Dada Yar’adua, the mother of former President Umaru Yar’adua and former Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, Shehu Yar’adua, has passed away at the age of 102. According to Drivetvnews, she died at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina State on Monday evening.
Dada Yar’adua is honored as one of the few women in Nigeria’s history to have given birth to prominent politicians, including Umaru Yar’adua, who served as both President and Governor of Katsina State; Shehu Yar’adua, who was the Chief of Staff at Supreme Headquarters during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s military regime; and Abdulaziz Yar’adua, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army.
The announcement of her death has elicited prayers and condolences from across the country.
Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State paused his official activities in Daura to visit the Yar’adua family. The governor expressed his deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences, noting that Dada is to be buried according to Islamic customs the following morning.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also shared his grief on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Innalillahi Wa’inna Ilaihir Raji’un. I am deeply saddened by the death 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. In the absence of my own mother, I came to regard Hajiya Dada as a mother. Her home was always a haven of love and welcome. She will be greatly missed. On behalf of the Atiku Abubakar family and team, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Yar’Adua family, friends, and associates. May her sins be forgiven, and may she be granted Aljannah Firdausi. Ameen.”
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki also conveyed his sorrow on X, writing, “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 boundless warmth, grace, and compassion touched all who knew her. My recent visit with her in Katsina remains a cherished memory, highlighting her kindness and wisdom. As we mourn her passing, I pray that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants her a place in Al Jannah Firdaus. My thoughts and prayers are with the Yar’Adua family during this difficult time.”
