President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over the death of Hajiya Aisha Al-Hassan, who was Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development during his first term in office.
A statement by the President’s Spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Friday, disclosed that the Nigerian Mission in Cairo, Egypt, announced the passing of the former minister and Senator, popularly known as ”Mama Taraba”
In the condolence message, Buhari said: ”The demise of the notable politician, Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan. has left many saddened.
”Both in office and out of office, her concern for the education of the girl child, especially those of Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok, who were abducted by Boko Haram terrorists, shone through.
“Her death is a huge loss not only to the female gender activist community but to the country as a whole.
”Our condolences to her family, friends, National Assembly and government and people of Taraba State.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubabar also said with the death of Alhassan, Nigeria has lost yet another impactful female politician “in our recent memory”.
Reacting to her death, Atiku said in a statement in Abuja on Friday evening that “Aisha Alhassan was a reliable political ally and a foot soldier who was passionate about her political convictions.”
“I am grieved by the loss of former Sen. Aisha Alhassan. I asked about her condition this (yesterday’s) afternoon after I called her number without a response!”, Atiku said.
“I can’t forget her dedication and how she stood by me through thick and thin in the course of my political career,” the former Vice President recalled adding, “I really have lost a sister and loyalist.”
According to the former Vice President, Aisha Alhassan was not only sincere, but also worked very hard for the achievement of whatever cause he (Atiku Abubakar) set himself to accomplish.
He said that Mama Taraba, as she was popularly known, was an accomplished civil servant, astute politician and patriot. She was compassionate, loyal and deeply committed to a better Nigeria.
He pointed out that one of the qualities he admired about her is that she was a determined fighter who never gave up to despair.
“You must also give Aisha Alhassan the credit for breaking the political glass ceiling in an environment in which many women are scared of joining politics because of cultural and traditional stereotypes. Overcoming such formidable obstacles to make an impact is no easy task”, Atiku further extolled her virtues.
He prayed to God to forgive her gentle soul and reward her good deeds with paradise in this holy month.
