10 Things to Know About Late Kano-Born Business Mogul, Aminu Dantata

• Dantata died at 94 after a prolonged illness linked to old age

• He was son of Alhassan Dantata, one of West Africa’s richest traders

• His legacy spans business, politics, philanthropy, and Islamic finance

Renowned Nigerian business mogul and elder statesman, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has died at the age of 94, following a prolonged illness related to old age.

His death was announced on Saturday by Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, Deputy National Treasurer of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

Here are 10 key facts about the late icon:

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1. Kano Royalty of Commerce: Aminu Dantata was born on May 19, 1931, into the influential Dantata family of Kano. His father, Alhassan Dantata, was one of the wealthiest African merchants of the 20th century.
2. Early Start in Business: He began his career at Alhassan Dantata and Sons Ltd as a produce buyer and gradually built a thriving conglomerate with vast interests in oil, construction, real estate, and agriculture.
3. Pillar of Industrial Growth: In 1962, he was appointed to the Steering Committee of the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank and became one of its early directors, helping to shape Nigeria’s industrial base.
4. Political Footprint: Dantata was elected into the Northern House of Assembly in 1966 and served as Commissioner in the Kano State Government between 1967 and 1973.
5. Democratic Architect: He was part of the 1979 Constitution Drafting Committee, playing a vital role in the formation of Nigeria’s Second Republic.
6. Champion of Global Trade: The late statesman led various international trade missions, promoting Nigeria’s private sector and building commercial alliances abroad.

READ ALSO: Kano Billionaire Aminu Dantata Dies at 94 in Abuja

1. Academic Honours: He received honorary doctorate degrees from several Nigerian universities, including ABU Zaria, Bayero University Kano, and Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto.
2. National Honours: For his contribution to national development, he was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) and Commander of the National Republic of Niger (CONN).
3. Philanthropist and Education Advocate: Dantata invested heavily in education, youth empowerment, and skills acquisition, lifting thousands of Nigerians out of poverty.
4. Religious and Financial Leadership: He served as Chancellor of Al-Qalam University and as a Non-Executive Director of Jaiz Bank Plc, promoting Islamic education and ethical finance.

The funeral prayer for Alhaji Aminu Dantata was held in Kano, with senior political figures and business leaders in attendance to honour one of Nigeria’s greatest post-independence industrialists.