Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, has called on the federal government to honour the memory of the late business mogul and billionaire, Alhaji Aminu Dantata by naming a public institution after him.
He said the gesture will recognize Dantata’s significant contributions to society and the economy.
Atiku expressed that the passing of Dantata, a well-known businessman from Kano State, is a tremendous loss, not just for Kano residents, but for the entire Nigerian business community and Africa as a whole.
In a statement made in Abuja on Saturday, Atiku shared his feelings of sorrow, highlighting Dantata’s valuable role in boosting the national economy and creating jobs.
He described Dantata as a legendary entrepreneur who influenced many younger individuals to pursue their own business ventures.
“When discussing business in Nigeria, the Dantata family often comes up,” Atiku noted.
Having lived to 94, Dantata was recognized as a risk-taker, a quality typical of successful business people.
Atiku praised Dantata for modernizing the family business from traditional trading to modern construction and civil engineering, which helped provide thousands of jobs for Nigerians.
He also mentioned Dantata’s commitment to helping others through his charitable work, which he carried out without seeking attention or praise.
“To be very wealthy and yet humble is a rare trait, making Aminu Dantata an admirable figure and a source of inspiration for many,” he said.
Moreover, Atiku portrayed Dantata as a respectable, peace-loving individual who stayed away from controversial statements.
He emphasised that Dantata worked towards fostering harmony among Nigerians throughout his life.