From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, have extended their condolences to the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on the death of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Baribari.
The 93-year-old matriarch passed away on Saturday. Her remains were laid to rest in Radda in Charanchi Local Government Area, yesterday. The funeral prayer at Radda Central Mosque was led by the Katsina Chief Imam, Gambo Mustapha, at about 4:36pm.
Dignitaries who attended the funeral prayer included Gov. Kabir Yusuf of Kano, Gov. Umar Namadi of Jigawa and the Katsina State Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal-Jobe. Others were Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Nasir Yahaya, the state Head of Service, Alhaji Falalu Bawale, the Emirs of Katsina and Daura, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir-Usman and Alhaji Umar Faruk-Umar and religious leaders, among others.
President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, praised Hajiya Safara’u as a selfless woman who nurtured generations of leaders across various fields. He noted that she left behind a legacy of integrity and community service that has inspired many.
President Tinubu prayed for Almighty Allah to grant her eternal peace in Jannatul Firdaus and comfort her family during this difficult time.
The NGF, in a condolence message by its chairman, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara in Ilorin, said: “The NGF celebrates the life of service, devotion, and dignity that Hajiya led, and commiserates with the people and government of Katsina, as well as the children and grandchildren of the nonagenarian.
“Our prayers and thoughts are with His Excellency, family, and people of the state on this sad event.
“We also send our condolences to Hajiya Hauwa Radda, who is a wife of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
“We ask Allah to ease the account of Hajiya Safara’u, lighten up and widen her grave, and admit her to Al-jannah Firdaus.
“We also pray to Allah to uphold the family upon goodness.”
Similarly, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, expressed sorrow over the passing of Hajiya Safara’u, saying she left behind a legacy of kindness, wisdom and devotion to her family and community.
Governor Aliyu described the loss as deeply painful and prayed for Allah’s mercy and eternal rest for the deceased. He also extended his sympathies to Governor Radda, urging him to find strength in the cherished memories and values instilled in him by his late mother.
“I deeply sympathise with my brother, Governor Umar Radda, and the entire Barbari family over this great loss. Hajiya Safara’u was a woman of virtue who raised her children with strong moral values. I pray that Almighty Allah forgives her shortcomings and grants her Aljannatul Firdaus,” Governor Aliyu said.
He further encouraged the family to take solace in the fact that Hajiya Safara’u lived a long and impactful life, touching the lives of many with her generosity and wisdom.
Governor Aliyu, who is in the holy land for lesser Hajj, also extended his condolences to the government and people of Katsina State, urging them to stand by their leader in this difficult time.
May Allah grant her eternal rest and give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear this loss.
Ganduje, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, acknowledged the invaluable contributions the deceased made.
“Her demise has left a profound void in the hearts of family, friends and the people of Katsina State. Ganduje extends his condolences to Governor Radda, the bereaved family, and the entire people of Katsina State during this difficult time.
“He acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the deceased and prays for Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant her eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus, while giving the family the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
“The APC National Chairman urges Governor Radda and all those affected to find solace in the cherished memories and legacy of the departed soul. He reaffirms the party’s support and solidarity with the people of Katsina State in this moment of grief. May Allah (SWT) grant the deceased Al-Jannah Firdaus. Ameen,” he prayed.