• Sultan, Ooni, others pay tributes
President Muhammadu Buhari has recommended the late Hajiya Maryam Ado-Bayero, wife of the late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, for the World Guinness Book of Records for her unique position in royalty.
Hajiya Ado-Bayero was a grand-daughter of an emir. Her father became the Emir of Ilorin, she was married to the late Emir of Kano and was also mother of the Emirs of Kano and Bichi.
The President spoke yesterday in Abuja at the launch of her biography, ‘Maryam Ado-Bayero: A Woman of Royal Virtue’, written by Sani Hajo.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, the president described the late Maryam as an extraordinary mother full of compassion and love for all who came her way, adding that she was an ’embodiment of tradition and modernity, a thorough-bred royal who lived a life of a trailblazer, compassionate, human, generous and warm’.
His goodwill message reads: “As we celebrate this outstanding royal lady, the President asked me to convey his commitment to the preservation of tradition and modernity. And nobody exemplifies that link between tradition and modernity than the lady we are honouring today.
“As a professor of political science and a student of history myself, I am yet to stumble on a more interesting personality such as my late elder sister, who in her lifetime had the good fortune of being the grand-daughter of the seventh Emir of Ilorin; daughter of the eight Emir of Ilorin, wife to an outstanding revered Emir of Kano, and mother of two Emirs (Bichi and Kano). This should have entered the Guinness Book of Records. By this great piece of history, Ambassador Sani Hajo (author) has captured and immortalised her life and works for future generations to rely on as a compass.”
The event was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwus; Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, serving and former governors, ministers, senators, captains of industries, among others.
Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, who was the Chief Host, said his administration supported the book project to immortalise the late Mai Babban Daki and to inspire younger generations, particularly girls, to learn the lessons of life from a distinguished mother.
According to the governor, the late Hajia Ado-Bayero has been recognised for her humility, generosity and unassuming character, saying ‘despite her position, she lived a simple life worthy of emulation’.
“The idea behind the book is in itself unique. It started as a discussion between the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and myself during the period of mourning for her departure, when he briefed me about her royal pedigree from the eminent scholar and leader, Sheikh Salihu al Alimi, the founder of modern Ilorin, through many emirs.
“The subject of this biography of Nana Maryam Ado Bayero is special in many ways. She has been recognised for her humility, generosity and unassuming stance. Despite her position, she lived a simple life worthy of emulation. The government will also support the establishment of a foundation to continue with the good work she did while alive, which included the building of a Friday Mosque, an Islamic school, as well as sponsoring an annual Maulud at the Kano Emir’s Palace and Qur’anic Recitation Competitions. Therefore, as a step forward, proceeds from today’s launch will be directed to that foundation.”
Oba Ogunwusi described the late Maryam Ado-Bayero as a mother indeed, and urged men to train up their children and wards properly for them to bring glory to them.
Sultan Abubakar called on wealthy Nigerians to contribute generously to ensure a befitting foundation is built in remembrance of the late mother of two Emirs.