Tinubu’s mother, Abibatu Mogaji
President Goodluck Jonathan, governors, lawmakers and other prominent Nigerians on Sunday described the death of President General, Nigerian Market Men and Women Association, Alhaja Habibatu Mogaji, as a “monumental” loss to the nation.
Mogaji, who was the mother of former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, died on Saturday at the age of 96.
Jonathan said Mogaji would be remembered across the country for defending the interests of the poor.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, the President said the late market leader lived a fulfilled life.
Abati said, “President Goodluck Jonathan commiserates with Bola Tinubu and his family. President Jonathan believes that the highly respected market leader will be long remembered across the country for her indefatigable championship of the cause of market women and men.”
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, said Mogaji’s contributions would remain indelible in the minds of many.
Fayemi said, “I am, however, happy that the late market leader lived to a very ripe old age and positively contributed to the nation’s economy. Former Lagos State Governor, Bola Tinubu, should take solace in the fact that her mother was a blessing to Nigeria.”
Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said he and the people of Edo State were proud of Mogaji’s achievements.”
He urged Tinubu to find some comfort in the fact that the late market leader lived to a ripe old age, “seeing her children rise to prominence in the society.”
Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State extended his sympathies and those of residents of Anambra State to Tinubu over the loss.
He said, “The transition of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, would be painful to all who knew her because of her endearing qualities.”
Delta State Governor, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, said the death of Mogaji was a “big blow not only to Lagos State and market women all over Nigeria, but also to Delta State which shares a close affinity with Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, son of the deceased and his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, a proud daughter of Delta State.”
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, said Mogaji’s death had robbed the nation of one of the greatest commercial and political matriarchs in the land.
He said, “Mama Mogaji was a mother whom everyone would desire for standing solidly by her children and leading them on the path of greatness”.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno also commiserate with Tinubu on the death of his mother.
Shettima said, “Nigeria has lost a woman with distinction in mobilising citizens for a good cause.”
NAN also reported that the Northern States Governors Forum in a statement described Abibatu’s death as a big loss.
Its Chairman, Gov Babangida Aliyu of Niger State, said the deceased would be missed by all Nigerians.
Lawmakers, others praise Mogaji
Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Adeyemi Ikuforiji, said Mogaji was “one of the greatest Nigerian women in the last six decades that we have ever had in Nigeria.”
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Adebayo, Ikuforiji said her demise was “sad and unfortunate. Notwithstanding that she died at a ripe age of 96.”
Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly, Mr. Razak Atunwa, said Mogaji’s activism and contribution to the struggle for the restoration of democracy during the military junta in Nigeria would always be remembered.
Also, the lawmaker representing Lagos East senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, described Mogaji as “a courageous and selfless woman who lived her life caring for others around her. Her struggle for independence of women will remain indelible.”
In his condolence message, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, described Mogaji as an irreplaceable jewel that would be missed by all.
The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Dr. Bukola Saraki, said the late Mogaji would be remembered for her giant strides.
A former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, said Mogaji was not just an extraordinary philanthropist but also had huge impact as the President General of Nigerian Market Women and Men.
A former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said Mogaji’s death was a personal loss, adding that the demise of the mother of Tinubu, would rob Nigeria of quality counsel.
The 2011 presidential flagbearer of the Action Congress of Nigeria, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said Mogaji’s demise had drawn a curtain on an era of “courageous women movement that characterised independence struggle and beyond, in Nigeria.”
Oyo State Chapter of Action Congress of Nigeria, in statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Dauda Kolawole, said, “The late mother of the party’s National Leader and former Governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, would be missed for his wonderful impact in moulding many lives.”
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