Dan Zago Laid to Rest: Governor Yusuf, Kwankwaso, Kano Emir Pay Final Tribute

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, alongside Senator Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, attended the funeral prayer of Alhaji Haruna Ahmadu Zago, the Managing Director of REMASAB, who passed away earlier today (Thursday).

The funeral prayer, led by the Commander General of the Kano Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, was held at the Kano Emir’s Palace and attended by hundreds of mourners.

Shortly after the prayer, Governor Yusuf accompanied the deceased’s body to Kofar Mazugal Graveyard for burial.

A statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Thursday, stated that Governor Yusuf, along with the national leader of the NNPP Sen. Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso and his Deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, cabinet members, and others aides, later visited the Zago family residence to offer condolences.

At the residence, Governor Yusuf was received by the late businessman’s sons, Muhammad and Mukhtar Haruna Zago. During the visit, Comrade Gwarzo offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant the family strength during this difficult time.

Alhaji Zago is survived by four wives, 37 children, and numerous grandchildren.

Tribute to Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature (Modibbo) 2009 TO 2024 - Ibrahim Yaro Dawakin Tofa

Oh Abubakar, my dear son, you left us too soon. Your passing has left a void in our lives that can never be filled. 

I remember your calm and humble nature, your kindness, and your responsibility. You were a shining example of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him.

I wish you and Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro grew up together to become close friends like I and Sunusi. Your friendship was a beautiful thing to see, and I have no doubt that you both would have achieved great things together.

Nuruddeen, my dear son, I offer my heartfelt condolence to you. May Allah grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May the beautiful memories of your friendship with Abubakar bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Abubakar, my dear son, I remember the effort your father made to take you to India in search of good health and well-being. He spared no expense in ensuring your happiness and health. I recall telling your father, “Malam yaron nan ka jiyar da shi duk wani dadi da za ka iya saboda ka ga sikila ne” (You are the closest person to your father, and he would do anything to make you happy). And indeed, he did everything humanly possible to make you happy.

It's heartbreaking to hear that Abubakar Sadik had a dream that remained unfulfilled at the time of his passing. 

Becoming a barrister, and the head of Sunusi Bature's household as the first son was clearly important to him, and it's sad that he didn't get to realize that goal.

It's a reminder that life can be unpredictable and fragile, and sometimes our plans and dreams are cut short. But even in death, Abubakar's memory and legacy can live on through the stories, memories, and impact he had on those around him.

May his family and loved ones find comfort in the memories they shared with him and the dreams he had, even if they weren't fully realized. May they also find strength in the support of their community and the knowledge that they are not alone in their grief.

Good night, Modibbo. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdausi and reunite you with your loved ones in the hereafter.

Condolence to Nuruddeen Ibrahim Yaro

Nuruddeen, my dear son, may Allah grant you the strength and courage to continue on the path of righteousness and responsibility, just like your dear friend Abubakar. You both had a special bond, and I pray that Allah reunites you both in the hereafter.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Verily, we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return)

May Allah grant Abubakar Sadik Sunusi Bature Jannatul Firdausi and comfort his family and loved ones. Ameen.

TRIBUTE!!! Surayya Baba Aminu (Sai Mama) : A Woman Like No Other - By Abba Anwar

By Abba Anwar 

The quintessential Surayya, a woman of substance, who passed away as a humble, religious and respectful Muslim fellow, can always be remembered for her simplicity, humility, religiosity and empathy.

Wherever she could be, you saw her dressed in a Muslim dress code. Even if she happened to be in the Southern part of the country. She didn't differentiate between North, South and Centre, when it came to decent appearance as a Muslim woman. This alone, is indelible as one of the legacies she bequethed.

I first came across Surayya, popularly called Sai Mama, about 9 years ago, when I was with The Guardian newspaper. One day, as I was a member of Ganduje Online, social platform, courtesy Uba Tanko Mijinyawa, popularly called Uba Danzainab, I asked particular information on the platform concerning a policy formulated by the then Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

I wanted to write an informed article about the policy, but I didn't have some core parts of the policy provisons. Few minutes after my request, she responded on the platform, what I needed the information for. I responded "harshly" that why would she be a asking a journalist requesting for Information on people-oriented policy of a state government.

Surayya didn't utter a word after my "unbecoming response." And few hours later, a strange call came. When I picked the call she introduced herself, as Surayya Baba Aminu (Sai Mama). I quickly remembered. She asked about my location, I said where was she, she said, "Government House Sir."

I told her my location, which was far away from Government House. Allah Sarki. She drove all her way to me, with complete document of that policy. She apologized for her enquiry then. I felt dump founded. I collected the document and thanked her.

When I asked her, what made her bahaved that way for taking the pain to furnish me with all the information I needed. She responded, "Whatever can be good and useful to the administration of Baba Ganduje, I will not relent." A true loyal party member of great substance. 

I came to know her closely, when former Governor appointed me as his Chief Press Secretary, February 2018. She was one of the first callers who called congratulating me. Since then I had been watching her closely. 

I found in her the following qualities 

1. She was a dedicated member of her political party, 

2. She supported Baba Ganduje's administration to the best she could, 

3. She spent on party programmes and activities, with support from leaders or without any support. So long as she believed in what she was doing, 

4. She was one of the decent women politicians I came across with in my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary, 

5. She was one woman who sacrificed to the party more than other women who found themselves in the position of party leadership, 

6. Very religious who always avoided saying bad things about leaders, 

7. She was a politician who always sought second opinion from her elders (especially her Mum) before embarking on anything she wanted to engaged in, 

The list can go on and on. Since when I was appointed as the Chief Press Secretary, she always wanted to hear my opinion about many things she did or she wanted to do in the political space. 

When Baba Ganduje was a governor, he chaired APC Gubernatorial Campaign Councils of some states, like Osun and Edo states. 

Hajiya Surayya was in those states few days to the arrival of Baba Ganduje with his entourage. She went ahead and started organizing women to effectively galvanize the needed support and confidence for APC. 

She would be there long before any other women leader arrived from Kano. She was patriotically dedicated to the party and wellbeing of the people. 

When there were activities at the Government House or elsewhere, you see women making all sorts of appearances, when I asked her "Sai Mama why are you not participating? She always replied, "Alhaji Abba, mine is different from theirs. My only interest is what I can deliver." That was Sai Mama for you! 

Sometimes she added and queried, why would she behave the way others behaved. She used to say "Alhaji Abba I'm a mother. And a responsible mother for that matter. I believe so much in empowering our youth and women. Not wasting time doing things that could not add any value."

When the news of her passing away got to my ears, I was caught in bewilderment. The first person I called to confirm the story was Kamalu Rabi'u, popularity called Dini Manchester Kankarofi, former Special Assistant at the Deputy Governor's Office. 

Immediately he picked the call he said, "CPS ya hakurin mu na Sai Mama? His question provided an answer for my intended enquiry. Allah Ya jikan Hajiya Surayya. 

She was a flagship to many of her family members and beyond. She was indeed a role model for those who believe in hardwork, commitment, patience, good heart, respect and dignity. 

One Bashir from Osun state called me today saying good things about her. He was a Special Assistant on Northern Matters to the then Governor of Osun State, Ra'uf Aregbesola. Anywhere anytime at whatever length, Surayya was a decent and good woman of substance. 

Allah Ya jikanta da Rahama. Allah Ya sa Aljannah Makoma. 

Anwar, was Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor of Kano State. 

Sunday 13th October, 2024