It was a gathering of crème de la crème at Aloji, Ofu LGA, Kogi State, on Tuesday, as mourners, Muslim faithful, and renowned clerics converged to perform 8 days fidau prayer for the mother of a Kogi political leader, Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, late Hajia Hawa Hassan, in accordance with Islamic funeral rituals.
Last week, Kogi social media space saw a flood of condolence messages after Hajia Hawa, also known as Mama Ocholi, died just days after her 58th birthday.
Hundreds of sympathizers, most of whom emphasized the deceased’s selfless life, recognized the impact Hajia had on the lives of Kogites as well as the contribution of her bereaved son, Hassan, to the advancement of the State and the nation at large.
Thousands of dignitaries, including top government officials, turned out for the 8 days fidau prayers held in her country home, Aloji, on Tuesday, indicating that the late mother touched many lives as his children continue to offer humanitarian services and nation building impacts.
Among those present are Capt. Idris Ichalla Wada, former governor of Kogi State; Sen. Jibrin Isah Echocho, senator representing Kogi East; and Prince Ishaq, executive chairman of Dekina Local Government.
Others include Director General National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Halilu Ahmad Shaba represented by Director Ground Station and Mission Control, Engr Dr Halidu Danjuma Ibrahim; Hon. John Urah Ikani S.A to Governor on Project Monitoring; Alhaji Friday Idachaba, Kogi East political Jagaban; Hon Abu Odoma, Executive Chairman Idah Local Government; Hon. Muhammed Nasiru Alfa, Zonal Chairman APC Kogi East; the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Kogi State, Hon. Onogwu Isah Muhammed; Mukadam Asiwaju Idris Asiru, Commissioner for finance Kogi State; Dr. Zakari Alhaji Usman Commissioner for health; Auditor General Kogi State Hon. Okala; Rector Kogi State Polytechnic Dr. Usman Ogbo; Provost Kogi State College of Education Ankpa Dr. Kabir Ibrahim; Registrar Kogi State University Anyigba Dr. Nuhu Ahmed; representative of the Governor of kogi state, Chief Pharmacist Peter Iduh; A Senior Advocate of Nigeria Abdullahi Haruna; Hon. Amedi Atta, Northcentral Organizing Secretary; Ustaz Zakariyau, Former Grand Ghadi Kogi State; Hon. Yunusa APC divisional Chairman Dekina; Hon. Amodu Hilary, Senatorial candidate for ADC Kogi East; Hon. Prince Sani Ogu Salisu, former Commissioner for youth and Sports; Hon. Yahaya Alilu Segun Commissioner Local Government Service Commission; Hon. Onoja Edime; Hon Hassan Wada, son of the former Governor of Kogi State; Hon. Omonu Joshua Levels Pumping, Former Students Governor; Hon. Haliru Abdul, Former S.A SDG; HRH Alh Akwu Obaje, Ejeh Ofu; HRH King Ahmed lI, Ejeh Ankpa; Alhaji Abu Shaibu Okolo, Ogohi Onuh Anyigba; HRH King Khalid Bukar II Ohiegba Mozum, Chief Imam Anyigba; Sheik Danjuma Khalid Chief Imam of Federal University Lokoja; Dansoho Sulaiman Chief Imam Abocho; Sheik Ibrahim Ghali Former Chief Imam of Government House Lokoja; and host of Islamic clerics, political associates, colleagues, family and friends across the country.
The former Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada, in his remarks, prayed that Almighty Allah grant the soul of late mother Aljanat Firdaus and consoled his adopted son, Dr Ocholi, over the painful loss. He prayed that God Almighty grant him the fortitude to bear the loss.
Addressing the gathering, different speakers spoke about the qualities of Hajia Hawa Hassan and the reflection of the character in her son Dr. Ocholi Hassan, and prayed that Dr Ocholi will continue to uphold the virtues.
The Chief mourner, Dr. Hassan Ocholi, stated in a brief address that his mother’s sudden death was the most devastating moment of his life. He noted that his mother led an exemplary life and that she would be deeply missed. He prayed Almighty Allah grant her Aljannat Firdaus and thanked all the people who trooped out for the fidau.
The Kogi political leader also thanked everyone who has supported him since his mother’s death, as well as everyone who braved the rains to attend the internment and the 8 Days Prayer.
While praying for his late mother’s soul to rest in the bosom of the Lord, he revealed that the bereaved family has received immeasurable support from Kogites and people from across the country, adding that the love shown to them in these trying times will not be taken for granted.
In particular, he praised Kogi State Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello, Deputy Governor Chief Edward Onoja, Captain Idris Wada, DG NASRDA Dr Halilu A. Shaba and the management, Senator Jibrin Isah Echocho, and Prince Ishaq, among others for standing by the family this far.
The Fidau Prayers is an Islamic rite for the repose of the departed. Numerous sympathizers in their thousands attended the Prayers in Aloji.
