Tribute to Aminu Dantata, by Akeju Olagbaju

The news of this great man -Alhaji Aminu Dantata -me was broken for the first time by this means of news -the conclave -which has a recording of the factual reportage. Decreasing death as it was not because he was not mature at the age of 94, he was still agile and was still in control of his actions and thoughts. The last official release was his visit to Mr President despite his advanced age. I am so sure that Mr. President would surprise him with a retaliation visit during one of his official commitments in the state of Kano. But it wouldn’t be more possible. The last of the Mohicans went in response to the eternal call.

Aminu Dantata was a man of pure and not diluted Hausa who cultivated friendship throughout the length and amplitude of Nigeria. Its commercial empire extends and uses all the Nigerians regardless of the tribe, language or religion. It was deeply religious but not fanatic to make it a line of guilt to be discriminated against. Everyone was the welcome in his residence.

Born in 1931 from the founder dangled Dynasty, Alh Alhassan Dantata, who was then the richest man in Kano, Little Aminu was the fifth born and enjoyed his first life under the protection of his parents. His father was a merchant and businessman and inculcated the spirit of hard work and independence in all his children. This is the inheritance that all members of the Dangled Dynasty hold to date, and I don’t remember any of them who bring certified after an adequate education to look for a job.

I came across the Family Family for the first time in 1983 when Abdulkadir dangled another famous icon entered my small office in the Ministry of Agriculture of Kano. Sitting on the small visitor’s chair, he wore as president of Asada Farm and wanted tractor and implemented for his farm. He opted for the Fiat tractor and I developed a reimbursement plan to cover four years, for a total of a little less than N16, 000. A Fiat tractor with all the tools and accessories. He smiled. “I can have the opportunity of 2 sets,” he asked. I said yes, but when you are able to finish paying. He highlighted a check and this is how he obtained the tractors and we followed him with a technical backup that easily gave me access to Dantata Family House and had the opportunity to meet our revered Father Aminu Dantata.

In 1992, I had moved to the headquarters of Abuja and I came across another young icon of Dantata, Tajudeen. Highly brain and well educated, Tajuddden is a son of Aminu. At a young age under 30, he had learned the rope of family business and had sat at the top of many meetings of the Board of Directors in various companies. To date, we keep friendship and my children is guaranteed a room in the family home when I am in Kano.

Aminu Dantata was not just a father; He was a benevolent father for all those who made their way.

A man with a big heart, a true Nigerian, a patriot has gone!
Yes, he left, but he left an legacy of honor that is worthy of celebration by posterity.

May his kind and kind soul find peace in Al Jannah.

● Engr Akeju Olagbaju, a retired director of the Federal Covil Service, lives in Abuja.

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