Governor Abba Yusuf Urges Warm Reception for President Tinubu During Kano Visit to Honour Late Aminu Dantata
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has called on residents to extend a warm and respectful welcome to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during his visit to the state, which comes in the wake of the death of renowned industrialist and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Yusuf described the President’s visit as a “moment of solemn reflection and national honour,” acknowledging Mr Tinubu’s decision to personally condole with the people of Kano over the loss of one of the country’s most prominent elder statesmen.
“I urge all Kano residents to receive the President warmly and in an orderly manner as he joins us in mourning one of our greatest sons. This is a moment of solemn reflection and national respect,” the governor stated.
Governor Yusuf assured the public that adequate security and logistical arrangements had been put in place to ensure a peaceful and well-coordinated visit.
Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a highly respected figure in Nigeria’s business and philanthropic circles, passed away on June 28 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, at the age of 94. He was buried in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in accordance with Islamic rites.
The late Dantata, a key figure in the expansion of the Dantata business empire, was widely regarded for his contributions to commerce, education, Islamic scholarship, and humanitarian development. A pioneer in Nigeria’s energy sector, he founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd. and played an instrumental role in establishing the country’s first Islamic bank, Jaiz Bank.
His death marked the end of an era for the influential Dantata family, whose patriarch, Alhassan Dantata, was one of West Africa’s wealthiest merchants in the early 20th century.
As Kano prepares to welcome the President, Governor Yusuf emphasized the significance of the moment, urging unity and decorum among citizens while honouring the life and legacy of the late Dantata.
