Hajiya Safarau Umar Barebari, born in 1928 in Radda, Charanci Local Government Area of Katsina State, lived a life marked by resilience, humility, and an unwavering devotion to family and community. Her story is not just that of a matriarch, but of a woman whose influence shaped generations and whose legacy continues to inspire.

Married at the tender age of nine to the late Alhaji Umaru Barebari Radda, Hajiya Safarau became a daughter-in-law to Hajiya Amina Fulani Radda, the daughter of Emir Muhammad Dikko. Following the early death of her mother, Hajiya Amina took on the role of a mother figure to Safarau, guiding her through her formative years. Tragedy struck again when she lost her mother-in-law shortly after the birth of her first daughter, Maryama, who also passed away later.

Hajiya Safarau was the proud mother of Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, the current Executive Governor of Katsina State, and the mother-in-law to the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Despite the heavy personal losses she endured, she stood as a beacon of compassion and moral strength, raising not only her children but also her younger siblings, including a three-year-old sister, Zainab, whom she nurtured with motherly love and dedication.

She gave birth to eight children, each carrying a part of her enduring spirit. Among them were the late Sani Umaru Radda (d. 1974), Abubakar Umaru Radda (d. 1976), Alhaji Bala Barebarin Radda (d. 2018), Alhaji Kabir Umaru Radda, Hajiya Hauwa Umar Radda — wife of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Hajiya Indo Umar Radda, the late Alhaji Aminu Umar Radda (d. 2021), and Malam Dikko Umar Radda, her youngest child (Auta) and the sitting Governor of Katsina State.

Hajiya Safarau was widely known for her disciplined yet endearing personality. Her stern guidance was often softened by her witty humour and ability to lift spirits with laughter. Her wisdom and generosity extended far beyond her immediate family, touching countless lives through acts of kindness, philanthropy, and community development — including supporting the construction of mosques and the provision of boreholes in underserved areas.

She held a deep belief in the power of relationships and family unity, considering them the foundation of a fulfilling life. Her attachment to her youngest child, Malam Dikko, was particularly special — a bond cherished by many around them.

She was a woman of integrity, instilling values of hard work, justice, and honesty in her children. She believed strongly in financial discipline, service to humanity, and fairness — principles she embodied and passed on to everyone in her circle.

Personal Traits and Legacy

Late Hajiya Safarau Umar Barebari will forever be remembered for her:

Achievements: Advocacy for strong family ties, compassion, kindness, philanthropy, and moral leadership.

Hobbies: A people person by nature, she disliked solitude. She also enjoyed farming and animal rearing.

Values: Justice, fairness, and a deep commitment to humanity and community wellbeing.

Her legacy is preserved in the lives of her descendants. She is survived by four children: Alhaji Kabir Umar Barebari Radda, Governor Malam Dikko Umar Radda PhD, Hajiya Hauwa Radda (wife of late President Yar’Adua), and Hajiya Indo Umar Radda. In addition, she left behind 105 grandchildren — including the children of late President Yar’Adua: Ibrahim Umaru Yar’Adua and Musa Umaru Yar’Adua — as well as 91 great-grandchildren, totalling over 200 descendants.

Her life remains a testament to love, sacrifice, and enduring strength.

May her soul rest in eternal peace and may Jannatul Firdausi be her final abode.

Indeed, a golden pillar has fallen.