BEVERLY HILLS, February 14, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has extolled the virtues of Hajiya Fati Koko, popularly called Maitalla Tara, who has passed away, aged 95 describing her as “a woman with a good heart, who stood by her convictions, and gave sacrificially.”
Hajiya Koko had waited nine hours in Kebbi early last year, to donate the sum of N1 million (One million Naira) to Buhari as the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), offering virtually her life’s savings to him, saying she admired his honesty, discipline, and stand for truth.
Hajiya Koko, a popular food vendor, died Saturday morning at her home in Koko, Koko/Besse Local Government Area of Kebbi State and is survived by 15 children and 15 grandchildren.
She had suffered a stroke and was flown to Dubai, October 4, where she received a Kebbi State government-sponsored medical treatment.
According to Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari commended Hayiya Koko’s conviction and sacrificial giving, urging Nigerians to learn vital lessons from her life.
“She gave practically all she had towards our campaign. Though well advanced in age, she still believed a new Nigeria was possible, and followed her conviction with action. What generosity of spirit and what tenacious faith in her motherland. Nigerians, old and young, have a lot to learn from her,” the President said.
He condoled with the family and relations of the departed, urging them to take solace in the fact that their matriarch lived to a ripe old age, “and she saw the beginning of the change she had long yearned for. The onus is now on all of us to ensure that the change gets entrenched and solidified for even generations yet unborn to benefit from.”
The President also sympathized with the governor and people of Kebbi State, whom he said will all miss the sterling qualities of Hajiya Koko, but added that the life of the departed will serve as a standard to emulate “in the service of God, humanity and country.”
“May Allah grant her soul repose in Al-jannah,” the President prayed.
Story by David Oputah
