The ancient town of Radda in Charanci Local Government Area of Katsina State bids farewell to a legendary matriarch, Late Hajiya Safara’u Umar Barebari, who passed away leaving behind a rich legacy of resilience, compassion, and unshakable family values.
Born in 1928, Hajiya Safara’u’s life was an enduring story of strength and grace. Married at the tender age of nine to Alhaji Umaru Barebari Radda, she quickly grew into a pillar of responsibility, raising not only her children but also her younger siblings, including a three-year-old sister, following the early loss of her mother. She was later nurtured by Hajiya Amina Fulani Radda, daughter of Emir Muhammadu Dikko.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Hajiya Safara’u was also the proud mother of the current Executive Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD, and mother-in-law to Late President Umar Musa Yar’adua, through her daughter Hajiya Hauwa Radda.
She bore eight children, including the late Sani Umaru Radda (d. 1974), Abubakar Umaru Radda (d. 1976), Alh. Bala Barebarin Radda (d. 2018), and Alh. Aminu Umar Radda (d. 2021). Her surviving children include Alh. Kabir Umar Barebari Radda, Hajiya Indo Umar Radda, Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda, and her youngest son, Governor Dikko Radda – the beloved Auta.
A woman of wisdom, discipline, and humor, Hajiya Safara’u was both revered and adored. Her stern yet witty personality made her a motherly icon, inspiring generations with her stories, moral lessons, and unmatched sense of community.
She dedicated her life to nurturing family bonds, fostering compassion, and empowering those around her with values of hard work, justice, and fairness.
Beyond her home, her influence reached far and wide – from building mosques and boreholes to advocating for family unity and philanthropic causes. Farming and animal rearing were among her cherished hobbies, as was her love for people and lively company.
Her family tree branches into over 105 grandchildren – including Ibrahim Umar Yar’adua and Musa Umar Yar’adua – and 91 great-grandchildren, amounting to over 200 descendants, each carrying a spark of her spirit.
Late Hajiya Safara’u Umar Barebari’s legacy is a powerful reminder that greatness often begins at home. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, leadership, and selfless service.
May Allah (SWT) grant her eternal rest in Jannatul Firdausi.
Indeed, a filler has gone, but her values live on.
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