President Adama Barrow of The Gambia visited Daura, Katsina State, on Friday to offer prayers at the graveside of Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital.
The Gambian leader, accompanied by his wife, Fatoumata Bah-Barrow, arrived at Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport in Katsina at 12:35 PM and was received by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, alongside members of the Buhari family.
During the solemn visit, President Barrow paid his respects and prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the late Nigerian leader, asking that his soul be granted eternal rest in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
Speaking at the late president’s residence, Barrow described Buhari as a “pillar of democracy” and a personal mentor, emphasizing his critical role in supporting The Gambia’s democratic transition during the 2016 political crisis.
“President Buhari stood by us and the Gambian people to ensure that our democratic mandate was fully respected and implemented to its ultimate end,” Barrow said. “Every time I saw Buhari, I saw a father, a brother, and an uncle standing before me.”
Barrow highlighted Buhari’s contributions to peace and democracy across West Africa, noting his influence through ECOWAS, the African Union, and on the global stage.
“I feel deeply obliged for what President Buhari has done—not just for The Gambia, but for ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s image across the world. He stood for democracy, freedom, and justice,” he added.
The Gambian leader extended his condolences to the Buhari family and the Nigerian people, stating, “We offer our heartfelt condolences for the loss of a great man—one who helped shape who we are today.”
Later that day, Barrow met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu at the State House in Abuja to formally extend his condolences.
Speaking to journalists, he described the visit as deeply personal, saying, “My conscience would not have allowed me to rest without coming here to share my respect with the President and the family of Mr. Buhari.”
He urged African leaders to emulate Buhari’s humility and sense of purpose, noting, “If we emulate him, I think that will make us move mountains and move Africa to the next level.”
Responding on behalf of the Buhari family, Yusuf Buhari expressed gratitude for the visit, stating, “Your visit today has touched our hearts. Hearing your reflections about our father has strengthened us. He always taught us never to take what doesn’t belong to us and to lead with honesty and humility.”
Alhaji Garba-Faskari, representing the Katsina State Government, described the visit as a “true reflection of African brotherhood,” adding that Buhari’s contributions to peace and stability would remain evergreen.
President Barrow’s visit reinforces the deep bonds of African unity and the lasting impact of Buhari’s leadership, remembered for his commitment to democracy and integrity.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com