Lawmaker representing Niger North, Senator Sani Bello, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of billionaire businessman, iconic philanthropist, and revered elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died in the late hours of Friday in Dubai.
In a statement by his media aide, Yusuf Muye, Senator Bello, who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, described the passing of Alhaji Dantata as a monumental national loss.
He noted that the late patriarch of the Dantata dynasty was a pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth, humanitarian advancement, and moral guidance.
“The passing of Alhaji Aminu Dantata is a profound national loss. He was an elder statesman who contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria, particularly through his leadership in infrastructure development as head of one of the country’s foremost construction firms, Dantata & Sawoe. His vision and investments helped shape the nation’s economic landscape,” the Senator stated.
Senator Bello further highlighted Dantata’s pivotal role in mentoring a generation of successful entrepreneurs, most notably Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, who remains a towering figure in the global business community.
“His humanitarian legacy is equally monumental. Alhaji Aminu Dantata was a champion of the downtrodden, a reservoir of wisdom, and a beacon of moral leadership.
“His charitable acts, many undocumented due to their sheer volume touched countless lives across Nigeria. He was a voice of reason and a source of counsel to leaders at all levels,” he added.
The Senator extended his heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, particularly Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the Government and people of Kano State, the Federal Government, and the entire nation over the irreplaceable loss.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased eternal rest, illuminates his grave, and rewards him for a lifetime of service to humanity.
Dantata was the patriarch of the illustrious Dantata family and an accomplished businessman whose career spanned multiple sectors including construction, oil and gas, agriculture, and manufacturing.
As Chairman of Dantata Organisation Limited, he played a crucial role in shaping modern commerce in Nigeria. His legacy includes not only his corporate success but also his enormous contributions to education, religion, and humanitarian causes.
A respected Islamic leader and public servant, Alhaji Dantata served as a Minister in the First Republic and was later appointed a delegate to the Constitutional Conference of the 1990s.
The deceased’s wisdom was often sought by presidents, governors, and traditional rulers alike, making him a unifying figure and a trusted national counselor.
He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, philanthropy, and visionary leadership that will continue to inspire generations to come.
