Vice President Kashim Shettima has dropped some serious gems about the woman who shaped President Bola Ahmed Tinubu into the leader he is today: his late mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji. Shettima revealed that the values instilled by this incredible woman, who passed away at 96, are not just guiding the President but are actively serving Nigeria. This isn’t just about a mother’s love; it’s about how foundational principles can build a nation. This special prayer session in Abuja wasn’t just a remembrance; it was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of strong moral guidance.
Alhaja Mogaji: A Matriarch’s Enduring Legacy
At the National Mosque in Abuja, Vice President Shettima, representing President Tinubu, spoke glowingly of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, the former Iyaloja-General of Nigeria. He described her not just as a mother but as a force whose influence extended far beyond her family, shaping the very moral compass of Nigeria. Her leadership, he emphasized, was demonstrated through her actions – the lives she touched and the institutions she strengthened – rather than empty pronouncements. She lived a full life, passing on June 15, 2013, leaving behind a blueprint for future generations.
Like Mother, Like Son: The Tinubu Connection
The Vice President drew a clear parallel between Alhaja Mogaji and her son, the current Nigerian leader. “It should surprise no one, then, that the son she raised carries the same fire into the highest office in our land,” Shettima stated. He highlighted how President Tinubu learned invaluable lessons from his mother, particularly the understanding that public office is a sacred trust and that leadership must prioritize the ordinary and the often-unheard voices. The courage to fight for democracy, even when dangerous, and the conviction that citizens deserve a government that truly works for them – these principles were nurtured in a home where service was the daily example. It’s a profound ‘like mother, like son’ narrative, where her values continue to serve all of Nigeria through her son.
Commerce as Service: More Than Just Business
Shettima further lauded Alhaja Mogaji’s perspective on commerce. She understood that the marketplace wasn’t just a place for transactions but a vital space where human needs met human dignity. This viewpoint underscores her deep commitment to the welfare of traders, especially the ordinary women who built their livelihoods with hard work. She transformed individual efforts into collective strength, teaching a generation of market women that their work was significant, their voices mattered, and their toil deserved respect.
Her ability to earn the affection of her people stemmed from her selflessness. She served before seeking to be served, providing for the hungry, mediating disputes, and protecting the vulnerable from exploitation. This selfless service is a key trait that resonates deeply.
Prayers for a Beloved Matriarch and a Nation
The prayer session was a solemn occasion, with fervent prayers offered for the repose of Alhaja Mogaji’s soul. The Vice President committed her to God’s mercy, praying for her legacy to be an enduring source of good for Nigeria. He also expressed confidence that the nation will overcome its current security and economic hurdles through unity, prayer, and collective commitment. President Tinubu, he assured, is fully dedicated to tackling these challenges with robust policies and programs aimed at enhancing security, boosting the economy, and improving the lives of all Nigerians.
A Lasting Tribute: Projects in Alhaja Mogaji’s Name
The convener of the prayer session, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, echoed the sentiments, describing Alhaja Mogaji as a beacon of service. Demonstrating the tangible impact of her legacy, Masari revealed that over 250 hand-pump boreholes have been constructed across nine Northern Nigerian states in her memory, providing essential clean water access. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish the Abibatu Mogaji Islamic Centre in Abuja, focusing on Islamic scholarship, leadership, science, and technology education. A modern Juma’at Mosque is also slated for construction in Rigasa, Kaduna State, in her honour. Prominent Islamic scholars led prayers for peace, security, unity, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
Notable Attendees
The event saw a distinguished gathering of dignitaries, including:
- Governors of Borno, Yobe, and Jigawa States
- Former Governors Usman Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari and Tanko Al-Makura
- The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III (represented)
- Ministers of Housing and Urban Development, and Budget and Economic Planning
- Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children
- Other top government officials and traditional leaders.
This gathering underscored the widespread respect and admiration for Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji and the continuing significance of her values in Nigeria.