“I Shared My Husband with the President” – Widow of Dr. Murtala Mohammed Delivers Heartfelt Tribute

At the state funeral on Friday, August 15, Hadiatu Mohammed, wife of the late Environment Minister Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, paid a deeply emotional tribute to her husband, reflecting on his life, faith, family, and devotion to national service.

Opening with Islamic prayers, she described Dr. Mohammed as a man of great character whose presence was a blessing to everyone around him.

“For nearly ten years, I had the honour of walking beside him through life,” she said. “Together, we raised our children, and in every moment, he taught us kindness, patience, and love.”

She portrayed him as a devout and humble man, guided by faith and principle — someone who always chose what was right, even when it was difficult. Reliable and selfless, he was the kind of person anyone could count on at any hour.

In a moment of quiet reflection, she recalled a story that symbolized his strong sense of duty. During a personal emergency, she called him, expecting immediate help. He listened carefully but gently replied, “Ah… my dear, the president has called me.” It was then she realized her husband wasn’t just hers — he also belonged to the nation.

Despite the demands of public service, he was a hands-on father. “His daughters would comb his head — well, what was left of it,” she said with a touch of humour. “He played horse with the kids. In those moments, he wasn’t a minister. He was just ‘Dad.’”

She praised his sense of humour, generosity, and unwavering commitment to others, describing him as someone who always gave his best — not for praise, but simply because he cared.

Concluding her tribute, she spoke with deep love and faith:
“Mohammed’s life was a blessing, and his memory a treasure. He left us too soon, but his love and legacy live on in our hearts, our children, and all the lives he touched.”

She ended with a prayer:
“May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus and surround you with eternal peace. We love you, we miss you, and we will carry your light with us always. Inshah Allah.”