Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a renowned billionaire businessman has passed away at the age of 94.
His aide, Mustapha Junaid, confirmed his passing early Saturday morning.
“Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Innalillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. It is with heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later insha Allah,” Junaid wrote.
Dantata was a colossal figure in Nigeria’s business landscape, especially in the northern region.
He was the granduncle of Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, continuing a powerful legacy of entrepreneurship. That legacy began with his father, Alhassan Dantata, widely recognized as Nigeria’s first millionaire and one of West Africa’s wealthiest individuals in the early 1900s.
Alhassan Dantata was also Aliko Dangote’s great-grandfather.
Aminu Dantata served as the Commissioner for Planning and Development in Kano from 1967 to 1972.
He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and was instrumental in establishing Jaiz Bank in Nigeria.
Dantata was the first chancellor of Al-Qalam University in Katsina. He also played a pivotal role in promoting the Kano State Endowment Fund, which supports educational initiatives and offers grants to small-scale entrepreneurs in Kano.
Ifunanya Ikueze is an Engineer, Safety Professional, Writer, Investor, Entrepreneur and Educator.
