Northern Governors have united in grief following the death of Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a celebrated business tycoon and philanthropist, who passed away at the age of 94. The announcement was made on Saturday by Muhammadu Yahaya, Governor of Gombe State and Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF), who issued a heartfelt condolence message on behalf of his colleagues.
Yahaya, speaking through Ismaila Misilli, Director-General Press Affairs at Gombe Government House, emphasized the immense loss felt across the nation. He described Dantata as “one of Africa’s wealthiest and most respected private sector figures,” whose life and achievements have left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Okay.ng reports that Yahaya’s statement read in part: “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, an era defined by visionary enterprise, uncommon generosity, rare humility and integrity.”
Governor Yahaya further highlighted Dantata’s pivotal role in shaping the economic fortunes of Northern Nigeria and the country at large, noting, “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.”
The NSGF Chairman extended his deepest sympathies to the Dantata family, the government and people of Kano State, and the entire nation. He also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal reward for the late Dantata, asking that his legacy of service be honored with Aljannatul Firdaus.