President Muhammadu Buhari this evening echoed the words of late sage Obafemi Awolow when he affirmed that Chief (Mrs.) Hannah Dideolu Awolowo, who died earlier today at 99, was indeed the “Jewel of Inestimable Value”.

Buhari said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media & Publicity Femi Adesina that he “received with immense sadness” news of the passing away of the woman popularly called Mama HID.

“On behalf of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria, President Buhari extends sincere commiserations to the children, grand children and great grand children of the ‘Jewel of Inestimable Value’ on the death of their famed matriarch, just a few weeks before her hundredth birthday,” the statement said.

“The President,” Adesina said, “joins them and millions of admirers of her late, revered husband, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in mourning Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo who will be long remembered and celebrated as the famous spouse and pillar of strength of the late nationalist, political leader and sage.

“President Buhari believes that Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo will always be honoured too for the indelible legacy of very significant, behind-the-scene contributions to communal, state, regional and national development which she has left behind.

“The President prays that God will comfort Chief (Mrs.) Awolowo’s family, relatives, friends, associates and admirers, and grant them the fortitude to bear her irreparable loss.

“He also prays that the Almighty will receive the late matriarch’s worthy soul and grant her eternal rest from her long, earthly service to her renowned spouse, family, community and country.”

•Photo shows late HID Awolowo.