Nigeria’s foremost business icon and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was buried on Tuesday at the revered Baqiyya Cemetery in Madina, Saudi Arabia. The moving ceremony drew prominent Nigerian dignitaries, religious leaders, and members of the Nigerian community in the Kingdom.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf led a high-profile delegation alongside his Jigawa State counterpart, Governor Umar Namadi. They joined thousands of mourners at the Holy Mosque for the Janaza (funeral prayer).
Among those present were the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Deputy Governor of Katsina State, several federal ministers, and former governors.
In a rare honour, Saudi authorities granted Governors Yusuf and Namadi, along with Emir Sanusi, access to view the body and offer final prayers before the Janaza. Observers described the gesture as a mark of deep respect for a man of immense spiritual and social standing.
“This is an emotional moment for us all,” said Governor Yusuf after the burial. “Alhaji Aminu Dantata was not only a businessman—he was a father figure, a philanthropist, and a guiding light for generations. We pray Allah grants him the highest rank in Jannatul Firdaus.”
Speaking from the Prophet’s Mosque, Governor Namadi added, “On behalf of Jigawa State, we extend heartfelt condolences to the Dantata family and the people of Kano. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal peace in Paradise.”
The Federal Government’s delegation was led by Defence Minister Badaru Abubakar, accompanied by the Ministers of Justice and Information, the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, and the Minister of State for Housing.
Former governors, including Ahmad Muazu (Bauchi), Saminu Turaki and Ali Sa’ad Birnin Kudu (Jigawa), and former APC Acting National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje, also paid their respects. The former Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, was also in attendance.
In his sermon, Emir Sanusi described Dantata as “a beacon of generosity, faith, and vision whose influence went far beyond business.” He added, “His life reflected humility and service. The turnout today shows the immense respect and love he inspired. His legacy will live on through his family, institutions, and the lives he touched.”
After the Janaza prayer, mourners laid Dantata to rest in Baqiyya Cemetery—a sacred resting place for the devout. The burial marked the end of a significant chapter in Nigeria’s commercial and public service history.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who died aged 94, was one of Nigeria’s most respected business leaders. He played a major role in shaping the country’s economic development and gave generously to education, healthcare, and community causes.
As the soil of Madina settled, prayers continued to pour in for a man whose legacy will endure for generations.