President Bola Tinubu has commiserated with Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, over the death of his mother, Hajia Umma.
Bello, el-Rufai’s son, announced his grandmother’s death in a statement posted on X on Friday.
El-Rufai’s mother died in Egypt, where she had been receiving medical treatment, according to Arise TV.
In a condolence message issued by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu described the late matriarch of the el-Rufai family as a mother who lived a remarkable life and raised children and grandchildren who have contributed greatly to our nation.
“Nasir, please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, Hajiya Umma, which happened today in Cairo. As someone who had also lost an old mother, I share in your grief. I understand the depth of your loss,” the president said.
“Losing a mother is a pain unlike any other. I know that no words can fully ease your sorrow, but I pray that the memories of her love, wisdom, and guidance bring you comfort in the days ahead. I also hope you find strength in the remarkable life she lived and the values she instilled in the entire family.
“As firm believers in Allah, we are convinced that she has played her part in this world as laid out for her by the Almighty and has gone back to her maker.
“I join family, friends, and well-wishers in mourning with you. May Allah grant your dear mother Aljannah Firdaus,” President Tinubu adds.
‘PROFOUND LOSS’
Meanwhile, Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, has described el-Rufai’s mother’s death as a profound loss.
In a message to the el-Rufai family, the Kaduna governor also described the late Umma as a “woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength”.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai,” Sani wrote on X.
“She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service, extending kindness to the vulnerable and dignity to all who crossed her path.”
He stressed that Umma was a steady source of counsel and reconciliation in her community, where she nurtured unity and embodied the enduring values of faith, patience, and generosity.
“In this hour of grief, I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family, praying that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus,” the governor added.
“May He comfort the bereaved and grant them fortitude to endure this profound loss. Ameen.”
