Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, recently paid tribute to Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, the mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who passed away on September 2nd, 2024. During his visit to the Yar’Adua family in Katsina, Jonathan expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the vital role she played in shaping his political journey.

Jonathan shared that her son, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, selected him as his running mate in the 2007 presidential election, a move that launched him into the national spotlight. This decision paved the way for Jonathan to eventually become Nigeria’s president, following Yar’Adua’s passing in 2010. Jonathan expressed profound gratitude, saying, “Without this woman, you wouldn’t have known my name.” He likened her passing to losing his own mother, as she had a personal influence on his life and career.

Upon hearing the news of her death while traveling to Kigali, Rwanda, Jonathan immediately returned to Nigeria to offer his condolences. He emphasized the significance of her life, both to him personally and to the nation as a whole.

Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua was also the mother of the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Senator Abdul Aziz Musa Yar’Adua, who currently represents Katsina Central in the Nigerian Senate. She passed away after a brief illness at the Federal Teaching Hospital in Katsina.

Jonathan, speaking on behalf of himself, his team, and his community, extended his deepest sympathies to the Yar’Adua family and the people of Katsina State during this time of mourning.

Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua’s passing marks the end of an era for the Yar’Adua family, known for its deep-rooted legacy in Nigerian politics. Her influence and impact on the country, both through her children and her connection to prominent figures like Jonathan, will not be forgotten.