Born
1877
in
Bebeji
Alhaji
DANTATA
Alhassan
FIRST GENERATION NORTHERN INTERNATIONAL TRADER Alhasan Dantata according to unofficial sources was bom in 1873 in Kano and belonged to the Agalawa trading class of resident and itinerant merchants. His father was awell known Gwanja trader who sold Kolanutsfrom Ghana to Nigeria. It was however, his mother who initiated him into school and trading. On hisfather's death his mother settled in Gwanja-headquarters of the Kolanut trade in Ghana andyoung Alhassan grew up with her going through Qur'anicSchools and learning the rudiments oftrading and the ways of ALLAH. Both Alhassans mother and Qur'anic Teachers taught him to grow up an independent man, never to rely on anybody (even his wealthy mother) but to harden himself for the difficult task ahead -that of growing up to be aself made man. He was first a labourer, an apprentice petty trader, an itinerant Mallam and sheep trader; Kolanut and Cow dealer. Later, he became an international trader buyingfrom Ghana and selling in Nigeria (and vice versa). He however became celebrated as a cotton dealer, groundnut trader and hides and skin merchant relating commercially with national and international firms and most times their most important customer. At the height of his wealth which he acquired through hardwork, perseverance and good business acumen, Alhassan Dantata did not hesitate to support his community through active participation in Local Politics. He was said to be a strong supporter of the Northern party a position which encouraged other wealthy merchants to join and so strengthened the strategic position of theparty. He was also reported to have used his wealth to bail out at regular intervals the nascent regional government when in financial problems. Malam Abubkar Imam -famous Northern creative writer once wrote of Dantata: A man who from small beginnings can work hi own way to posterity must be counted a number one among traders of outstanding ability. He achieved his immense wealth not from inherited money, but from hardwork, sound training, financial wisdom andoutstanding ability. AlhajiAlhassanDantata diedin1956.
Marital Status
- Married
Name of Spouse
Umma Zaria
State of Origin:
Kano State
Father's Name
Madugu Abdullahi
Father's Status
Deceased
Mother's Name
Amarya
Mother's Status
Deceased
Number of Male Children
4
1. Mamuda Dantata
2. Sanusi Dantata
3. Ahmadu Dantata
4.Aminu Dantata
Profession
Industrialist
Working Experience
Others
1. Centenary Award
By 1922 Dantata had become the richest businessman in Kano
Died
17 August 1955
Last Update
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