A philanthropist and foremost business tycoon in Northern Nigeria, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, has died at the age of 94.
A family source confirmed that the death of late Dantata occurred in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, the Capital of the United Arab Emirates.
“He died at about 3 am Nigerian time at a hospital in Abu Dhabi, where he was recuperating from a brief illness,” the source disclosed.
Although the source said arrangements for Islamic funeral rites would be communicated sooner, it is most likely that the remains of the deceased would be flown to Madina, Saudi Arabia, for interment, The Guardian learned.
The renowned philanthropist and uncle to the richest man in Africa, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, was among the pioneer industrialists in Northern Nigeria.
Dantata predicted his passage three years ago, when he openly disclosed that he was no longer enjoying life and rather hoped to depart to the great beyond faithfully.
The then 91-year-old also asked for forgiveness from people whom he might have offended, just as he had received it, saying he had forgiven those who had offended him as well.
Dantata made the revelation in December 2022 when he received Kashim Shettima, the then Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), at his residence in Koki quarters, Kano.
He said that years ago, he had travelled across Nigeria, meeting people and making friends in almost all the states of the federation, but could hardly name 10 who are still alive today.
“I have travelled to all the states in Nigeria and I have done things with people across all states, many were friends but sadly, of all the people I know, I can hardly call out 10 that are still alive,” Dantata said.
