This Woman Made Me Who I Am Today -Former President Goodluck Jonathan
Wisdom Tide
07/09/2024
Former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua, the mother of his late political mentor, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, describing her death as a significant personal loss. In his words, Jonathan emphasized that Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua played a pivotal role in shaping his political journey, noting that without her influence, his name might not have reached the prominence it holds today.
Jonathan conveyed his heartfelt sentiments during a condolence visit to the Yar’Adua family in Katsina on Saturday, where he spoke at length about the impact Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua had on his life and career. Reflecting on her influence, he remarked, “This woman technically made me who I am today. Without her, you wouldn’t have known my name.”
The emotional weight of her passing was evident as Jonathan compared her loss to that of a mother, underscoring the closeness he felt to the Yar’Adua family. “It is really touching for me. It was her son who selected me as his running mate, and without this great woman, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She was like a mother to me, and her passing feels like the loss of my own mother,” he added.
A Somber Moment for Jonathan
Jonathan recounted the moment he received the news of Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua’s death while he was en route to Kigali, Rwanda, on an official trip. He shared that the gravity of the news compelled him to prioritize returning to Katsina to personally pay his respects to the Yar'Adua family and to express his condolences to the people of Katsina State.
“It is indeed a very sad moment for all of us,” Jonathan said. “I had traveled on Monday, heading to Kigali for an official engagement. While in transit through Addis Ababa, our head of mission there informed me of the sad news. I immediately knew I had to return and be with the family during this difficult time. As soon as I arrived back in Nigeria on Friday, I made it a priority to visit Katsina to offer my condolences in person.”
Offering Condolences on Behalf of His Team and Community
During his visit, Jonathan extended his deepest condolences, not only on behalf of himself but also on behalf of his team, his community, and his home state. He spoke of the profound loss felt by many and the deep admiration he held for Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua, emphasizing her role as a mother figure not just to her biological children, but to all those whose lives she touched.
“On behalf of myself, my team, my community, and the people of Bayelsa State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Yar’Adua family and to the people of Katsina State,” he stated. “Her passing is not just a loss for her immediate family, but for all of us who knew her and the vital role she played in the lives of many.”
Jonathan further remarked on the blessed life Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua led, noting that her longevity and the legacy she left behind were a testament to her righteousness and the grace of Allah. “She was a mother that we lost, but Allah has truly blessed her,” he said. “To live such a long and impactful life is a sign of divine favor. She was a good woman, a blessed woman, and through her children, she contributed significantly to the development of our great nation.”
Remembering Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua's Legacy
Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua was widely respected as a matriarch of a distinguished family, having nurtured and raised children who went on to play pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political landscape. Her son, the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, served as Nigeria's president from 2007 until his untimely death in 2010, a presidency during which Jonathan served as his vice president before eventually succeeding him.
Jonathan’s remarks about Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua emphasized the profound influence she had on her children and, by extension, on the political trajectory of Nigeria. He acknowledged her nurturing guidance, which enabled her children to rise to positions of leadership and service, most notably in the case of her son, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, whose decision to bring Jonathan onto the national stage forever altered the course of his career.
Jonathan noted, “She was a blessed woman, and her contributions to this nation cannot be overstated. Through her children, particularly President Yar'Adua, she helped shape the future of this country. It was through her son's leadership that I was given the opportunity to serve, and for that, I will always be grateful to her.”
A Legacy of Service and Dedication
The former president’s tribute to Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua also reflected on her enduring legacy of service and her contributions to her family and community. He highlighted her strength, wisdom, and the vital role she played in the development of those around her, not just in her own family but in the broader society as well.
“She lived a life of service, dedication, and immense love for her family and community. She raised leaders and left behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come. Her passing is a reminder of the impact one life can have on the destiny of a nation,” Jonathan said.
Conclusion
As Jonathan mourned the loss of Hajiya Dada Yar'Adua, his words captured the essence of her legacy — one rooted in the values of family, faith, and service to others. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence will continue to resonate in the lives of those she touched, particularly in the life and career of the former president himself. Through her son’s leadership and her own nurturing spirit, Hajiya Dada Yar’Adua played an undeniable role in shaping Nigeria’s history, and her contributions will not be forgotten.
In his final remarks, Jonathan prayed for Allah’s comfort and grace for the Yar’Adua family and for the people of Katsina State, who, like him, have lost a mother, a mentor, and a source of strength
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