Katsina APC Deputy Chairman Bala Habu Musawa Leads Grand Prayer and Charity in Honour of Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim at 80

In an atmosphere filled with gratitude, unity, and reverence, political associates, clerics, family members, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the 80th birthday of Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim a man described as a fountain of inspiration and selfless service.

The special event was organized by the Deputy Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State, Bala Habu Musawa and other will wishers, who led prayers, charity donations to orphans, and reflections on the Senator’s enduring legacy.

Speaking during the occasion, Bala Habu Musawa said:

“We gather here today in an atmosphere of gratitude, unity, and reverence to celebrate a man whose life is a fountain of inspiration and selfless service Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim as he graciously attains the age of eighty years.

This gathering is not about politics, but about prayers, thanksgiving, and reflection a humble effort to honor a father, mentor, and statesman who has touched countless lives with his wisdom, patience, and generosity.

Allah is our witness that this noble thought came from within us, and his devoted family members. We collectively agreed that it was necessary to organize this special prayer gathering in honor of our father and leader, Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim, as he marks 80 remarkable years of life.

We also resolved to reach out to at least one hundred orphans, some living close to his residence, by offering them modest gifts and charity. We have invited our learned clerics to lead prayers of goodwill and blessings so that Allah may include us in their supplications that we may live with the kind of noble character and humility that our father, Senator Abu Ibrahim, embodies.

Even if we cannot fully reach his level of greatness, we pray that we may at least walk in his footsteps with dignity, self-respect, and the grace he represents. We pray that just as people have benefitted from his generosity, others too may one day benefit from ours, even after our time on earth.

Everything we have become today, whether in Katsina State or anywhere in Nigeria, is through the guidance, mentorship, and support of Senator Abu Ibrahim. He lifted us when we were unknown; he honored us and gave us the platform to grow. Today, we hold our heads high in Katsina, proud of who we are because of him.

Even when people identify us, they say, ‘Those are the children of Bala,’ but at the end of the day, we are always known as ‘the household of Habu Ibrahim.’

Now that our father and mentor has reached old age, we too have matured and grown in our own capacities. Though we strive to emulate him, we can never truly match the greatness of Senator Abu Ibrahim. His patience, wisdom, and integrity are unmatched.

When we first knew him, he was already advanced in age, yet full of discipline and principle. As for us, we are still young, still learning, still growing. But Senator Abu has always been a true elder a man of his word, a man of truth. When he speaks, one never suspects political flattery; he speaks sincerely, from the heart. He is not a man chasing after the pleasures or wealth of the world a virtue that clearly distinguishes him from most of us today.

Even after serving two or three terms in the Senate, he owns no personal mansions beyond the official houses in Kaduna and Katsina provided by the government. Only recently did his elder sons build their own house in Abuja. Throughout his years in the capital, he lived in a rented apartment despite his long service in politics.

I remember vividly one day when he came to my house and, seeing the large house I had built, he looked surprised and said jokingly, ‘Bala, do you ever think you will die? Otherwise, why have you built such a big house?’ That is the kind of fatherly counsel he gives reminding us of humility and legacy.

In today’s generation, people measure success by the height of their buildings, but during his time, it was not like that. Let’s not forget, he once served as one of the pioneer directors of Abuja when the city was first being developed. Yet despite that opportunity, he owned no plot of land, simply because worldly acquisition was never his concern.

When he entered politics, it was purely as a servant of God and humanity, not a seeker of gain. He even won elections under the opposition, and through Allah’s grace, he triumphed. During the PDP era, even when the ruling party tried to unseat him, they could not succeed, for Allah stood firmly by him.

Every week, without fail, Senator Abu Ibrahim could be found in his constituency attending funerals, visiting the sick, and participating in weddings of the very people who voted for him. His closeness to the people built unshakable trust and love, to the point that they repeatedly re-elected him.

And when the time came for him to step aside, he did not cling to power. He said, ‘My body is tired; let the younger ones take over.’ Since he vacated that seat, no one has been able to replicate his achievements in the Funtua zone. Many have tried, but their performances fall short because the dignity and humility with which he served are rare.

Indeed, every person who occupies that seat after him is only borrowing his name, for the legacy of Senator Abu Ibrahim refuses to fade.

These are the values he instilled in us integrity, modesty, service, and fairness. Whenever he was given the opportunity to nominate people for government positions, he never promoted his biological children. Instead, he uplifted others.

