What Buhari taught me — Daughter

As Nigeria continues to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, two of his daughters have shared personal reflections on the lessons they learned from their father, emphasizing his discipline, simplicity, and strong moral principles.

Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview on Thursday, Hanan Buhari, one of the late president’s younger daughters, described the loss of her father as deeply personal.

“What I will miss most about him is his sense of humour,” she said. “I look up to him as a part of me.”

Hanan noted that her father lived simply and related closely with ordinary Nigerians, which shaped her upbringing.

“He was one of the common people. That disciplined me to study, pray, and do things that made us happy,” she said.

She also extended gratitude to Nigerians, particularly those who held no bitterness towards the late president. “We have nothing to say to them except thank you, thank God,” she said.

Another daughter, Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, popularly known as Nana, also shared memories of her father’s teachings. Recalling an encounter during his medical treatment in London, she said:

“After he got better and I told him I was returning to Nigeria, he said, ‘Greet Nigerians.’ That’s the kind of person he was.”

Nana explained that her father instilled strong values of honesty and accountability in his children.

“There was a time he gave us money to buy textbooks. I used part of the change to buy sweets. When I returned and gave him the leftover money, he told me, ‘That’s not good. When you’re sent on an errand, return the change. If the person gives it to you, you can accept it. But don’t touch what is not yours.’”

She described Buhari as a man of patience and calm temperament.

“Dad doesn’t like noise. You can’t insult him and expect a reaction. He would rather observe silently. He was humorous, social, and easygoing,” she said.

Former President Buhari died in a London hospital on Sunday following a prolonged illness. Tributes from across the country and abroad have continued to pour in, with many recalling his public service career and personal integrity.

[Guardian]

About The Author