Tinubu pays tribute to late Aminu Dantata, describes him as pillar of integrity

In Kano, President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, describing him as a man of unmatched integrity, humility, and selfless service to humanity.

Speaking during the visit, Tinubu said Dantata’s life embodied generosity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of others.

“This is a deeply personal visit for me. He was not just a respected elder; he was part of my family,” the President said, recalling the blessings and support he received from Dantata during the 2023 presidential campaign.

“I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to return and thank him.

Instead, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was—humble, simple, and sincere,” Tinubu added.

The President praised the late philanthropist for dedicating his life to serving others and for his immense contributions to Nigeria’s development.

“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.

The condolence visit followed the death of Dantata on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Dubai at the age of 94.

He was buried in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1, in line with Islamic rites.

Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the government and people of Kano, expressed gratitude to the President for his empathy and support.

He noted that Tinubu had earlier dispatched a federal delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, to attend the burial rites in Saudi Arabia and had sent the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, to console the family.

“We appreciate the support you gave us in facilitating arrangements in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.

“Your leadership ensured everything went smoothly,” Governor Yusuf said.

The late Dantata’s eldest son, Tajudeen Dantata, also thanked the President for his personal visit and the show of solidarity with the family.

“We witnessed your friendship with our father in his lifetime and have continued to see it even in his passing.

“We are deeply grateful for your honour and respect,” he said.

Tajudeen pledged on behalf of the family to uphold their father’s legacy of service, humility, and philanthropy, and offered prayers for the President’s health and strength to continue leading the nation.

President Tinubu was accompanied by top government officials, including 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 National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present at the condolence visit were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, business magnate Aliko Dangote—who is a nephew of the deceased—elder statesman Tanko Yakassai, and businessman Mohammed Indimi.