By AbdulAfar Alabelewe
In the early hours of Sunday, August 24, 2025, death snatched away my beloved wife, friend, and life partner, Hajara. She departed at the age of 33 years and 10 days, leaving behind four brilliant sons and a legacy of selflessness, sacrifice, and service.
Though her journey on earth was brief, her impact was immense. She was a devoted daughter to her parents, the most loving wife to me for 12 unforgettable years, and a doting mother who gave everything to the happiness of her children. To her neighbors, colleagues, and friends, Hajara was an admirable personality, a rare soul whose ultimate goal was to spread joy and comfort.
A woman of many parts, she lived an eventful life. She worked as a paramedical personnel (Nutritionist), a teacher, and later administrator at Zabib School where she served with distinction as Head of Nursery and Primary. She also served as a security detective personnel, pursued poultry farming, and still excelled as a home manager.
Her passing, coming barely a year after we endured the harrowing ordeal of kidnap alongside our two eldest sons before being rescued by the NSA tactical team, is the most painful blow I have suffered. Yet, I am consoled by the fact that I witnessed how she ended her journey; her lips repeatedly uttering Alhamdulillah, acknowledging the blessing of her Rabb before she breathed her last. Indeed, this was her final testimony of faith, and it comforts me that she returned to her Lord with gratitude on her tongue.
As a Muslim, I bow to the will of Allah, the All-Knowing, and submit to His decree. I pray for His guidance and strength to navigate this trying time.
In this moment of grief, I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from family, friends, colleagues, and associates. I thank my family members for their unwavering support, the Director, top management, and officers of the DSS, especially Mr. Hakeem Abiola, who did everything possible to provide my wife the best medical care.
My profound gratitude goes to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by its President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, who personally visited, as well as the national executives, Kaduna and Kano Councils, Vice President and Secretary Zone A, NEC members, and colleagues nationwide who called, visited, or sent messages of condolence.
I also appreciate the Kaduna State Government for sending two delegations: one led by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Sani Liman Kila, and the other led by Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Ahmed Maiyaki, and Chief Press Secretary, Malam Ibraheem Musa.
Special thanks to Senator Shehu Sani, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, AYCF President General, Alhaji Yerima Shettima, and my employers, Vintage Press Limited, publishers of The Nation Newspaper, including its top management staff, for their prayers and support.
I am also grateful to Dr. Musa Danjuma, CMD Musaka Specialist Hospital, who tried his best to stabilize her upon our arrival at the hospital, my boss, Alhaji Ismail Omipidan, my close friends among colleagues, our dear neighbors, and my late wife’s many close friends who have stood with us through this grief.
I specially acknowledge my course mates at Kaduna Polytechnic, Class of 2008, as well as colleagues from my Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s classes at Kaduna State University (KASU). I also appreciate the solidarity of my late wife’s colleagues at Zabib School, her course mates at Corinthians International School Kaduna, Kaduna Polytechnic, and SSDC for CDBC 2022.
Equally, I extend heartfelt appreciation to leaders of the Muslim community who stood by us: the Supreme Council of Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN), Kaduna State HISBAH, Ansarul Islam, Ansar-ud Deen, NASFAT, and the Kaduna State Alaramas. Your prayers, visits, and comforting words remain a great source of strength.
To everyone who reached out, prayed, or stood by us, I say: Jazakumullahu khairan. May Allah reward you abundantly.
As I bid farewell to my beloved wife, companion, and mother of our children, I pray that Allah, the Most Merciful, admits her into Aljannatul Firdaus and grants her eternal peace. Rest well, Hajara. Your light will never fade in our hearts.
AbdulGafar Alabelewe is the Chairman, Nigerian Union Of Journalists Kaduna State Chapter.
