(http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bola-tinubu.jpg) (http://peoplesdailyng.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/bola-tinubu.jpg)By Lawrence Olaoye, Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri, Ayodele Samuel, Lagos, Ahmed Kaigama, Bauchi, & Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The remains of Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the mother of the Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was yesterday buried at the Vault and Garden Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos,
Mogaji, who was the President General, Association of Nigerian Market Women and Men died in her home on Saturday at Alausa in Ikeja at the age of 96.
Prayers were offered for her at the Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Garuba Akinola, who was represented by Alhaji Mujitabah Giwa.
In his sermon, the cleric said there were many things to emulate in the life of Mogaji as she lived an exemplary life worthy of emulation and urged all to emulate her good virtue.
"God owns our beginning and the end. She had impacted much in the lives of the people positively and her life was worthy of emulation," he said.
Dignitaries at the graveside were the Governors of Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Ekiti, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and Dr. Kayode Fayemi respectively. There was also the Speaker, House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwa, Business Mogul, Aliko Dangote; former senators Musiliu Obanikoro and Muniru Muse; Senator Annie Okonkwo, Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Alhaji Femi Okunnu.
Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno state was also among prominent Nigerians who condoled the Tinubu over the demise of his mother saying Nigeria has lost a progressive, a woman with distinction in mobilizing citizens for a good course.
Shettima's Special Adviser on communications, Isa Umar Gusau, in a statement said the governor described the deceased as a promoter of massive self employment which is the ultimate in fighting crimes and insecurity, saying she therefore died though at a celebrated age but at a time when her experienced progressiveness was needed by all of us, her children and grand children.
"She was a great woman who deserved the honourary doctorate degree conferred on her by the Ahmadu Bello University during its 50th anniversary. I therefore celebrate the legacies she has left for us to emulate."
Also, Bauchi state Governor, Isa Yuguda, equally commiserated with Tinubu as well as with the immediate and extended families of the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.
A press statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ishola Michael Adeyemi, declared that she died at a moment her motherly role was most needed considering the current situation in the country pointing out that advices from highly respected people like the late human rights activist would have made a significant positive impact.
Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Razak Atunwa, in his tribute said that the late Habibat Magaji had contributed significantly to the socio-economic and political emancipation Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed utter shock at the death of Hajiya Abibatu Asabi Mogaji , the mother of Nigeria's prominent opposition politician and ACN leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a statement of sympathy to the ACN leader, the former Vice President said the death of a mother was one of the saddest events in the life of children. As a care-giver, protector and character moulder, Atiku said, a mother's place in the lives of her children could not be compared to anything else.
According to him, one of the greatest pride of a mother is to see her children grow up as responsible adults that realized their dreams or aspirations.
He said the late Mogaji's pride was to leave behind children that were determined to make their marks in life.
The Turakin Adamawa added that as a pillar of family love, the late Mogaji's children had a duty to keep her virtues alive and to immortalize her.
The former Vice President noted that the "loss of a mother that made sacrifices to make us happy was an experience words could not adequately describe."
While praying Allah to grant the deceased eternal bliss in aljanna (paradise), the former Vice President urged Asiwaju Tinubu and his siblings to always remain the living symbols of her virtues of love and family unity.
The leadership and entire members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday commiserated with the former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, and his entire family over the passage of their Matriach, Alhaja Abibatu Mogajia.
The party in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, stated "Though the exit at a ripe age of 96 is indeed a glorious one, it has nonetheless created a huge vacuum in the nation, Lagos State and the family in particular and we deeply share in the loss.
"A devout muslim, Alhaja Abibatu led an active life worthy of emulation in many ways. She remained a shining example of a mother and a leader whose inner strength, candour and forthrightness served as fountains of tutelage and inspiration to millions across the country.
"As the President General of Lagos Market Men and Women Association, Alhaja Abibatu, showed extra-ordinary organizational skills and influence in the areas of politics and commerce not only in Lagos state but across the country.
"Her contributions in defending the rights of the people, especially the less privilege and the down-trodden and ensuring their economic empowerments, irrespective of tribal and religious affiliations, remain as testimonials to her kindness and selfless service to humanity."
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