Dada Yar’adua, the mother of former Nigerian President Umaru Musa Yar’adua and Shehu Yar’adua, who served as Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, has passed away at the age of 102. The revered matriarch died on Monday evening at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina State.
Dada Yar’adua was a respected figure in Nigeria, known for being the mother of prominent political leaders. Her son, Umaru Yar’adua, served as the President of Nigeria and was also a two-time governor of Katsina State.
Another son, Shehu Yar’adua, was the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, during the military regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Her third son, Abdulaziz Yar’adua, is the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.
The news of her passing has been met with an outpouring of condolences and prayers from across the nation. Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda interrupted his official duties in Daura to visit the Yar’adua family on Monday evening, expressing his sympathies in a tweet posted by his aide on Digital Media, Isah Miqdad.
The late Dada Yar’adua will be laid to rest on Tuesday morning in accordance with Islamic customs.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed his sadness over Dada’s death, calling her a mother to many and sharing his personal bond with her. “Indeed, she was a mother of multitudes, as her home was always a place of refuge where she welcomed everyone with love. She will be sorely missed,” Atiku stated on his X handle.
Similarly, former Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his tribute, recalled his last encounter with Dada Yar’adua, highlighting her kindness and wisdom. “Today, I join the nation to mourn the passing of this incredible woman. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant her a place in Al Jannah Firdaus,” he shared on social media.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to Sen. Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, the people of Katsina State, and to the many lives the late matriarch touched.
“The President mourns Hajiya Dada, yet extols her legacy of compassion, faith, honesty, and good fellowship.
“President Tinubu prays for the repose of the soul of the deceased and affirms that the matriarch of the Yar’Adua family will always be remembered for the support, peace, joy and comfort she offered to many,” said Ngelale.
