President Muhammadu Buhari observed Thursday that the late mother of the Emirs of Kano and Bichi Emirates, Nana Maryam Ado Bayero, deserved to be recognised by the World Guinness Book of Record for impacting positively on humanity.
Extolling her uniqueness, Buhari described late Maryam, popularly referred to as Queen Mother, as an extraordinary woman, who was full of compassion and love for all who came her way.
The President spoke during the launch of a Biography of the mother of Emirs of Kano and Bichi, titled, "Maryam Ado Bayero: A Woman of Royal Virtue", in Abuja.
Buhari, who was represented by his chief of satff, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, noted that the late Maryam Ado Bayero was an embodiment of tradition and modernity, a thorough-bred royal, who lived a life of a trailblazer, compassionate, human, generous and warm.
Gambari, who happens to be a younger brother of the deceased, said, "As we celebrate this outstanding royal lady, the President asked me to convey to this audience his commitment to preservation of tradition and modernity. And nobody exemplifies that link between tradition and modernity than the lady we are honouring here today.
"As a Professor of Political Science and a student of History myself, I am yet to stumble on a more interesting personality such as my late elder sister, who in her life time had the good fortune of being the granddaughter of an Emir, the 7th Emir of Ilorin; daughter of another Emir (8th Emir of Ilorin) and wife to an outstanding revered Emir of Kano, late Ado Bayero and mother of two Emirs (Bichi and Kano).
"This should have entered the Guinness Book of Records. By virtue of this great piece of history by Ambassador Sani Hajo (author), we have captured and immortalised her life and works for future generation to rely on as a compass."
On the outgoing President's legacies as his tenure comes to an end on Monday, May 29, Gambari said the Buhari administration was leaving the foundation of free and fair elections that produced the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The CoS said, "Mr President finishing his eight years term in office strong and well, leaving behind many legacies, which include the foundation of free and fair election that has produced the president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
"It has also produced the legacy of achievements in the area of diversification of our economy, reforms of the petroleum industry and infrastructure. Few days ago, we saw him commission the second Niger Bridge, major parts of Kano-Abuja expressway as well as several roads and bridges. And, of course, he is finishing strong and well in pushing back the enemies of Nigeria through insurgency and other form of criminalities."
Also present at the book launch were Kano State governor, Abdullahi Ganduje; the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa'adu Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, serving Ministers, Senators, captains of industries, among other prominent Nigerians.
In his remarks, Governor Ganduje, who was the chief host at the event, said the decision by the Kano State government to immortalise the late 'Mai Babban Daki' by supporting the book project was informed by its desire to inspire younger generations, particularly girls to learn the lessons of life from a distinguished mother.
He noted that the late Nana Maryam Ado Bayero was being recognised for her humility, generousity and unassuming, and despite her position, she lived a simple life worthy of emulation.
Ganduje said documenting the life of a distinguished mother is a service to history, knowledge and development, adding that "every part of her life is but a mirror for the present and future generations.
"The idea behind the book is in itself unique. It started as a discussion between the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari and myself during the period of mourning of her departure, when he briefed me about her royal pedigree from the eminent scholar and leader, Sheikh Salihu al Alimi, the founder of modern Ilorin, through many Emirs.
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"The subject of this biography of Nana Maryam Ado Bayero is special in many ways. She has been recognised for her humility, generousity and unassuming. Despite her position, she lived a simple life worthy of emulation," the governor added.
Also speaking on the life and times of the late Maryam Ado Bayero, the Ooni of Ife, who described her as her mother, urged Nigerian women to train up their children properly for them to bring glory to their mothers.
Oba Ogunwusi said, "Our late mother was a virtuous woman and I am proud to identified with her. I will urge Nigerian women to train their children so that one day they will bring glory to them."
Also paying tribute to the late Maryam, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa'ad Abubakar III, called on wealthy Nigerians to contribute generously to ensure a befitting Foundation is built in remembrance of the late mother of two Emirs.
