The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, today led a high profile delegation to pay a solemn condolence visit to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Daura, Katsina State.
The First Lady was received by the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda; his wife, Her Excellency Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda; and the Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruq Umar, CON.
She emphasized that her presence was not merely ceremonial but a reflection of the profound personal loss felt by her family.
“We are not here today merely out of duty. We are here because this loss is deeply personal,” she said.
“My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has lost not just a former Head of State, but a trusted ally and friend of over 30 years. President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity and discipline, who brought honour not only to Daura but to the entire nation,” the first lady added.
She urged the family and people of Daura to find strength in the legacy of the late President and prayed for Allah’s forgiveness and eternal peace for his soul.
“We pray that Almighty Allah forgives his shortcomings and grants him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus. May He comfort the family and all those grieving this tremendous loss.”
In his welcome address, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda acknowledged the significance of the First Lady’s visit, describing it as a touching gesture that brought comfort to the people of Katsina and the Daura Emirate.
“Your Excellency, this marks your second condolence visit to us—the first being on Tuesday, July 15. Your presence here once again is a clear testament to your compassion and solidarity,” he noted.
He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to national unity, referencing his extraordinary show of respect during the burial of the former President.
“President Tinubu personally received the late President’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport, joined the funeral procession to Daura, and remained until he was laid to rest. Furthermore, he declared a national holiday to honour his memory and sent a powerful delegation—including the Vice President and over 25 Cabinet Ministers—for the Fidda’u prayers.”
The Governor praised these actions as examples of true leadership and national devotion.
“This is not just leadership—it is friendship, and indeed, patriotism,” he stated.
He concluded by offering prayers for the late President and expressed gratitude to the First Lady for her continued support and compassion.
The Emir of Daura, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Faruq Umar, CON, expressed his profound appreciation to both the President and the First Lady.
“We have known President Tinubu for over 30 years. Throughout that time, he has shown unwavering loyalty and humility,” he recounted.
“I am over 103 years old, and I have never witnessed a sitting President show such immense honour and compassion in mourning a predecessor.”
The Emir highlighted the President’s personal involvement and the national response, describing them as acts that would never be forgotten by the people of Daura.
“His personal visit, the powerful delegation he sent, and the declaration of a national mourning day are gestures of true love and deep respect. These are historic.”
He prayed for Allah to forgive the late President’s shortcomings and to grant him Aljannah Firdaus. He also thanked the First Lady for her kind visit and continuous support to the Daura Emirate and the family of the late President.
The First Lady was acompanied by a high-level delegation—including the wife of the Vice President, the wives of the Speaker and Deputy Senate President, the wife of the Chief of Staff, First Ladies from various states, and spouses of Ministers and Service Chiefs.
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