Former British Prime Minister and statesman, Benjamin Disraeli once said: ” Youth is a Blunder, Manhood a Struggle, Old Age a Regret”.
The recent statement by elder statesman and renowned business mogul, Aminu Alhassan Dantata, that he no longer enjoys life due to old age, and that he is hoping to depart this world; is in congruence with the quote by Disraeli, especially the segment about old age.
Also, Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’ concurs with regrets at old age when he segmented life to seven stages – the last (old age) being enveloped in ” Oblivion; sans [without] teeth, sans eye, sans taste, sans everything”.
Dantata, 91, disclosed his regret when he received the Vice Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kashim Shettima.
He said from a youthful age, he had the privilege of meeting many people and had engaged in friendship in all states of Nigeria but could hardly call out ten who are still alive.
“I have travelled to all the states in Nigeria and I have done things with people across all states, many were friends but sadly, all the people I know, I hardly can call out ten that are still alive.
“Honestly, as I am right now, I am just waiting for my time. I no longer enjoy life anymore. I hope I depart this world in good faith.
“I hope I did not offend anyone in life. If I offended anyone, I hope they find it in their hearts to forgive me. If anybody has offended me, I have forgiven them.
“I am now the only one left in my family living with grandchildren.”
Dantata, while expressing joy and appreciation for the visit, prayed for Nigeria for everlasting peace and harmony.
“May God not leave us with our efforts alone, we pray for his continued guidance and protection,” he added.