Late Nigerian business magnate and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, was laid to rest on Tuesday at the revered Al-Baqi Cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
According to The PUNCH, the burial followed funeral prayers (Jana’iza) conducted at the Prophet’s Mosque after the Maghrib prayer.
His remains had arrived in the holy city earlier that day from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he passed away on Saturday.
Leading the family delegation was his son, Alhaji Tajudeen Dantata, accompanied by his nephew and Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote. Other relatives and close associates were also present.
A high-powered delegation from the Nigerian Federal Government also attended the solemn ceremony.
According to a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, media aide to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the team left Nigeria on Sunday and arrived in Madinah on Monday.
More Read
The delegation was led by the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, a former governor of Jigawa State. Other dignitaries included the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Abdullahi Ata.
Also representing the government was Hassan Abdullahi, Director of Internal Security at the Office of the National Security Adviser, as well as top officials from Nigeria’s Consulate General in Jeddah.
These included Ambassador Ibrahim Moddibbo, Ambassador Muazzam Nayaya, and Defence Attaché Major General Adamu Hassan, who coordinated the burial arrangements.
In a show of respect and religious solidarity, prominent Islamic clerics such as Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, and the Imam of Dantata Mosque in Abuja, Khalifa Abdullahi Muhammad, were present.
Political leaders from northern Nigeria also attended the burial, including Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, former APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi.
Speaking on the significance of Dantata’s legacy, Minister Mohammed Idris said, “Alhaji Dantata was a titan in business and a pillar of philanthropy. His contributions to commerce and community development will never be forgotten.”
Business mogul Aliko Dangote, visibly emotional, led the family and associates in paying final respects.
“He was not just my uncle, but a mentor and guiding light. We take solace in the life of impact he lived,” Dangote remarked.
Both the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero were in attendance, reflecting Dantata’s towering status in northern Nigeria and the Muslim community at large.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a scion of the legendary Dantata business dynasty, is remembered for his integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to uplifting communities across Nigeria.
