By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-chief)
Death struck on Sunday, April 23, 2023 in the paternal family of Alhaji Yusuf Alli, the Managing Editor (Northern Operations) of THE NATION Newspapers, with the passage of his mother, Hajia Hawau Yusuf at 89 years.
Yusuf Alli, referred to as the 'Dean' by his colleague Editors, announced the passage of his beloved mother, popularly known as 'Iya' in her community in Ilorin, Kwara state, on his Facebook page.
He broke the tragic news thus: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. I am grateful that Allah has called my mother, Hajiya Hawau Yusuf to eternal glory @89, a few months short of 90 years. May Allah grant my irreplaceable mum Aljanna Firdaus. Amin Thuma Amin.”
Yusuf who wished her mother eternal rest also thanked the Almighty Allah (God) for his mother's long life on earth. He remarked later on Sunday that his mother has been laid to rest according to Islamic rites.
Yusuf Alli, in a fit of emotional outpouring, wrote thus about his mom on Facebook: "Lowering my mother in the grave was emotional, but l thank God that the story was not opposite. We struggled together, l thank God that you enjoyed the fruit of your labour. May Allah grant Hajiya Hawau Yusuf Aljanna Firdaus" .
Late Hajia Hawau Yusuf was said to be a notable businesswoman, a mobilizer and leader of the women group in her community and within the Islamic faith in Kwara state.
'Iya', as she was called, was said to be a kind and generous mother but a disciplinarian who strove successfully to bring up her six children including the ace journalist and respected editor and newspaper manager, Alhaji Yusuf Alli of the THE NATION Newspapers group.
Among Hajia Hawau Yusuf's successful children, are: Alhaji Yusuf Alli, Abdulrahman Yusuf, Ismaila Yusuf, Abdulhamid Yusuf, Misitura Solih and Afusat Yusuf.
Her Fidau, according to Islamic funeral tradition, will hold in Ilorin, on Saturday April 29, 2023. NNL.