President Muhammadu Buhari last night extolled the virtues of Hajiya Fati Koko, popularly called Maitalla Tara, who has passed away, aged 95.

Mourning Hajiya Koko, who had waited nine hours in Kebbi early last year, to donate the sum of N1 million to him as the then presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Buhari described her as “a woman with a good heart, who stood by her convictions, and gave sacrificially.”

Buhari in a statement signed by his Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) Femi Adesina recalled that Hajiya Koko had offered virtually her life’s savings to candidate Buhari then, saying she admired his honesty, discipline, and stand for truth.

Adesina said that upon receiving the news of her passage, President 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.

President Buhari 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 sympathised 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.

•Photo shows Hajiya Fati Koko alias Maitalla Tara.

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