Northern Governors have expressed deep sorrow over the death of renowned business magnate and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away at the age of 94.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a condolence message issued on Saturday on behalf of his colleagues, described the death of the Kano-born industrialist as a monumental national loss and the close of a remarkable era.
In a statement released through his Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli, Governor Yahaya noted that the late Dantata was one of Africa’s wealthiest and most respected private sector figures.
“It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of national loss that I, on behalf of the Government and people of Gombe State as well as the Northern States Governors’ Forum, mourn the passing of elder statesman and one of Africa’s most accomplished businessmen and philanthropists, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. His demise marks the end of a remarkable era defined by visionary enterprise, uncommon generosity, rare humility, and integrity,” the statement read in part.
Governor Yahaya described Dantata as a towering figure in Nigeria’s economic history, belonging to a generation of visionary leaders devoted to enterprise, development, and uplifting humanity.
“Alhaji Aminu Dantata’s contributions to the socio-economic transformation of Northern Nigeria and the country at large are both monumental and enduring. We have indeed lost a pillar of support, a source of wisdom, and a true elder statesman,” he added.
The NSGF Chairman extended heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and Nigerians at large. He prayed that Almighty Allah (SWT) forgives the shortcomings of the deceased and rewards his lifetime of service with Aljannatul Firdaus.
ADEOLA KUNLE
