The mother of former Nigerian President Umaru Yar’adua, Hajiya Aya Dada Yar’Adua, has passed away at the age of 102.
According to reliable sources, the matriarch of the Yar’Adua dynasty died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
The family announced that the deceased will be laid to rest on Tuesday in Katsina as sympathisers have already begun to gather at the family residence to offer their condolences.
The late matriarch was a respected figure in the community, and her longevity and wisdom earned her admiration from many.
Dada is revered as one of the few women to have birthed top politicians in Nigeria’s history, including former President, Umaru 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 of Senate Committee on Army
Her son, Umaru Yar’adua, served as President of Nigeria from 2007 until his passing in 2010.
The news of her death has drawn prayers and condolences from well-meaning Nigerians.
The Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, paid a condolence visit to the Yar’adua family late Monday. This was revealed in a tweet by his aide on Digital Media, Isah Miqdad, tweeting as #Miqdad_Jnr.
“This evening, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, interrupted his official duties in Daura to pay a visit to the family of the late Hajiya Fatima Dada, the mother of former President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
“The late Dada is scheduled to be laid to rest tomorrow morning by Islamic customs. The governor expressed his deepest sympathies to the grieving family and extended his heartfelt condolences”, the tweet read.
Also, expressing sadness over Dada’s death, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, wrote via his X handle, tweeting as #atiku, “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”.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, with the username #bukolasaraki, tweeted, “Inalilahi wa ina Ilaehi Rajiun. Dada Habi Yar’Adua, the beloved mother of my dear friend and our late President, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, was a true matriarch. Her warmth, grace and compassion were boundless, extending to all who had the privilege of knowing her.
“My last encounter with her in Katsina State is a memory I will always treasure—filled with her kindness and wisdom. It was a reminder of the remarkable person she was. Today, I join the nation to mourn the passing of this incredible woman. May Almighty Allah (SWT) grant her a place in Al Jannah Firdaus. My thoughts and prayers are with the Yar’Adua family during this difficult time”.
