Latest news with #AminuDantata
Arab Times
30-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Nigerian business tycoon set to be buried in Saudi Arabia
DUBAI, UAE, June 30: Aminu Dantata, one of Nigeria's most prominent and wealthy businessmen, passed away last Saturday in the United Arab Emirates. He is scheduled for burial in the holy city of Medina, Saudi Arabia, following approval by Saudi authorities. Dantata, aged 94, was a respected figure in Nigerian business and philanthropy, and an uncle to Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote. He is survived by three wives, 21 children, and 121 grandchildren. The late businessman's body was transported from Abu Dhabi to Medina, a city he cherished deeply as the resting place of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Fulfilling his wishes, the burial will take place in this revered Islamic city. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu expressed his condolences, calling Dantata's death a "monumental national loss." He highlighted the late tycoon's significant contributions to Nigeria's economic development, philanthropy, and public service. Known for his generosity, Dantata last year donated 1.5 billion naira (approximately $972,000) to aid victims of severe floods in Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. Dantata's business empire spanned sectors such as agriculture, real estate, manufacturing, and construction. His journey began in the 1940s, trading kola nuts and groundnuts, following the footsteps of his father, Alhassan Dantata, once West Africa's wealthiest man. Despite his wealth, Dantata maintained a humble lifestyle in Kano's northern city, where he lived all his life, much like his ancestors. Politicians sought his support during election seasons, reflecting his influence in the political arena. A video of President Tinubu greeting Dantata with a bow before the 2023 elections circulated widely on social media. A special prayer ceremony in honor of Dantata was held in Kano, attended by prominent officials including two Nigerian governors and the country's defence minister, who have traveled to Medina for the funeral. Educated in Islamic studies and attending a secondary school established by his father, Dantata often spoke about the importance of learning business from an early age. He recalled how his father taught the family about commerce during school breaks, emphasizing the value of hard work. At 17, he took charge of the family business in Bichi, succeeding his brother Ahmadu Dantata, and continued to expand the family legacy.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of Nigeria's richest men set to be buried in Saudi Arabia
One of Nigeria's wealthiest businessmen, Aminu Dantata, is set to be buried in Saudi Arabia later after he died on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates. Business mogul Dantata, 94, an uncle of Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, leaves three wives, 21 children and 121 grandchildren. His body was transferred from Abu Dhabi where he died to Medina after Saudi authorities approved his burial in their country. It was his wish to be buried in a city he adored and where Islam's prophet Muhammad lived and died. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu described Dantata's death as a "monumental national loss' in a statement. He said Dantata had made "sterling contributions to Nigeria's growth and development" through decades of enterprise, service, and philanthropy. He was known across Nigeria for his philanthropic activities. Last year, he donated 1.5 billion naira ($972,000; £710,000) to victims of the devastating floods in north-eastern Borno state. His business interests cut across agriculture, real estate, construction and manufacturing. He first made his name in agriculture, starting trading kola nuts and groundnuts in the 1940s. He came from a business family - his father Alhassan Dantata was once considered to be the richest man in West Africa. Despite his riches, Dantata lived in one of the poorest areas of the northern city of Kano, like his parents before him. His influence was also felt in politics, with politicians eager to seek his blessings before elections. A video of President Tinubu bowing to greet him before the 2023 elections went viral on social media. A special prayer was held for him in Kano, where he lived all his life. Two Nigerian governors and the defence minister have gone to Medina for his funeral. Nigeria's major tax overhaul explained What is behind the wave of killings in central Nigeria? Culture and colour come out in praise of a Nigerian king Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Focus on Africa This Is Africa
BBC News
30-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Aminu Dantata: Nigerian billionaire to be buried in Saudi Arabia
One of Nigeria's wealthiest businessmen, Aminu Dantata, is set to be buried in Saudi Arabia later after he died on Saturday in the United Arab mogul Dantata, 94, an uncle of Africa's richest man Aliko Dangote, leaves three wives, 21 children and 121 body was transferred from Abu Dhabi where he died to Medina after Saudi authorities approved his burial in their was his wish to be buried in a city he adored and where Islam's prophet Muhammad lived and died. Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu described Dantata's death as a "monumental national loss' in a said Dantata had made "sterling contributions to Nigeria's growth and development" through decades of enterprise, service, and was known across Nigeria for his philanthropic activities. Last year, he donated 1.5 billion naira ($972,000; £710,000) to victims of the devastating floods in north-eastern Borno business interests cut across agriculture, real estate, construction and first made his name in agriculture, starting trading kola nuts and groundnuts in the came from a business family - his father Alhassan Dantata was once considered to be the richest man in West his riches, Dantata lived in one of the poorest areas of the northern city of Kano, like his parents before influence was also felt in politics, with politicians eager to seek his blessings before elections.A video of President Tinubu bowing to greet him before the 2023 elections went viral on social media.A special prayer was held for him in Kano, where he lived all his Nigerian governors and the defence minister have gone to Medina for his funeral. More about Nigeria from the BBC: Nigeria's major tax overhaul explainedWhat is behind the wave of killings in central Nigeria?Culture and colour come out in praise of a Nigerian king Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
BBC News
28-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Ogbonge Nigeria businessman Aminu Dantata die at di age of 94
One Nigeria ogbonge businessman and philanthropist, Aminu Dantata, don die at di di age of 94. Na im Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, announce im death for Facebook. Junaid say, "na wit heavy heart I announce di passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata. "May Allah grant am Jannatul Firdaus and forgive im shortcomings," Junaid write. Im add say dem go share di details of im burial later. Tori be say e die for Dubai early on Saturday morning. Our eye still dey dis tori we go dey update am as we get more details.
