By Zainab Faruk
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aishatu Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has paid a heartfelt condolence visit to the family of the late Alhaji Abubakar Jafaru Ilelah, former Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment and official Master of Ceremony for the Bauchi State Government, who passed away recently.
Addressing the grieving family during the visit, Hajiya Aishatu extended warm condolences to the widow and children of the deceased, as well as other relatives and sympathizers present. She described death as a divine test and a reminder of the transient nature of life, stressing that every soul shall taste death, regardless of status, age, or strength.
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. We thank Allah for whatever condition we find ourselves in, for we are His servants, and He tests us with sickness, poverty, and even death,” she said.
She encouraged the children of the deceased to uphold righteousness, seek knowledge, and be prayerful, stressing that one of the greatest legacies a parent can leave behind is children who continuously pray for them. “The responsibility of your late father now lies with your mother and you, his children. It is now upon you to be righteous, prayerful, and focused,” she advised.
While commending the late Alhaji Jafaru Ilelah for his humility, gentle character, and ever-smiling demeanor, the First Lady recalled his unwavering commitment to public service and the peaceful nature he displayed throughout his life. “He was a man whose presence always came with a smile. We never saw him angry. That is the kind of legacy he left behind,” she noted.
She urged the family to remain united and support one another, particularly the sons, who now carry the responsibility of leading and providing for the household. At the same time, she emphasized that women are not prohibited from acquiring education or engaging in productive activities, noting that daughters also have a role to play in sustaining the family legacy.
Turning to the widow, Hajiya Aishatu acknowledged the heavy burden she now bears, offering prayers for strength, divine support, and ease. “May Allah open His treasures for you and grant you wisdom and strength to raise these children with proper moral and Islamic upbringing,” she prayed.
She concluded the visit with special supplications for the late Jafaru Ilelah, asking Allah to forgive his shortcomings, grant him eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus, and bless his family with unity, resilience, and prosperity.