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Nigerian billionaire Aminu Dantata, one of the country’s most influential businessmen, will be laid to rest in Saudi Arabia following his death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday. The 94-year-old, uncle of Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, will be buried in Medina—a city he deeply revered—after Saudi authorities granted approval. His body is expected to be transferred from Abu Dhabi to Medina, where the burial will take place on Tuesday, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Information Mohammed Idris.

Dantata’s remarkable life spanned decades of entrepreneurship, politics, and philanthropy. Born into a business family—his father Alhassan Dantata was once West Africa’s wealthiest man—he started trading kolanuts and groundnuts as a teenager. Over time, he diversified into agriculture, real estate, construction, and manufacturing, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic growth.

His philanthropic efforts were equally notable. Last year, he donated 1.5 billion naira ($972,000; £710,000) to victims of the devastating floods in northeastern Borno state. Politicians often sought his blessings, and a viral video of President Bola Tinubu bowing to greet him before the 2023 elections underscored his influence. A special prayer was held in Kano, his lifelong residence, where he lived modestly despite his vast wealth.

Nigerian leaders, including two state governors and four ministers, have traveled to Medina to attend his funeral. President Tinubu described Dantata’s passing as a "monumental national loss," praising his "sterling contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development." Dantata leaves behind three wives, 21 children, and 121 grandchildren.

In an interview last year, Dantata recalled his early lessons in business: "Our father would tell us, 'You see how people bring groundnuts on donkeys and in sacks—you should also know how to start earning money.' During school breaks, our father taught us how to do business." He took over his family’s business at 17 and expanded it significantly.

His burial in Medina reflects his deep faith and admiration for the city where Prophet Muhammad lived and died. As tributes pour in, Dantata’s legacy as a businessman, philanthropist, and cultural figure continues to inspire many in Nigeria and beyond.