Hajia Hadiza Shehu Shagari, widow of late President Shehu Shagari has reportedly died of COVID-19 complications.
Bala, a son of the late Nigerian leader who announced this in a statement, said she died Thursday at the age of 80.
He said: “We regret to announce the demise of our beloved mother, Hajiya Hadiza Shehu Shagari, the wife of H.E late President Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari, GCFR (Turakin Sokoto).
“We lost her in the early hours of today, 12th August 2021, at about 3:00 am, after battling Covid-19 at the Gwagwalada Isolation Center in Abuja.”
“Hajiya Hadiza Shehu Shagari was 80 years old. Her Jana’iza (Funeral Prayer) will take place today, at 4:00 pm, immediately after Asr prayer, at the National Mosque, Abuja,” the statement added.
Buhari mourns
And mourning Hajiya Hadiza’s passage, President Muhammadu Buhari described the deceased as a pillar of strength and support for the family while her husband was serving his fatherland.
The president’s condolence message was contained in a statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina.
“President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with family of the late former President of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari over the transition of his widow, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, at age 80.
“He describes the departed as a pillar of strength and support, holding the fort for the family while her husband busied himself with service to the nation.
“President Buhari extends condolences to government and the people of Sokoto State, urging the family to be consoled by the good deeds of Hajiya Hadiza.
“The President prays Allah to forgive the sins of the departed and reward her with Paradise.”