A federal government’s delegation led by the Minister of Defence and former Governor of Jigawa State, Muhammad Badaru, has visited the Dantata family in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, to offer condolences and participate in funeral rites for the late elder statesman and business icon, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
Equally, former President Goodluck Jonathan and northern governors expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the renowned business magnate and philanthropist.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya in a condolence message on behalf of his colleagues, described the death of the Kano-born industrialist as a monumental national loss and the end of a remarkable era.
He noted that the deceased was one of Africa’s wealthiest and most respected private sector figures.
Dantata, who died on Saturday in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, aged 94, had wished to be buried in Madinah. His burial is scheduled for Tuesday (today).
A statement issued by the Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Rabiu Ibrahim, revealed that the delegation departed Nigeria on Sunday and arrived in Madinah on Monday.
Those who accompanied Badaru included the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Abdullahi Ata.
Also, part of the delegation included prominent Islamic clerics like Dr. Bashir Aliyu Umar, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, and Khalifa Abdullahi Muhammad, the Imam of Dantata Mosque in Abuja.
The delegation was received by Alhaji Mustapha Junaid and other family members, including the deceased’s wives, children, and grandchildren, who expressed appreciation for the government’s condolence visit.
President Bola Tinubu’s condolence message delivered by Abubakar read: “The demise of Baba Aminu deeply touches President Tinubu. He prays that Allah grants him Aljannah Firdaus and gives the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
