The late Nigerian business icon and philanthropist, Aminu Alasan Dantata, was laid to rest on Tuesday at the historic Baqiyya cemetery in Madina, Saudi Arabia, amid prayers, and tributes from family, friends, and a high-powered delegation of Nigerian leaders.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, it was confirmed that the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, led the state delegation, accompanied by Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Emir of Kano Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Deputy Governor of Katsina State.
The Federal Government’s delegation was led by the Minister of Defence, Badaru Abubakar, joined by the Ministers of Justice and of Information.
Other dignitries at the funeral rites were former Governors Ahmad Muazu of Bauchi, Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu and Saminu Turaki of Jigawa, as well as Nigeria’s former Acting APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero.
Also in attendance were Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and the Minister of State for Housing, alongside other dignitaries and members of the Nigerian community in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, the Saudi Arabian authorities granted a rare opportunity to Governor Yusuf, Governor Namadi, and Emir Sanusi to pay their final respects before the funeral prayer by inspecting the body of late Aminu Dantata bid him final farewell and offer a special prayer, a gesture deeply appreciated by the three leaders.
In an emotional moment, Governor Yusuf offered prayers for the repose of Dantata’s soul and consoled the family, urging them to find strength in the extraordinary legacy left behind by their patriarch.
Earlier expressing his condolence message at the holy mosque, Governor Umar Namadi prayed that Almighty Allah dwell the soul of late Aminu Dantata in best part of Jannatul Firdaus.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Jigawa state, I wish to our extend sincire condolences to the family of late Aminu Dantata and Kano state Government.”
Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II led special prayers, remembering Dantata as a beacon of generosity, faith, and vision whose impact stretched far beyond business.
As the funeral prayer concluded and the body of Aminu Dantata was committed to the earth at Baqiyya Cemetery, a resting place reserved for the blessed, the atmosphere resonated with heartfelt prayers from dignitaries, relatives, and thousands of mourners who gathered to honour the memory of a man who helped shape modern Nigerian commerce and philanthropy.
