This is a period of sober reflection for members of the Nigerian polo community, particularly the foremost Kano Polo Club which is in a mourning period since the passing of their Life President, patron, player and the oldest member of the club, Alhaji Aminu Dantata.
Kano Polo Club that broke the news stated that the death of their President was an end of era for the noble game in Kano and Nigeria. The statement added that that Alhaji Dantata’s exit would be difficult to be replaced the legendary contributions he brought to the sport of kings in the ancient kingdom and the country as a whole.
“We mourn the loss of our esteemed President, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata — a visionary leader, titan of industry, and devoted supporter of the game of kings. His unwavering commitment to Kano Polo Club and the community at large leaves an enduring legacy of excellence, dignity, and service,” the statement noted.
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Older members of the club described their late President as the last man standing following the earlier passage of his playing mates including the late Emir of Katsina, HRH Alhaji Kabir Usman, General Hassan Katsina and Kurt Walta.
Other polo clubs across the country expressed sympathy to their Kano counterparts over the loss, praying to the Almighty God to give his family members, and the Kano club the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss.
In its tribute and condolence message, the Nigeria Polo Association (NPA) expressed profound sadness over the passing of Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, who until his dead, was a distinguished member of Board of Trustee of the Nigerian Polo Association (NPA)
“Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata was a revered figure in our sporting community and beyond, renowned not only for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth of polo in Nigeria but also for his exemplary leadership and integrity.”
The statement signed by the NPA Scribe, Adeyemo Alakija pointed out that Dantata’s contributions over the decades have greatly enriched the development of polo in Nigeria, inspiring countless.
The Management of Kano Pillars FC, the other sporting activity after polo and Horse Racing that enjoyed the generosity of the renowned philanthropist, also expresses its deepest condolences to the family, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II and the entire people of Kano State over the passing of the renowned business tycoon and elder statesman.
Kano Pillars described the late Dantata, their biggest benefactor, as a rare gem whose legacy of generosity and service will continue to inspire generations. “He was a symbol of compassion and philanthropy who dedicated his life to uplifting countless individuals and communities. “
In his own tribute, the Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, expressed deep sorrow over the death of elder statesman, renowned industrialist, and a philanthropist.
Born in 1931, Dantata, was one of Nigeria’s most prominent business figures and a member of the legendary Dantata dynasty that has adopted polo as the biggest family sport. He died at the age of 94 in Abu Dhabi, UAE was the 15th of the family of 17 children.
Through his mentorship, the polo loving Kano family has produced over 150 polo players and patrons and still counting, (Both active and retired) to the glamorous Nigeria polo fraternity.
Expectedly, the grieving Kano Polo Club is lining up a lot of special events during the forthcoming 2025 Kano International Polo Tournament in September to immortalize the polo icon and a visionary leader whose unwavering commitment to the game of polo, and the society at large leaves an enduring legacy of excellence, dignity, and service.