I remember vividly during Governor Masari’s administration when an alliance was formed between Masari and Senator Abu Ibrahim. Each was asked to submit names for commissioner slots. Senator Abu did not submit his son Muhammadu’s name, nor any relative’s. Instead, he nominated hardworking party loyalists like Hamza Sule Faskari and Hamza Burodo both of whom have continued to serve Katsina State honorably to this day.

Yet, the Senator has many capable sons Muhammadu, Engr. Yahaya, Ibrahim, and Ahmad all qualified to hold any public office. But he never imposed them.

Contrast that with other politicians like the late Kanti Bello, who gave his son Mustafa a commissioner’s slot, and Sada Ilu, who also nominated his own son. Senator Abu Ibrahim never did that. Instead, he brought up people like us his political children and encouraged us to continue the struggle.

Even now, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is his close ally and friend, Senator Abu remains deeply respected. In fact, among all northern leaders, Tinubu’s closest northern friend has always been Abu Ibrahim. The President himself once said that Muhammadu was ‘his son,’ not just Senator Abu’s and that was why he personally insisted that Muhammadu must be appointed into his government.

Muhammadu, who had never even worked in government being a private businessman, following his father’s teachings was appointed only because Tinubu insisted, saying, ‘He is my son.’

All these are proofs of the honor and respect our father commands. And for that reason, we, his political sons and loyalists, have never been ungrateful. Wherever his name is mentioned, we stand in defense of it. From the days of politics until now, his name commands respect and affection.

That is why we decided to organize this charity and prayer event to support orphans and offer prayers for his long life and continued blessings. Even if all we can provide is a day’s meal, our intention is sincere that Allah accepts our efforts, grants his wishes, and strengthens him with good health and longevity.

Our gathering is not political in nature. It is about celebrating 80 years of wisdom, service, and humanity.

Eighty years is no small achievement, especially for a man who still recognizes everyone and remembers everything clearly. Even now, as I speak, I hear he has traveled for Umrah to thank Allah for His countless blessings.

Therefore, as his sons and brothers, it is only fitting that we thank Allah for preserving him and pray for his continued strength and peace.

Let this be a lesson to all of us that whoever does good shall surely leave behind a lasting legacy. Whoever emulates his character will end his journey in honor.

We too are now raising our own children, just as he raised us. People already identify them by saying, ‘These are Bala’s sons the next generation of Abu’s family.’ Hence, it is our duty to pass on these values.

This prayer and charity we organize today are from our pockets and hearts, and everyone who wishes may also organize similar prayers in their own towns. For Senator Abu Ibrahim belongs to every community across the Funtua Zone he has touched lives everywhere.

Whoever organizes such an event will have our representation and our appreciation. What our father needs most now is not wealth, but prayers and goodwill.

As long as such prayers are offered, our hearts are fully happy and we shall continue to pray that Allah grants us the patience, discipline, and humility that our father has always shown for patience is one of his greatest virtues.

We are only human; sometimes youth brings mistakes, but we seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance. For in truth, anyone who wishes to attain greatness must first master patience and humility.

And if Allah blesses us with even a fraction of the patience, courage, and integrity of Senator Abu Ibrahim, then surely, by His grace, we shall succeed in this world and in the Hereafter.”

“Finally, I wish to apologize to the family members of Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim who were not invited to this gathering. This event was a private, indoor occasion. However, very soon, when a grand public celebration is organized, they will surely take the front seats while we, the organizers, will humbly stay behind.

Let me also give an example with our leader, our model of justice and humility, His Excellency Governor Malam Dikko, who is himself a proud son of Senator Abu Ibrahim. Had he been invited, I am certain nothing would have stopped him from attending.

We all know that in today’s Nigeria, Malam Dikko stands out as a shining example a governor of dignity, compassion, and genuine concern for the common people. His constant message is always about serving God, loving one another, and supporting the less privileged.

Therefore, our only words for His Excellency Malam Dikko are prayers for long life, good health, and continued wisdom. We also pray that Allah grants him another opportunity to lead again, for he has truly mastered the art of governance and progress.

We sincerely hope that one day, by Allah’s will, he too will reach the age of eighty, and people will gather to celebrate and remember his good deeds and selfless service to humanity for indeed, his leadership is already visible and deeply commendable

In his closing remarks, Bala Habu Musawa called on politicians of nowadays to emulate the good character, humility, and selfless service of Distinguished Senator Abu Ibrahim, saying such virtues remain the true measure of leadership and legacy.