Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed sadness over the demise of Dada Yar’adua, mother of former President, Umaru Yar’adua and a former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Shehu Yar’adua.
Dada reportedly died at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina State on Monday evening. She was aged 102 years.
Dada is revered as one of the few women to have birthed top politicians in Nigeria’s history, including Umaru, a former President and two-time governor of Katsina State; Shehu, who was the ex-Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, under the military regime of former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and Abdulaziz, Chairman, Senate Committee on Army.
The news of her death has drawn prayers and condolences from well-meaning Nigerians.
Expressing sadness over Dada’s death, Atiku wrote via his X handle, “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, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua, among others. 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.”
