Tinubu’s mum instilled values, shaped Nigeria – Says Shettima

• VP links President’s leadership style to late mum’s teachings

• Nigeria will overcome security, economic challenges through unity, prayers

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday paid glowing tribute to the mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as a remarkable woman whose legacy of service, compassion and leadership continues to shape Nigeria through the values she instilled in her son, The Nation Newspapers reported.

Speaking at the annual grand prayer session held in her honour at the National Mosque in Abuja, VP Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, said the late Iyaloja-General of Nigeria lived a life that was devoted to uplifting others and strengthening institutions, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire future generations.

Alhaja Mogaji, who died on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96, was remembered as a woman whose influence extended far beyond her family and whose leadership was reflected in the lives she touched rather than in public acclaim.

Drawing a connection between the President and his late mother, the Vice President noted that President Tinubu’s commitment to public service, democracy and the welfare of ordinary citizens was rooted in the values he learnt from her.

In a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President said: “It should surprise no one, then, that the son she raised carries the same fire into the highest office in our land. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, learnt at her side that public life is a trust and that leadership is owed first to the ordinary and the unheard.

“The instinct to fight for democracy when it was dangerous to do so, the willingness to stand for the common good when comfort counselled silence, the conviction that the citizen deserves a government that works for them, all of this was first kindled in a home where service was the daily example. A mother shaped a leader, and through that leader, her values now serve the whole of Nigeria.” Shettima described the late market leader as one of the rare Nigerians who understood that commerce was a service to humanity and that marketplaces represented both economic activity and human dignity.

According to him, the late Alhaja Mogaji dedicated much of her life to improving the welfare of traders, especially women, organising market communities and amplifying the voices of people often overlooked by those in authority.

“She turned scattered effort into collective strength, and she taught a generation of market women that their work mattered, that their voices carried weight, and that their toil deserved respect,” he stated.

Shettima also earned widespread affection because she consistently placed service above personal gain, feeding the hungry, resolving disputes and protecting vulnerable members of society from exploitation.

Offering prayers for her repose, the Vice President asked Allah to forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest and reward her for a lifetime of service to humanity.

He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country would overcome its current security and economic challenges through prayers, unity, and the collective commitment of its citizens.

According to him, President Tinubu remains fully committed to tackling the nation’s challenges through policies and programmes aimed at improving security, stimulating economic growth and enhancing the welfare of Nigerians.

The Convener of the prayer and Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described the late Alhaja Mogaji as a woman whose life was dedicated to serving others.

Masari announced that over 250 hand-pump boreholes had been constructed across nine northern states in her memory, providing clean water to thousands of residents.

He also announced plans to establish the Abibatu Mogaji Islamic Centre in Abuja to promote Islamic scholarship, leadership development, science and technology education.

Besides, the presidential aide stated that a modern Juma’at Mosque, complete with residential quarters for the Imam and support staff, would be built in Rigasa, Kaduna State, in honour of the late matriarch.

Islamic scholars from across the country offered special prayers for the repose of her soul and sought divine intervention for peace, security, unity and economic prosperity in Nigeria.

Among dignitaries at the event were Governors Babagana Umara Zulum (Borno), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), former Governors Usman Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari (Kebbi) and Tanko Al-Makura (Nasarawa).

Also present were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by Yahaya Abubakar; the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Muttaqha Rabe Darma; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and other senior government officials, traditional rulers and religious leaders.