The Mayor of Urhoboland and former Niger Delta militant leader, His Excellency Eshanekpe Israel, popularly known as Akpodoro, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late business titan, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 94.
In a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, Mayor Akpodoro praised the late Alhaji Dantata for living a life of immense impact and prosperity, describing him as a steadfast pillar of economic growth, particularly in Northern Nigeria. He hailed Dantata as the patriarch of a business dynasty that gave rise to Africa’s richest man, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
Reflecting on Dantata’s life, the Mayor noted that his journey from a produce merchant in the 1960s and 70s to becoming a national economic force exemplifies resilience, integrity, and vision. He described him as a colossus in Nigeria’s business landscape who broke the chains of poverty and uplifted many lives through his success and influence.
“Alhaji Dantata lived a life worthy of emulation by generations to come. He embodied the values of hard work, unwavering faith in Almighty Allah, resilience, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit. His contributions to commerce extended beyond business—they touched lives and built legacies,” the Mayor stated.
“We shall mourn his passing, but even more importantly, we shall celebrate his extraordinary life and the indelible mark he left on our continent. As mere mortals, we bow to the will of Almighty Allah and express our gratitude for the gift of a man like Dantata to Africa,” he added.
The Mayor, who hails from Gberegolor in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, also urged northern governors, especially the Kano State government, to immortalize the late Dantata in recognition of his contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.
In a separate development, Mayor Akpodoro appealed to workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to maintain the maturity, discipline, and patriotism they have shown amidst growing frustration over unresolved labour disputes.
This plea follows a recent statement from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), threatening to shut down Abuja after the July 3 conclusion of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s project inaugurations.
The protest is linked to ongoing strikes by primary school teachers and area council workers demanding the payment of the new minimum wage and a 40% peculiar allowance.
While expressing solidarity with the affected workers and their families, Mayor Akpodoro, speaking on behalf of the Integrity Group, acknowledged the economic and emotional toll the strike has imposed.
He emphasized his unwavering support for justice, fairness, and the rule of law and expressed confidence in the Tinubu administration’s commitment to resolving these issues.
“I understand the deep frustration and hardship being experienced by Nigerian workers. The delays in salaries, allowances, and welfare packages are disheartening,” the Mayor said.
“But I urge our fellow citizens not to lose hope. President Tinubu is a listening leader. He is not unaware—he is taking steps to establish a lasting institutional framework that will address these concerns.”
