Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has observed that the positive and exemplary mentorship provided by late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua ensured that the leadership of the state remained within his political family.
The governor spoke at the fourteenth annual remembrance and special prayers for the repose of the late Nigerian president, Umaru Musa Yar’adua, as well as the unveiling of a book titled “What Yar’adua Told Me and Taught Me,” held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Government House, Katsina.
He noted that the late president commanded a large and loyal following during his lifetime.
According to him, the highly respected and disciplined personality dedicated his entire life to serving the common man.
Governor Radda stated that his leadership style is partly inspired by what he learned from the late Yar’adua, who ensured his sacrifices positively impacted the lives of ordinary people.
He emphasized that the dedication and commitment of the late Nigerian leader made his legacies worthy of pride.
These include the two major institutions named after him: the Umar Musa Yar’adua University Katsina and the Umaru Yar’adua International Airport, also in Katsina.
He added that these institutions stand alongside his contribution towards the establishment of the only community tertiary institution, “Al-qalam University.”
Governor Radda prayed to Almighty Allah to bless Nigeria with leaders who share Yar’adua’s focus on the common good, leading the nation to greater heights.
He then thanked the dedicated loyalist of the late president, Engineer Dr. Muttaka Rabe Darma, for writing the book titled “What Yar’adua Told Me and Taught Me,” and urged the public to study and learn from its contents.
Former Katsina state governor, Barrister Ibrahim Shehu Shema, acknowledged that leadership is a demanding task that requires tolerance from the people of the state.
He expressed his gratitude to Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for moving the annual prayer session to Government House, Katsina, and called for continued prayers for the soul of the late Umaru Yar’adua.
Similarly, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, and a brother to the late Yar’adua, Abu Aminu Yar’adua, both pleaded for sustained prayers for Allah’s mercy on the soul of the late Nigerian president. The Emir of Daura specifically called for similar prayer gatherings in Abuja to draw more Ulamas and well-wishers worldwide to pray for the former leader.
In their separate remarks, the two biological sons of the late president, Ibrahim Umar Yar’adua and Shehu Umar Yar’adua, shared memories of their late father, particularly his emphasis on their education and his sincerity.