She was said to be in her 90s, though there are reports that she may have been more than 100 years old before her demise. Her son, Abdulaziz, is a current Senator representing Katsina Central in the National Assembly (NASS).
The deceased was described as a kind and compassionate woman who dedicated her life to her family and community. Her two sons both served as Nigeria’s president and vice president in different eras. Umaru Musa Yar’adua served as president from 2007 until he died in 2010. He was also a former governor of Katsina between 1999 and 2007; while Shehu Musa Yar’Adua was vice president from 1979 to 1982. Another of her sons, Murtala Yar’adua, was a former minister from 2009 to 2011.
Hajiya Dada, also the wife of the former minister Musa Yar’adua, was known for her strong character and her influence on her sons’ lives and careers. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly, with a burial expected to take place in Katsina following Islamic rites today. She is survived by many children, several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
