By Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
In a poignant chapter of Nigeria’s history, Dada Habiba Yar’adua, the revered matriarch of the Yar’adua family, has passed away at the remarkable age of 102.
The mother of the late former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Dada Habiba’s life was a testament to resilience, wisdom, and the nurturing of a legacy that has profoundly shaped the nation’s political landscape.
Born on January 31, 1922, in Katsina, Dada Habiba witnessed a century of transformative events in Nigeria’s history. Her life, however, was not only defined by the tumultuous changes of the 20th and early 21st centuries but also by the extraordinary accomplishments of her children, who rose to the highest echelons of power in the country.
As the mother of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua, Dada Habiba played a pivotal role in the nurturing and guidance that propelled her son to become Nigeria’s 13th Head of State. President Yar’adua, known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to good governance, left an indelible mark on the nation during his tenure from 2007 until his untimely death in 2010.
Dada Habiba’s influence extended beyond the presidency. She was also the mother of Vice President Shehu Musa Yar’adua, who served under General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime from 1976 to 1979. A stalwart in Nigerian politics, Shehu Yar’adua’s contributions to the nation’s democratic journey remain etched in history, particularly his role in the formation of the People’s Democratic Movement (PDM), which later became a formidable force in Nigeria’s political arena.
The Yar’adua family legacy is further underscored by the achievements of her other children, including a Minister and a Governor, as well as the current serving Senator Abdulazeez Yar’adua, representing Katsina Central at the National Assembly. This remarkable lineage of public servants has solidified the Yar’adua name as one synonymous with service, dedication, and leadership in Nigeria.
The news of Dada Habiba’s passing has sent waves of sorrow throughout the country, particularly in Katsina, where she was a beloved figure. Her longevity and the roles her children played in Nigeria’s governance earned her the respect and admiration of many, making her not only a mother to her children but also a mother figure to the nation.
Dada Habiba will be laid to rest on September 3, 2024, at the family compound of Matawallen Musa Yar’adua in Katsina. The burial, scheduled for 1:30 pm, will be conducted according to Islamic rites, in line with the family’s deep-rooted faith.
As Nigeria bids farewell to this centenarian, the legacy of Dada Habiba Yar’adua will continue to resonate in the annals of the nation’s history. Her life’s journey, marked by the achievements of her children, serves as a reminder of the power of family, the strength of character, and the enduring impact of a mother’s love and guidance on the nation.
In the words of those who knew her, Dada Habiba was not just a mother but a pillar of strength, a symbol of wisdom, and a beacon of the values that continue to shape Nigeria’s future. Her death marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through her children and the countless lives they have touched in their service to the nation.
Muhammad Inuwa M/fashi
Social Commentator
ainuwa303@gmail.com
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