By Funmilayo Adeyemi
The 16th Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, has urged Nigerians to take ownership of their history by documenting the lives and legacies of those who shaped society.
He warned that “if we do not write our history, others will write it for us.”
Sanusi made the call at the public presentation of two books authored by Dr Munzali Dantata; ‘Behind the City Wall’ and ‘Aminu Dantata and the Life and Times of a Nigerian Entrepreneur’ in Abuja.
Serving as Father of the Day, the Emir stressed the importance of preserving Kano’s rich commercial and cultural heritage.
“When Munzali came to me and told me about these books, I said to him, we need to write our own story. This is what we do not do enough of, especially in this part of the country,” he said.
According to him, the history of Kano is incomplete without the stories of the business and commercial families that built its economy over centuries.
“Works like these may be biographies, but through them, we see the story of an entire society,” he said.
Sanusi also shared a personal story about his late father and the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, recalling the latter’s generosity.
“That act of generosity defined him for me. I will never forget those who were kind to my parents.
“We are here not only to celebrate a man and his family, but to celebrate Kano, a city built on excellence and a determination to be the best in scholarship, commerce and tradition,” he added.
Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who served as Chief Launcher, lauded Munzali Dantata’s intellectual contributions.
“I am delighted to be here to celebrate my dear friend and brother, Dr Munzali Dantata.
“His works reflect a deep understanding of our society and a lifelong dedication to education and knowledge,” he said.
Saraki also urged young Nigerians to emulate Munzali’s example, noting that “knowledge remains the most powerful tool for creating a fair and progressive society”.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, the Commissioner for Commerce, Alhaji Salihu Sagagi, described the books as “modern literary works filled with records of memory, identity, and heritage”.
“They remind us that Kano has for centuries been a centre of commerce, scholarship and culture,” he added.
He paid tribute to the late Alhaji Aminu Dantata, calling him “one of Nigeria’s greatest entrepreneurs, industrialists, politicians and philanthropists whose life embodied vision, discipline and generosity.”
The event drew dignitaries, academics, business leaders and members of the public. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
