A Mother Shaped a Leader’: Shettima Pays Tribute as Islamic Centre Planned for Tinubu’s Late Mother

Vice President Kashim Shettima has paid glowing tribute to the late Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji, mother of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing her as a woman whose influence transcended family boundaries and helped shape values that continue to impact Nigeria through her son’s leadership.

Speaking on Sunday at the Annual Grand Prayer Session held in her honour at the National Mosque, Abuja, Shettima said the late former Iyaloja-General of Nigeria left behind a legacy of service, compassion and leadership that continues to inspire generations.

Representing President Tinubu at the event, the Vice President said Abibatu Mogaji’s life was defined not by public acclaim but by the countless lives she touched and the institutions she strengthened.

He noted that the late matriarch played a central role in moulding the character and leadership philosophy of the President, saying her values remain evident in Tinubu’s approach to governance.

“It should surprise no one that the son she raised carries the same fire into the highest office in our land,” Shettima said.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu learned at her side that public life is a trust and that leadership is owed first to the ordinary and the unheard.

“A mother shaped a leader, and through that leader her values now serve the whole of Nigeria.”

The Vice President described Abibatu Mogaji as one of the rare Nigerians who understood the deeper significance of commerce as a tool for human development and empowerment.

According to him, she devoted much of her life to advancing the welfare of traders and protecting the interests of market women, many of whom had previously lacked representation and support.

“She turned scattered effort into collective strength, and she taught a generation of market women that their work mattered, that their voices carried weight and that their toil deserved respect,” he said.

Shettima further recalled that the late market leader earned widespread respect because she consistently placed service above personal gain, offering support where there was hardship and promoting peace where there was conflict.

He also prayed for the repose of her soul and asked God to grant comfort to President Tinubu and members of the family.

Beyond the tributes, the event also highlighted a series of legacy projects being undertaken in memory of the late matriarch.

Earlier, Special Adviser to the President on Political Affairs and Other Matters, Ibrahim Kabir Masari, disclosed that more than 250 hand-pump boreholes had already been constructed across nine northern states in her honour, providing access to clean water for thousands of residents.

Masari also announced plans to establish the Abibatu Mogaji Islamic Centre in Abuja, which will promote Islamic scholarship, leadership development, science and technology education.

In addition, a modern Juma’at Mosque, complete with residential quarters for the Imam and supporting staff, is to be built in Rigasa Kaduna State, as part of efforts to preserve her legacy.

Shettima expressed confidence that Nigeria would overcome its current economic and security challenges through unity, prayer and collective commitment, assuring Nigerians that President Tinubu remains focused on delivering solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.

The prayer session drew prominent religious leaders, traditional rulers and senior government officials, including the governors of Borno, Yobe and Jigawa states, ministers, federal appointees and representatives of the Sultanate Council.