The news of this great man – Alhaji Aminu Dantata – was first broken to me by this very news medium -THE CONCLAVE – which has a record of factual reportage. Diminishing death as it was not because he wasn’t ripe in age at 94, he was still as agile and was still in control of his deeds and thought. The last official outing was his visit to Mr. President in spite of his advanced age. I am so sure that Mr. President would have surprised him with a retaliatory visit during any of his official engagements in Kano State. But that would no longer be possible. The last of the Mohicans is gone in answer to the eternal call.
Aminu Dantata was a pure and undiluted Hausa man who cultivated friendship across the length and breadth of Nigeria. His business empire sprawls and employs all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, language or religion. He was deeply religious but not fanatical to make it a fault-line to discriminate. Everyone was welcome to his residence.
Born in 1931 to the founder Dantata dynasty, Alh Alhassan Dantata, who was then the richest man in Kano, little Aminu was the fifth born and enjoyed his early life under the tutelage of his parents. His father was a trader and businessman and inculcated the spirit of hard work and independence in all his children. This is the legacy all members of Dantata dynasty hold until today, and I can’t remember any of them carrying certificates after proper education to look for a job.
I first came across Dantata family in 1983 when AbdulKadir Dantata another famous icon walked into my little office in the Ministry of Agriculture in Kano. Sitting on the little visitor chair, he intoduced himself as the chair of Asada Farm and wanted Tractor and implement for his farm. He opted for Fiat tractor, and I worked out a repayment plan to cover four years, totalling a little less than N16, 000.A fiat tractor with all the implements and accessories. He smiled. “Can I have the opportunity for 2 sets,” he asked. I said yes, but when you are able to finish paying. He brought out a cheque and that was how he got the tractors and we followed it up with technical backup that easily gave me access to Dantata family house and had the opportunity to meet our revered father Aminu Dantata.
By 1992, I had moved to Abuja Headquarters and came across another young Dantata icon, Tajudeen. Highly cerebral and well educated, Tajudden is a son to Aminu. At a young age under 30, he had learnt the rope of business in the family and sat atop many board meetings in different companies. To date, we maintain the friendship, and my children are guaranteed a room in the family house when they are in Kano.
Aminu Dantata was not just a father; he was a benevolent father to everyone that came his way.
A man with a large heart, a true Nigerian, a patriot is gone!
Yes, he is gone, but he left a legacy of honour that is worthy of celebration by posterity.
May his kind and gentle soul find peace in Al jannah.
● Engr Akeju Olagbaju, a retired director in the Federal Covil Service, resides in Abuja.
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