Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid glowing tribute to the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Tinubu, describing her as a remarkable woman whose influence extended beyond her immediate family and left a lasting impact on society.
Shettima made the remarks on Sunday during the Annual Grand Prayer Session held in her honour at the National Mosque in Abuja.
Reflecting on her life and contributions, the vice president said the late Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, who passed away on June 15, 2013, distinguished herself through selfless service, community development and the empowerment of countless individuals.
He noted that her legacy lives on through the people she inspired, the institutions she helped strengthen and the values she championed throughout her lifetime.
According to Shettima, Mogaji’s influence was evident in the leadership qualities displayed by President Tinubu, whom she nurtured with principles of service, courage and commitment to the common good.
He said the President’s dedication to public service and democratic ideals could be traced to the lessons and values instilled in him by his mother.
“She raised a son who understands that leadership is a sacred responsibility and that governance must always prioritize the welfare of the people, especially the vulnerable and unheard,” Shettima stated.
The vice president added that Mogaji belonged to a rare group of leaders who viewed commerce not merely as a means of livelihood but as a platform for promoting human dignity and social progress.
He recalled her decades-long advocacy for traders and market women, saying she devoted much of her life to protecting their interests and improving their economic opportunities.
According to him, she inspired many women to recognize their worth, contribute meaningfully to society and take pride in their work.
“She earned the trust and admiration of her people because she consistently placed service above personal gain. She provided support where there was need, promoted reconciliation during conflicts and defended those who were vulnerable,” he said.
Shettima offered prayers for the repose of her soul and asked God to grant her eternal rest.
He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country would overcome its economic and security challenges through unity, prayers and collective effort.
The vice president assured Nigerians that President Tinubu remained focused on addressing critical national issues through policies designed to enhance security, stimulate economic growth and improve citizens’ welfare.
Speaking earlier, the President’s Special Adviser on Political Affairs and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Masari, described the late Mogaji as a compassionate leader whose life was dedicated to uplifting others.
Masari disclosed that over 250 hand-pump boreholes had been provided across nine northern states in her memory to improve access to clean water.
He also announced plans to establish the Abibatu Mogaji Islamic Centre in Abuja, which will focus on Islamic scholarship, leadership training, science and technology education.
In addition, he revealed that a modern Juma’at Mosque, alongside residential accommodation for the Imam and supporting staff, would be built in Rigasa, Kaduna State, as part of efforts to preserve her legacy.
The event featured special prayers led by Islamic scholars from different parts of the country, who prayed for the late Mogaji, as well as for peace, national unity, security and sustained economic progress in Nigeria.