*Governors, Ministers, Royalty, and Dignitaries Offer Final Respects By Nasir Abubakar The remains of the renowned Nigerian bus...
*Governors, Ministers, Royalty, and Dignitaries Offer Final Respects
By Nasir Abubakar
The remains of the renowned Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, were laid to rest on Tuesday at the revered Baqiyya Cemetery in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The solemn funeral was attended by a high-profile delegation of Nigerian leaders, traditional rulers, ministers, and dignitaries who converged to pay their final respects to one of Nigeria’s most celebrated industrialists.
According to a statement released by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, spokesperson to the Kano State Governor, the funeral rites were marked by an outpouring of prayers, reflections, and tributes from those who knew the late Dantata personally and admired his immense contributions to business and philanthropy.
Leading the Nigerian delegation was Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, accompanied by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State, Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Deputy Governor of Katsina State. Representing the Federal Government was the Minister of Defence, H.E. Badaru Abubakar, alongside the Ministers of Justice and Information.
Also present at the solemn ceremony were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of State for Housing, and former governors Ahmad Muazu (Bauchi), Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu and Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), as well as Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former APC National Chairman and ex-Governor of Kano, and former Emir Aminu Ado Bayero.
In a rare gesture granted by the Saudi authorities, Governors Yusuf and Namadi, along with Emir Sanusi, were allowed to view the body and offer private prayers before the main funeral. The moment was described as deeply emotional, with the leaders visibly moved as they bid farewell to a man many described as a national treasure.
Governor Yusuf, in his tribute, prayed for the repose of Dantata’s soul and encouraged the family to take solace in the remarkable legacy he left behind. “May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and bless the family with strength and patience,” he said.
At the Prophet’s Mosque, Governor Namadi expressed condolences on behalf of the government and people of Jigawa State. “We pray Almighty Allah grants him the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus,” he stated, describing Dantata as “a man whose philanthropy and humility will be remembered for generations.”
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who led special prayers, praised the late Dantata as a symbol of faith, generosity, and vision. “His impact stretched far beyond business. He embodied the values of compassion and service,” the Emir noted.
As the funeral prayer concluded and the body of Alhaji Aminu Dantata was committed to earth in the sacred grounds of Baqiyya—a cemetery reserved for the pious and blessed—the atmosphere was filled with solemnity. Thousands, including dignitaries, members of the Nigerian community in Saudi Arabia, and grieving relatives, joined in prayers, marking the final chapter of a man whose legacy remains woven into the fabric of modern Nigerian commerce and humanitarianism.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, until his passing, was one of Nigeria’s most influential business figures, known not only for his commercial acumen but for his lifelong commitment to education, community development, and charity.
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