Alhaji Aminu Dantata, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 94.

A family source confirmed that the elder statesman died in the early hours of Friday in a hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, following a brief illness. He reportedly passed around 3am Nigerian time.

Funeral arrangements will be made public at a later time, the source added.

Born on May 19, 1931, in Kano, Dantata was a towering figure in Nigeria’s business community and played a significant role in shaping the country’s private sector.

He is survived by seven children and numerous grandchildren, including Alhaji Tajuddeen Aminu Dantata.