Sultan loses stepmother

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has condoled with the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, over the death of his stepmother, Hajiya Nana Asma’u, who died on Tuesday at the age of 100.

The governor, who paid a condolence visit to the Sultan at his palace in Sokoto, described the deceased’s death as a great loss to the royal family, Sokoto State and the country.

Aliyu said Nana Asma’u had played an important motherly role within the royal family, adding that her death had created a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

“The passing of Nana Asma’u was indeed one death too many,” the governor said.

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He urged the Sultan and members of the family to accept the death as the will of Almighty Allah and prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased’s shortcomings and her admission into paradise.

Responding, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar thanked Governor Aliyu for the condolence visit and prayed to Allah to reward him abundantly.

“We pray that you will also live long to continue to serve humanity,” the Sultan said.

The governor was accompanied by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko; APC chairman, Haruna Adiya; members of the legislature; commissioners; special advisers; senior special assistants and other political associates.

Special prayers were offered by Malam Bashiru Gidan Kanawa for the repose of Nana Asma’u and other departed souls.

The governor also visited other bereaved families in Sokoto metropolis, including the families of Abdullahi Kafinta of Rungumi, who died at 80; Malam Abdullah Na Hali, 85; and late Malama Aminatu Shehu of Tudun Wada, who died at 117 and left behind 11 children.

Other families visited were those of Aisha Umar, 87; Abubakar Abdulraheem; Alhaji Garba Shugaba, 85; Ahmad Mode of Gagi; and late Aliyu Musa Mana of Mana.

Prayers were offered at all the residences visited for the repose of the souls of the deceased.