Vice President Kashim Shettima on Sunday described the late Hajiya Sutura Shehu Shagari, the last surviving wife of former President Shehu Shagari, as a woman whose life embodied compassion, humility and selfless service.
Shettima made the remarks when he led a Federal Government delegation to condole with the Shagari family at their residence in Sokoto State.
He said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent him to personally convey the nation’s condolences over what he called a “huge loss to Nigeria.”
Hajiya Sutura, aged 79, passed away at about 3pm on Monday, 10 November 2025, after a prolonged illness, according to a statement issued by Capt. Bala Shagari, the eldest son of the former President and Sarkin Mafaran Shagari.
Speaking during the visit, Vice President Shettima prayed for the repose of the late matriarch’s soul and for strength for her family, the Sultanate and the people of Sokoto to bear the loss. “We are here at the instance of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to condole with the government and people of Sokoto State, His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, and the immediate family of our late President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari,” he said. “May Allah grant her eternal rest in Aljannah Firdaus and give the family and the nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”
Sokoto State Governor, Dr Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, expressed gratitude for the Vice President’s visit, describing it as a gesture that reflects deep concern for both the Shagari family and the state. He noted that Shettima had visited Sokoto multiple times since the current administration began, calling it a mark of genuine solidarity.
The leader of the Shagari family and District Head of Shagari, Capt. Bala Shagari (rtd), also thanked Shettima for leading the presidential delegation, saying the family was honoured by President Tinubu’s show of support during their moment of grief. He also commended the state government for its consistent care for the family.
Other dignitaries on the delegation included the Minister of State for Works, Senator Bello Mohammed Goronyo; former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Bello Mohammed Adoke; and former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari, among other senior officials.
