President Bola Tinubu on Friday, July 18, 2025, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late business mogul Alhaji Aminu Dantata in Kano, describing him as a “titan of integrity, humility, and generosity.”
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), in a statement on Friday, July 18, 2025, disclosed that the president lauded Dantata’s life, noting it was “dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others.”
Alhaji Dantata, a renowned industrialist, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Dubai at the age of 94 and was laid to rest in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025.
During his visit, President Tinubu emphasised his personal connection to the deceased. “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. 4. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family,” the president stated.
President Tinubu recounted the significant role Alhaji Dantata played during his 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 fondly recalled.
He praised the late elder statesman for his unwavering honesty, compassion, and generosity, characterising 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,” President Tinubu said.
Extending his condolences, the President stated, “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus.” He also offered prayers for peace, strength, and solace for the bereaved family and all those mourning.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the state, expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for his compassion and steadfast support during their period of mourning.
He highlighted the President’s prompt action following Dantata’s passing, noting that a high-powered federal delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, was dispatched to Saudi Arabia for the funeral rites.
Governor Yusuf also mentioned leading a state delegation, alongside his Jigawa State counterpart, to join the federal team in Medina.
“The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support. We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful,” Governor Yusuf affirmed.
He further commended the President for previously sending Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima and another federal delegation to condole with the family before personally undertaking the visit despite his demanding schedule.
“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,” the governor added.
Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, the eldest son of the deceased, conveyed the family’s appreciation to the president for 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,” he said.
He further remarked, “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.”
Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata assured the President that the family would continue to uphold the cherished 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,” he concluded.
“We wish you the best of health. For the courage and tenacity that you have shown to take the country out of its doldrums and to clear the path to a greater Nigeria, thank you very much. You will be in our prayers always.”
Among the notable figures who accompanied President Tinubu on the condolence visit were 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 Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Yusuf Abdullahi Ata. Also present were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (a nephew of the late Aminu Dantata), elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, and Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.