By Chesa Chesa
Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Sunday paid glowing tribute to the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, describing her as a woman whose legacy of service, compassion, and leadership continues to shape Nigeria through the values she instilled in her son, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Speaking at the Annual Grand Prayer Session held at the National Mosque in Abuja in honour of the late matriarch, Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, said Mogaji’s life was defined not by public acclaim but by the lives she transformed and the institutions she strengthened.
The Vice President noted that the late revered Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, who died on June 15, 2013, at the age of 96, left behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
According to him, the relationship between President Tinubu and his late mother reflects the saying, “like mother, like son,” stressing that Mogaji played a pivotal role in shaping the President into a leader committed to public service and national development.
“She shaped a leader, and through that leader, her values now serve the whole of Nigeria,” Shettima said.
He stated that President Tinubu inherited from his mother the values of courage, sacrifice, and service to the ordinary citizen, noting that her influence helped mould the President’s commitment to democracy and good governance.
The Vice President praised Mogaji as a woman who understood that commerce was not merely about profit but about human dignity and service. He recalled her lifelong dedication to the welfare of traders, especially women in the marketplace, where she advocated for their rights and economic empowerment.
“She turned scattered effort into collective strength and taught generations of market women that their work mattered and their voices carried weight,” he said.
Shettima further described her as a leader who always chose service over privilege, feeding the hungry, resolving disputes, and protecting vulnerable people from exploitation.
He offered prayers for the repose of her soul, asking Allah to forgive her shortcomings, grant her eternal rest, and reward her for her contributions to humanity.
The Vice President also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring that the country would overcome its current economic and security challenges through prayers, unity, and collective commitment.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration remains focused on addressing pressing national issues through policies aimed at strengthening security, boosting economic growth, and improving citizens’ welfare.
Earlier, the convener of the prayer session and Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, described the late Mogaji as a selfless woman devoted to serving humanity.
Masari disclosed that over 250 hand-pump boreholes have 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, and science and technology education.
In addition, he revealed plans for the construction of a modern Juma’at Mosque in Rigasa, Kaduna, complete with residential quarters for the Imam and supporting staff, in honour of the late matriarch.
Prominent Islamic scholars from across the country offered prayers for Mogaji’s soul and for peace, unity, security, and economic prosperity in Nigeria.
Among dignitaries at the event were Babagana Umara Zulum, Mai Mala Buni, Umar Namadi, former governors Usman Sa’idu Nasamu Dakingari and Tanko Al-Makura.
Also in attendance were the Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by Yahaya Abubakar, Minister of Housing and Urban Development Muttaqha Rabe Darma, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and other top government officials and traditional rulers.
