Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has extended his condolences to former Governor Nasir El-Rufai and his family following the death of their matriarch, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai.
In a statement personally signed on Friday, Governor Sani expressed sympathy on behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, describing the loss as a deeply painful one not only for the immediate family but also for the wider community that benefited from her life and values.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State, I extend my deepest condolences to His Excellency, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, and the entire El-Rufai family on the passing of their beloved mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai,” the governor said.
Sani paid glowing tribute to the late matriarch, portraying her as a devoted mother whose life was marked by exceptional virtues, including grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength. He noted that her influence extended beyond her family, touching the lives of many through her compassion and unwavering commitment to service.
According to the governor, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai lived a life defined by humility, kindness, and dedication to humanity, adding that she consistently upheld values that promoted peace and unity within her community.
“Hajiya Umma El-Rufai was not only a devoted mother and matriarch, but also a woman of rare grace, moral clarity, and quiet strength,” Sani stated.
He further highlighted her role as a pillar of guidance and reconciliation, noting that she was widely respected for her ability to foster harmony and nurture relationships within her community. Her life, he said, reflected enduring principles of faith, patience, and generosity.
“She lived a life defined by compassion, humility, and steadfast service, extending kindness to the vulnerable and dignity to all who crossed her path. In her community, she was a steady source of counsel and reconciliation, nurturing unity and embodying the enduring values of faith, patience, and generosity,” he added.
Governor Sani also used the opportunity to stand in solidarity with the former governor and his family during what he described as a moment of profound grief. He acknowledged the emotional weight of losing a loved one, particularly a mother, and called for prayers and support for the bereaved family.
“In this hour of grief, I stand in solemn solidarity with the El-Rufai family,” he said.
The governor offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings, accept her good deeds, and grant her eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus.
“I pray that Almighty Allah will forgive her shortcomings, accept her righteous deeds, and grant her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus. May He comfort the bereaved and grant them fortitude to endure this profound loss. Ameen,” Sani prayed.
The death of Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, which was earlier announced by family members, has continued to draw tributes and condolences from political leaders, associates, and members of the public across the country. Many have described her as a respected matriarch whose legacy will endure through her family and the lives she impacted.
Her passing marks the end of an era for the El-Rufai family, with sympathisers noting that her contributions to family cohesion and community development will not be forgotten.
As condolences continue to pour in, attention is expected to turn to funeral arrangements, which are likely to be conducted in accordance with Islamic rites. Meanwhile, prayers and messages of support have continued to highlight the widespread respect and admiration she commanded during her lifetime.
Governor Sani’s message adds to a growing list of tributes honouring the late matriarch, underscoring the significance of her life and the void her passing has created both within her family and beyond.
