“I no longer enjoy life, it’s boring”…how Aminu Dantata wished for death

As tributes continue to pour in for late Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist Alhaji Aminu Dantata, an old, heartfelt reflection he shared during his final years has resurfaced—offering a glimpse into the inner world of a man who had seen it all and quietly longed for rest.

In 2022, during a visit by Islamic scholars and close associates, Dantata had opened up in what many now view as a deeply symbolic and prophetic moment. Surrounded by those who revered him not just for his wealth but for his wisdom, he voiced his emotional and spiritual state.

At 91 then, he said he no longer enjoyed life the way he used to and felt overwhelmed by the passing of loved ones who had journeyed with him through the decades. He then added that he hoped to leave the world “in good faith,” a phrase now reverberating across the country following news of his death.

“Honestly, as I am right now, I am just waiting for my time. I no longer enjoy life anymore. I hope I depart this world in good faith,” he had said.

“I hope I did not offend anyone in life. If I offended anyone, I hope they find it in their hearts to forgive me. If anybody has offended me, I have forgiven them. I am now the only one left in my family living with grandchildren.”

Beyond Wealth, a Man Yearning for Peace

Despite his towering success—leading one of Nigeria’s most enduring business dynasties and shaping commercial growth in Northern Nigeria—Dantata’s remarks revealed the weight of solitude and grief that often accompanies longevity. Many of his contemporaries, family members, and closest confidants had passed on, leaving him reflective and, at times, weary.

His words spoke to a deeper reality often overlooked: the emotional toll that advanced age can take, especially for those who’ve lived at the center of national development but are eventually left behind by time and people. It wasn’t a complaint—it was a confession, a release, and a quiet spiritual surrender.

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An Emotional Reflection Reshaping Tributes

Now, as his death at age 94 is marked by national mourning, that moment has taken on new significance. The quote has been widely shared on social media, during condolence visits, and in mosques across Nigeria, serving as a spiritual thread connecting his legacy to his personal longing for divine rest.

For many Nigerians, Dantata’s words have stirred reflection on the nature of success, the limits of wealth, and the human desire for meaning and closure. Some commentators describe his statement as “a farewell in disguise”—one that encapsulated his humility, deep faith, and the philosophical grace with which he prepared for life’s end.

Final Years in Reflection and Worship

In his later years, Dantata significantly reduced public appearances and turned his focus more deeply toward faith, prayer, and philanthropy. He continued to receive visitors, donate to religious and humanitarian causes, and guide younger leaders. Yet those close to him noted that he seemed increasingly introspective, even detached from worldly concerns—a man preparing his heart for eternity.

A Legacy That Lives On

Aminu Dantata’s life remains a lesson in purposeful living. He built industries, influenced policy, mentored generations, and gave generously to society. But perhaps his greatest legacy lies in the wisdom he shared quietly at the twilight of his life—that beyond ambition, there comes a time when the soul yearns not for more, but for peace.

His passing on June 28, 2025, in Kano, was not just the end of a chapter in Nigeria’s commercial history—it was the fulfillment of a wish spoken gently, humbly, and faithfully.