Tinubu: What transpired during my Encounter with Dantata before 2023 election

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited the family of the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata in Kano on Friday to offer condolences following the renowned industrialist’s passing on June 28, 2025, at the age of 94.

The business mogul, who died in Dubai, was laid to rest in Madina, Saudi Arabia, on July 1, 2025.

During the condolence visit, President Tinubu described the late Alhaji Dantata as “a titan of integrity, humility, and generosity, whose life was dedicated to service, philanthropy, and devotion to others.”

He emphasized that Dantata “embodied the highest values of public service and human compassion.”

Reflecting on his personal connection, the President said, “This is a deeply personal visit for me. I came to condole with the Dantata family and the good people of Kano. He was not just a respected figure; he was part of my family.”

He recalled seeking Dantata’s blessings during the 2023 presidential election campaign, stating, “I came to him for prayers before the election, and he gave me his blessings. I promised to come back and thank him, but instead of me visiting, he came to Abuja. That was the kind of man he was: humble, simple, and sincere.”

President Tinubu praised Dantata’s legacy of honesty and generosity, noting, “If friendship and goodwill continue into the hereafter, Dantata will be there in the marketplace, feeding the hungry and comforting the sick. He gave so much of himself to the service of our country and its people.”

He extended condolences to the Dantata family, Kano State, and the nation, saying, “We have lost a titan. We have lost the conscience of our country. May Allah, in His infinite mercy, grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, speaking on behalf of the state, expressed gratitude for the President’s support during the mourning period.

He acknowledged the federal delegation, led by the Minister of Defence, that attended the funeral in Madina, stating, “The entire process was seamless and successful, thanks to your leadership and support. We also know your appeals to Saudi Arabia and Dubai leaders, which facilitated the necessary arrangements. For this, we remain grateful.”

Governor Yusuf also commended the President’s earlier gesture of sending Vice President Kashim Shettima and another delegation to condole with the family, adding, “We pray Allah (SWT) grant our father and elder statesman eternal rest. We also pray for your continued strength and good health, so that you may continue to deliver on your commitment to building a better Nigeria.”

Alhaji Tajudeen Aminu Dantata, the eldest son of the deceased, thanked the President, saying, “Much has been said today about His Excellency’s swift and heartfelt response upon hearing of our father’s passing. We cannot thank you enough. You have demonstrated closeness with him while he was alive, and even in his death, you have proven that he was a dear brother and friend.”

He added, “We witnessed your relationship with him before you became President. We saw how you engaged with him during his lifetime and reacted to his demise. On behalf of the family, we thank you wholeheartedly.”

Tajudeen assured the President that the family would uphold their patriarch’s values, stating, “We pray for your continued good health, Your Excellency, and for the courage and tenacity you have shown in your efforts to lead our nation forward. May you succeed in your mission to build a greater Nigeria.”

He further expressed, “We wish you the best of health. For the courage, tenacity that you have shown to take the country out of its doldrums, to clear the path to a greater Nigeria, thank you very much. You will be in our prayers always.”

The President was accompanied by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Women Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of State for the FCT Mariya Mahmud, Minister of State for Education Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Also present were Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a nephew of the late Dantata, elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai, and Alhaji Mohammed Indimi.