BREAKING: Renowned businessman, Philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, dies at 94

Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 94.

The news of his passing was confirmed on Saturday via a social media post by Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, the Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

“Inna Lillahi wa’inna ilaihi Raji’un. Allah ya yi wa babanmu Dattijo, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, rasuwa. Muna addu’a Allah ya jikan sa, ya gafarta masa. Za a sanar da lokacin jana’izarsa,” Mijinyawa wrote in Hausa, offering prayers for the deceased. The message translates to: “Indeed, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on our father and elder, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. We pray for his forgiveness. The time of his funeral will be announced.”

His death was also confirmed by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, who stated that details of the Janazah (Muslim funeral prayer) would be made public in due course.

Alhaji Dantata, who was a respected figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic circles, was also the uncle of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote. He is remembered for his contributions to commerce and charitable causes across the nation.

Junaid wrote, “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.”

Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who was the founder of Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd., is also credited with having played a key role in the establishment of Nigeria’s first non-interest (Islamic) bank, Jaiz Bank.