with him during his lifetime and reacted to his demise. On behalf of the family, we thank you wholeheartedly.”
He assured the President that the family would continue to uphold the values and legacy of their late patriarch.
“We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria,” Tajudeen added.
The President was accompanied on the condolence visit by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and the National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Also in attendance were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, business magnate Aliko Dangote (a nephew of the deceased), elder statesman Tanko Yakassai, and oil tycoon Mohammed Indimi.
