The matriarch of the Yar’adua family, Hajia Dada Yar’adua, has passed away.
News About Nigeria reports that she was 102 years old.
She was the mother of former President Umaru Yar’adua and wife of the late General Shehu Musa Yar’adua, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s political history.
Her family has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s political landscape since independence, with her husband and son holding significant positions in government.
She reportedly died at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, on Monday evening after a brief illness.
She was the wife of Musa Yar’Adua, Mutawallen Katsina, and Minister of Lagos Affairs in the First Republic.
Dada was also the mother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’adua and Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’adua, the current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.
The burial arrangements for the late Hajia Dada will be announced later by the family.
Umaru Musa Yar’adua served as the president of Nigeria from 2007 until his death in May 2010.
He had previously served as the governor of Katsina State from 1999 to 2007.
Hajiya Dada was also the mother of Col. Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, the current Mutawallen Katsina and Senator representing Katsina Central Senatorial District.
Also, one of her grandchildren, Murtala Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, was a former minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.
She also has three granddaughters married to prominent politicians in the country.
The former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also expressed his sadness over the passing of Dada Yar’Adua, stating that she was a mother to many during her lifetime.
Atiku extended his condolences to the Yar’Adua family and the people of Katsina State, praying that Almighty Allah grants the late matriarch eternal rest.
“Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihir Raji’un. I am saddened by the passing of Hajia Aya Dada Yar’Adua, mother of my late mentor, Tafida Shehu Yar’Adua, late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, among others,” he said.
“In the absence of my beloved mother, I adopted Hajiya Dada as a mother. 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. On behalf of the Atiku Abubakar family and team, I express my profound condolences to the Yar’Adua family, friends and associates over the loss of this gem of inestimable value. My condolences also go to the government and people of Katsina State. May her sins be forgiven and that she be granted Aljannah Firdausi. Ameen. -AA”
