The passing of Hajiya Safara’u Umaru Barebari marks the end of an era—a life rich in wisdom, compassion, and unrelenting devotion to family and community. Born into a noble lineage from Ingawa, with ties to the royal family, Hajiya Safara’u carried the grace and dignity of her heritage throughout her remarkable life. Her familial ties extended deeply into the fabric of her community, with siblings including the late Iro Kafin-Dangi, a respected teacher; the late Alhaji Shehu Kafin-Dangi; and the late Village Head of Kafin-Dangi, whose grandson now carries on his legacy. As a young girl of 12 years old then, she witnessed history unfold, recalling with clarity the passing of the late Emir of Katsina, Muhammadu Dikko, in 1944. At 93 years old, she departed this world, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be cherished.
Hajiya Safara’u’s journey was one of resilience and love. As a Fulani woman, she embraced the nomadic traditions of her parents, who settled in Ɗanshirwa village, near Radda, where destiny led her to marry the late Village Head of Radda, Barebari Ummaru, the grandson of late Emir of Katsina Muhammadu Dikko. Together, they built a family rooted in unity and service. Though she endured the heartbreak of losing seven of her eleven children, her strength never wavered. She poured boundless love into her surviving children—Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Alhaji Kabir Umar Radda (the current Village Head of Radda), Hajiya Indo Umar (my wife), and Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda, the former wife of the late Nigerian President, Umaru Musa Ƴar'Aduwa—guiding them with wisdom and unshakeable support.
To those who knew her, Hajiya Safara’u was more than a mother; she was a peacemaker, a nurturer, and a beacon of kindness. She had a special fondness for her youngest, Governor Dikko, and I once found her purchasing guinea-fowl eggs and she told me she was going to prepare his favorite meal of fried yam and eggs for him (Dikko zan soya ma doya da ƙwai ya ci yai nat!). I'll never forget those words for as long as I live!
Her home was a sanctuary of reconciliation, where she gently counseled couples, including my wife and me whenever we had a misunderstanding, urging us to temper our emotions with patience and understanding (Indo zucciya, Amadu zucciya!). It was during one of such reconciliation meetings that my late father told her that my marriage to her daughter, Indo, was forever (aurensu auren zobe ne). Her words were a balm to troubled hearts, and her compassion extended beyond family—she was a pillar of support for the less privileged, offering help wherever it was needed.
A woman of simple yet profound joys, Hajiya Safara’u found solace in rearing livestock, a hobby that brought her immense happiness. Her love for her animals was so deep that she hesitated to stay away from them for long, even resisting prolonged visits to her children’s homes until illness made it unavoidable. This tenderness toward God’s creatures reflected the purity of her spirit. She would often wonder whether the animals had been given enough water to drink while she was away (ko an ba bisashe ruwa?).
Hajiya Safara’u’s life was a testament to faith, fortitude, and familial bonds. She nurtured leaders, healed rifts, and embodied the values of humility and generosity. As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life well-lived—a life that shaped not only her children but also the community around her. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and in the enduring impact of her children, who continue to honor her teachings. A testimony to this was the multitude of people who attended her funeral prayer and those who broke down and cried their hearts out while on a condolence visit.
To the Umaru Radda family, particularly Governor Dikko, Alhaji Kabir, Hajiya Indo, and Hajiya Hauwa, we extend our deepest condolences. May Allah (SWT) grant Hajiya Safara’u the highest rank in Jannatul Firdaus and give you all the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.
Ahmed Abdulkadir is the Chairman, Katsina State Radio and Television (KTRTV) Service Board.