Katsina State is in mourning following the death of Hajiya Sarafa’u Umaru Baribari, the mother of Governor Dikko Radda. The respected nonagenarian died at the age of 93, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of strength, wisdom, and service.
Official Statement Confirms the Sad News
The announcement came through a statement released on Sunday by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed. He expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the state government and the Radda family, describing Hajiya Sarafa’u as a woman of “remarkable strength and dignity.”
According to Kaula-Mohammed, “She was a woman whose wisdom flowed from decades of lived experience.” He added that her passing marks the end of an era for both her family and the larger Katsina community.
A Pillar of the Radda Family and Beyond
Although widely recognized as Governor Dikko Radda’s mother, Hajiya Sarafa’u played a much broader role in society. She nurtured generations of leaders, family members, and community influencers. Her children include Alhaji Kabir Umar-Radda, the current Village Head of Radda, and Hajiya Hauwa Umar-Radda, who was once married to Nigeria’s former President, the late Umaru Musa Yar’adua.
Her influence extended beyond titles and family ties. As a Fulani matriarch, she embodied integrity, perseverance, and service to the community. Her values, according to those close to her, inspired all who encountered her.
Final Rites Held in Her Ancestral Village
The late matriarch was laid to rest at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2025, in Radda village, located in Charanchi Local Government Area of Katsina State. Traditional leaders, family members, and hundreds of sympathizers gathered to pay their last respects.
The burial adhered to Islamic rites and was marked by an outpouring of tributes from community members who regarded her as a symbol of resilience and humility.
State Government Extends Condolences
Governor Radda has not yet issued a personal statement but is reported to be deeply affected by the loss. The state government, through its public channels, has extended condolences to the governor and his family.
Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, speaking on behalf of the government, said, “Her values continue to inspire everyone who knew her. Hajiya Sarafa’u’s memory will live on through her children, her actions, and the lives she touched.”
A Legacy Rooted in Leadership and Service
Hajiya Sarafa’u Umaru stood as more than a mother to a governor—she was a guide, a mentor, and a model for community leadership. Her influence can be traced in the values and conduct of her children, especially in Governor Radda’s style of governance, which emphasizes community development and service to the people.
Locals often referred to her as “Baribari,” a name that symbolized her firmness and fairness in resolving family and village matters. Her advice carried weight, even among traditional rulers and senior politicians.
Conclusion
The passing of Hajiya Sarafa’u Umaru Baribari represents a significant loss for Katsina State and Northern Nigeria as a whole. Her life stands as a testament to the quiet but powerful role women play in shaping leadership, nurturing families, and building communities.
As the Radda family mourns privately, tributes continue to pour in from across Nigeria. Her legacy will undoubtedly endure in the values she instilled and the lives she shaped.
