Aminu Alhassan Dantata’s Final Journey to Madinah: A Farewell to a Northern Star
The late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a prominent figure in Nigerian business, public service, and philanthropy, embarked on his final journey from Dubai to Madinah, where he was laid to rest on Monday. The Saudi Arabian authorities granted the necessary approvals for the transfer of his body, fulfilling his wish to be buried beside his late wife in the holy city. The arrangements, slightly delayed due to the weekend, were meticulously handled, culminating in the Janazah (funeral prayer) on Monday morning. Dantata’s passing at the age of 94, after a protracted illness, marked the end of an era for the northern region of Nigeria, leaving behind a legacy of service and impactful contributions to national development.
Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata’s life was a testament to dedication and service. His tenure as Kano State Commissioner for Planning and Development from 1967 to 1972 showcased his commitment to public service. He further demonstrated his dedication to his community as a promoter of the Kano State Foundation, a vital organization providing educational support and entrepreneurial grants, nurturing growth and opportunity within the state. This dual commitment to public service and community development solidified his reputation as a pillar of the Northern Nigerian society.
News of Dantata’s demise reverberated throughout Nigeria, eliciting an outpouring of grief and condolences. Prominent figures, including President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President Kashim Shettima, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, paid tribute to his remarkable life and contributions. Funeral prayers were held in Kano on Saturday, marking the initial stage of his farewell. These national expressions of grief underscore Dantata’s widespread impact and the respect he commanded across the political spectrum.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent voice of Northern Nigeria, expressed profound sorrow over Dantata’s passing. They recognized him as one of the region’s most distinguished leaders, his influence extending beyond the North to national and international levels. The ACF highlighted his pivotal role in the forum’s establishment in 2000, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to its foundational stability and the respect it garnered. Dantata’s involvement shaped the ACF’s trajectory, ensuring its effectiveness as a representative body for the North.
Dantata’s connection to the ACF deepened through familial ties, as his son, Alhaji Tajudeen A. Dantata, served as the forum’s Financial Secretary. This generational involvement signifies the family’s dedication to the progress and well-being of the Northern region. The ACF further emphasized the high esteem in which they held Dantata by recalling a recent visit to him in August 2024, led by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu. This visit, shortly before his passing, demonstrated the ACF’s continued recognition of his enduring wisdom and influence.
The ACF’s official statement, released by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammad-Baba, encapsulated the collective sentiment of the North. They mourned the loss of an illustrious son, whose life exemplified leadership and commitment to progress. They offered prayers for his peaceful repose in Aljanna Firdaus, extending heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of Kano State and Nigeria as a whole. This collective mourning reflects the deep impact Dantata had on the lives of many, solidifying his legacy as a respected elder statesman and a beacon of Northern Nigeria. His memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations to serve their communities and strive for the betterment of the nation.
