Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a remarkable show of appreciation, Alhaji Sirajo Yazid-Abukur, Managing Director of the Katsina State Roads Maintenance Agency (KASSROMA) and devoted admirer of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, has announced a generous N1 million donation to the three laborers who dug the final resting place of Nigeria’s former leader at his Daura residence.
The philanthropic gesture came to light on Thursday following widespread circulation of a viral video capturing the grave diggers’ solemn work during the burial proceedings.
Yazid-Abukur announced that the team leader Muhammad Ali will receive N500,000 while his two assistants will be granted N250,000 each, with the funds specifically intended to serve as seed capital for sustainable business ventures that can provide long-term livelihood support for the workers and their families.
The KASSROMA chief executive took the opportunity to publicly commend Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda for his exemplary demonstration of loyalty and leadership through hands-on participation in the burial activities, noting how the governor’s personal involvement before, during and after the interment reflected admirable humility and deep respect for the departed statesman.
Yazid-Abukur concluded his tribute with heartfelt prayers, beseeching Allah to pardon any shortcomings of the late president and grant him eternal peace in Jannatul Firdaus.
This touching act of generosity follows the solemn return of Buhari’s remains from London on Tuesday, where he had passed away on Sunday after a prolonged illness, with the funeral procession witnessing high level participation including Vice President Kashim Shettima who accompanied the body from the United Kingdom alongside top government officials and family members.
Upon arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport in Katsina, the remains were received by President Bola Tinubu who subsequently joined the dignitaries in escorting the late president to his final resting place in his Daura family home, where thousands gathered to pay their last respects to the former military ruler and two term civilian president.