President Bola Tinubu, former President Muhammadu Buhari, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and several other prominent figures have extended their condolences to the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Radda, following the passing of his mother, Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Radda.
Hajiya Safara’u, who was 93 years old, passed away on Saturday. Her remains arrived in Katsina on Sunday afternoon via Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport. She was accompanied by the state’s Deputy Governor, Mallam Faruk Jobe, her eldest daughter, Hajiya Hauwa Umaru, and the governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Radda.
Upon arrival in Katsina, government officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Nasir Daura, other lawmakers, and the Head of State Civil Service, Alhaji Falaliu Bawale, received her remains. From there, her body was transported to Radda village in Charanchi Local Government Area, where she was laid to rest.
Several dignitaries attended the burial, including Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi. Meanwhile, Governor Radda was in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, for Hajj.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described Hajiya Safara’u as a selfless woman who raised generations of leaders. He noted that she left behind a strong legacy of integrity and service to the community.
Former President Buhari also expressed his sympathy through a statement by Garba Shehu. He said, “It is with profound sadness that I convey my deepest sympathies for the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Safara’u. No matter how big a person becomes, they need their mother.”
Atiku Abubakar also sent his condolences, acknowledging the deep impact of a mother’s loss. He stated, “There’s no loss like the loss of a mother, as she is often the pillar of the family and a source of wisdom and guidance.”
The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), through its Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, also sent a condolence message. The forum noted that Hajiya Safara’u lived a life of service and dignity.
Other notable figures, including former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Sokoto, also expressed their grief. Governor Aliyu of Sokoto noted that “Hajiya Safara’u was a woman of virtue who raised her children with strong moral values.”
Additionally, the Katsina State Police Command and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Katsina joined in mourning her passing. The police, in a statement by its spokesperson DSP Abubakar Sadiq, noted that they received the news with deep sorrow and extended their support to the governor and his family.
The NUJ, through its Chairman Tukur Dan-Ali, described her passing as a great loss not only to the family but to the entire Katsina State. The union noted that her contributions to the state’s growth would be remembered for generations to come.
