HE GAVE SO MUCH OF HIMSELF TO NIGERIA — TINUBU PAYS TRIBUTE TO DANTATA

Read Time:2 Minute, 57 Second

By: Sefiu Ajape

President Bola Tinubu on Friday paid glowing tribute to the late industrialist and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, describing him as a selfless patriot who dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria and its people.

During a condolence visit to the Dantata family in Kano, Tinubu praised the late business magnate for his enduring legacy of philanthropy, humility, and integrity.

“He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people,” the President said.

Details of the visit were contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘In Kano, President Tinubu Pays Tribute to Aminu Dantata’s Philanthropy, Integrity’.

Dantata, a revered figure in Nigeria’s business community, died in Dubai on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94. He was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1.

President Tinubu noted that Dantata represented the highest ideals of public service and compassion, leaving behind a legacy of generosity and national service.

“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,” the President said.

He recalled the counsel and prayers he received from the late Dantata during the 2023 presidential election campaign.

“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,” the President noted.

He praised the late elder statesman for his unwavering honesty, compassion, and generosity, describing him 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,” he said.

The President extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, 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.

President Tinubu offered prayers for peace, strength, and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning the departed elder.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf extended his gratitude to the President for his compassion and unwavering support during the mourning period.

He recalled that following the elder statesman’s passing, the President dispatched ‘a high-powered federal delegation’ to Saudi Arabia, led by the Minister of Defence, to attend the funeral rites.

The eldest son of the deceased, Tajudeen Dantata, thanked the President for honouring the family with his presence and support.

“Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough. 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.

“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 said.

The late Dantata’s son assured the President that the family would uphold the values and legacy of their late patriarch.