Uzo Nwogu
A former President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on Monday expressed sadness over the reported death of Mr. Sani Dangote.
Sani, the younger brother of Africa’s richest person, Aliko Dangote, died in a hospital in the United States.
Saraki, a former Kwara State Governor, in a statement also prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the deceased.
He said, “My family and I are extremely sad to learn about the death of Alhaji Sani Dangote, the Group Vice-President of the Dangote Group and younger brother to our dear friend, Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
“As we join the family to mourn this loss, we pray that Almighty Allah grants Alhaji Sani a place amongst the righteous ones in Aljannah Firdaus.”
Obaseki, in a stated expressed shock and deep sadness over the passing of Sani Dangote, the Vice President of Dangote Group.
He said, “Having known Sani for many years and developed a close bond with him and the Dangote family, the news is as devastating as it is numbing.
“A thorough-bred businessman and pacesetting entrepreneur, Sani had a knack for excellence, which is evident in the chains of businesses he set up and managed, ranging from agriculture to manufacturing, banking and oil services.
“He turned every business enterprise he touched into success stories. He built a thriving business empire and diversified into different fields. Some of the businesses he owned are Dansa Foods Limited, Dansa Energy, Sagas Energy Limited, Bulk Pack Services Limited, Dansa Agro Allied Limited, and Dangote Farms Limited.
“His deep interest in agriculture is expressed in the nature of companies he set up, which were focused on farming and agro-processing, as well as in the fertilizer business. He no doubt was a towering personality in Nigeria’s private sector. Sani made insightful contributions to the Edo State Palm Oil Initiative, for which we remain grateful.”
He added, “As chairman of Dansa Holdings, Sani brought a new verve to the beverages sector of the economy, growing the business to become one of the most notable brands in the country.
“His expertise as a boardroom guru earned him appointments into the boards of several companies, notable among which include Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited and Dangote Farms Limited.
“Sani was compassionate and kind, seeking the best for friends and associates. He was an avid polo player and two-time president of the Lagos Polo Club, where his chivalry and good nature were infectious.
“On behalf of the Government and the good people of Edo State, I extend deep-felt condolences to the Dangote family, as well as friends and associates, and pray that God will grant us all the fortitude to bear this painful loss.”
Sani was the Vice President of Dangote Group.
Before his death, he was an established businessman with investments in key sectors of the economy. including manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and oil services.
He also sat on the Board of several other companies, including Nigerian Textile Mills Plc, Nutra Sweet Limited, Gum Arabic Limited, Dangote Textile Mills Limited, Alsan Insurance Brokers, Dan-Hydro Company Limited, Dansa Food Processing Company Limited and Dangote Farms Limited.
He was also the Deputy Chairman of the African Gum Arabic Producers Association and a two-time President of Lagos Polo Club in addition to being a professional polo player.
In recognition of his sterling leadership qualities, Sani was appointed as the Consul-General of the Romanian Embassy in Nigeria. Sani was a member of several Chambers of Commerce, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria and President of the Fertiliser Producers and Suppliers Association (“FERSAN”).
The Dangote Group in a short statement reportedly confirmed Sani’s demise.
The statement read: “INNA LILLAHI WA INNA ILAIHI RAJIUN! It is with a heavy heart but with total submission to Almighty Allah that we announce the passing on of our Group Vice President, Alhaji Sani Dangote today 14th November, 2021. May Allah SWT Grant him mercy and admit him in Aljannat-al-Firdaus.”