By Aliyu Dalhatu
It was on the 7th day of June, 2024, one fruitful Friday, shortly after the Juma’at congregational prayer, that we paid a courtesy visit to the late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata at his residence in Kano. It was part of his routine to serve humanity every Friday. That day marked our last unforgettable face-to-face moment with him.
Upon our arrival at his residence in Koki Quarters, Kano, we met many influential people sitting in his parlour. Despite the calibre of guests seated at the head of the table, he still warmly welcomed us with humility and respect. We introduced ourselves and briefed him on the reason for our visit and request for his audience.
Late Dantata promptly began sharing his life experiences with us, starting from his childhood up to the day we met him. He believed that sharing his story would inspire us as young men with promising futures.
We had a productive and beneficial discussion about important matters. His words of advice, courage, and inspiration were unsurpassed and immeasurable. He shared some strategic plans with us, which, in sha Allah, we will implement when given the opportunity. One of the statements he reiterated and which I always remember was his instruction to uphold the truth wherever we find ourselves. He insisted that the wisdom behind every success lies in being a person of high integrity, with a strong moral compass, displaying honesty, justice, transparency, consistency in words and actions, and adherence to ethical principles. He also advised us to desist from any act of injustice.
That was one of the most cheerful moments I had ever shared with an elder statesman who inspired us through his guidance on career and principles. He was an epitome of decorum and righteousness.
It was a disheartening moment when, while sleeping, a friend woke me up to inform me of his passing. I sat back, reminiscing about the time we spent together moments that left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. I tried to write this tribute several times, but it has been the most difficult thing I have ever written. It still feels like a bad dream.
His kindness, humility, compassion, and generosity all led by integrity truly left a lasting impression on me.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata lived a fulfilled life. He was a devoted Muslim, a philanthropist, an industrialist, a man of great business acumen, a strong pillar of support, and a bridge-builder who spent his entire life worshipping Allah (SWT) and serving humanity.
He lived an incredible and exemplary life, leaving behind a legacy filled with philanthropy and service uplifting countless lives in Kano, Northern Nigeria, and Africa at large. His contributions speak for themselves not just in infrastructure and business but also through his words, actions, and far-reaching interventions that supported many families across and beyond Nigeria. Those are the noble causes he stood for.
His passing leaves a deep void a vacuum that will be hard to fill. The Chairman left us when we needed him the most, but Allah loves him more. As mortals, we have neither the authority nor the right to question His divine decree; we can only accept destiny as it unfolds. Alhaji Aminu Dantata left his footprint in the sands of time, an indelible impression among others, and a legacy destined to inspire generations.
Today marks the end of an era. Salat al-Gha’ib was performed at Umar Bn Khattab Mosque in Kano, where thousands of people within and outside the city attended the funeral prayer.
He will be buried in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia later today.
My condolences to all of Kano, the North, and Nigeria over this irreplaceable loss. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings and admit him into Jannatul Firdaus. Ameen.
Allah ya jikan Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, the chairman of all African chairmen. Ameen.
