Tinubu, Buhari, Barau, govs mourn as Katsina gov’s mother is buried

  The remains of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, have been laid to rest. She was buried after the funeral prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Imam Gambo Mustapha, which took place at 4 pm in Radda, Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina […]

 

The remains of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, have been laid to rest.

She was buried after the funeral prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Imam Gambo Mustapha, which took place at 4 pm in Radda, Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Hajiya Safara’u passed away on Sunday night at the age of 93. The matriarch had been bedridden for a long time.

She was described as a woman of remarkable strength, dignity, and wisdom, qualities that flowed from decades of life experience.

A statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, highlighted her legacy, stating, “Beyond being the mother of Governor Radda, Hajiya Safara’u nurtured generations of leaders and community pillars.

“Her children include the current Village Head of Radda, Alhaji Kabir Umar Radda, and Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda, former wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.”

“A true matriarch, Hajiya Safara’u leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her immediate family. Her values of integrity, perseverance, and community service continue to inspire all who knew her,” the statement added.

The remains of the late Hajiya Safara’u arrived at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina, on Sunday afternoon. They were accompanied by Katsina State Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, Hajiya Hauwa Umaru (the deceased’s eldest daughter), and the governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Radda.

In Katsina, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, state legislators, members of the State Executive Council, and the Head of State Civil Service, Alhaji Falaliu Bawale, received the remains and conveyed them to Radda village, her country home.

Daily Trust reports that Hajiya Safara’u died while Governor Dikko Umaru was away in Saudi Arabia for lesser Hajj.

Kano, Jigawa governors join dignitaries at funeral

The Governor of Kano State, Malam Abba Kabir Yusuf, and his Jigawa State counterpart, Alhaji Umar Namadi, joined numerous dignitaries to pay their final respects to Hajiya Safara’u.

The burial rites were attended by prominent government officials and traditional rulers, including the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Mallam Faruq Lawal Jobe.

Others in attendance were the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, accompanied by other legislators; the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abdullahi Garba Faskari; members of the State Executive Council; and the Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Falaliu Bawale.

Also present were former Katsina State Deputy Governor Tukur Ahmed Jikamshi; the Executive Director of Agricultural Services at the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority, Alhaji Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi; and the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, respectively.

The State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Sani Aliyu, along with council chairmen and district heads, were also present at the ceremony.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor Umar Namadi, and other faithful prayed to Allah to grant the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus.

Tributes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, condoled with Governor Radda over the passing of his mother.

President Tinubu described Hajiya Safara’u as a selfless woman who nurtured generations of leaders, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and community service that has touched many far and wide. He beseeched Almighty Allah to grant her Jannatul Firdaus and comfort her family during this time of grief.

Former President Muhammadu Buhari also joined the government and people of Katsina State in mourning the demise of Hajiya Safara’u.

In a message to Governor Radda, Buhari expressed profound sadness, stating, “It is with deep sympathy that I convey my condolences for the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u.

“No matter how big a person becomes, they need their mother. The thoughts and prayers of my family are with you and your family during this difficult period as we remember her life and service to women and the community at large.”

Buhari added, “May Allah reward her good deeds, and may her legacy inspire her descendants and future generations. May Allah grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.”

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, described the late Hajiya Safara’u as a committed mother whose life was dedicated to the service of humanity.

He expressed sadness that she passed away at a time when her wise counsel and wisdom were most needed, noting that her death leaves a void in the lives of those who knew her closely.

Speaker Abbas said, “Hajiya Safara’u lived a life worthy of emulation. Her legacy of dedication, community service, and the exemplary upbringing she gave her children are a source of solace to her family and beyond.

“She was not just a mother to Governor Radda and his siblings but also played the same role in the lives of many.

“Her selflessness, service to humanity, and wisdom will remain with us for eternity. She was a unique woman, one in a million.”

He added, “Indeed, nothing can be more depressing than losing one’s mother. My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Radda and his entire extended family at this moment of grief.”

The Speaker prayed to Allah (SWT) to have mercy on her soul and grant her Jannatul Firdaus.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), in a statement by its chairman and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described Hajiya Safara’u as a devoted and dignified community leader who lived a selfless life.

The statement said, “Our prayers and thoughts are with the governor, his family, and the people of Katsina State on this sad event.

“We also send our condolences to Her Excellency, Hajiya Hauwa Radda, who was the wife of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.

“While we pray for the family to be upheld in goodness, we ask Allah to ease her account, lighten and widen her grave, and admit her to Al-Jannah Firdaus.”

Similarly, the Northern States Governors’ Forum, chaired by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, described Hajiya Safara’u as an upright mother and family pillar who lived a fulfilled life characterised by devotion to Allah and service to humanity.

Governor Yahaya noted that the matriarch passed away at a time when her elderly and motherly counsel and wisdom were needed by her children, grandchildren, and the present crop of leaders.

“We must take solace in the fact that Hajiya left behind a lasting legacy through her children and exemplary life, which we will continue to cherish,” he said.

Governor Yahaya urged Governor Radda and his family to uphold and carry forward the legacies of integrity and good character left by their late mother.

He also extended the condolences of the government and people of Gombe State and prayed to Almighty Allah to grant her Aljannatul Firdaus.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, also expressed his heartfelt condolences to Governor Radda on his mother’s passing.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau described Hajiya Safara’u as a devout Muslim who dedicated her life to worshipping Allah (SWT).

“I extend my deepest condolences to the Governor of Katsina State, Mal. Dikko Umaru Radda, on the passing of his beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari.

“Her dedication to nurturing her family and the wider community will be remembered for generations. My thoughts and prayers are with Governor Radda, the entire Radda family, and the people of Katsina State.

“May Allah (SWT) forgive her shortcomings, grant her Jannatul Firdaus, and give her loved ones the strength to bear this loss,” Senator Barau said.