By Olaide Ayinde
Revered Islamic scholar, late Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, was laid to rest on Friday after a funeral prayer attended by thousands of Muslim faithfuls.
Sheikh Sheriff Saleh, Grand Imam of Nigeria, presided over the congregation held at the Kofar Gombe Eid Prayer Ground at about 5:00 p.m..
Vice President Kashim Shettima, led the Federal Government delegation to the funeral prayer.
The dignitaries included former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Governors Abba Yusuf, Bala Mohammed and Mohammed Bago of Kano, Bauchi and Niger, National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, his Health and Information counterparts, Mohammed Ali-Pate and Mohammed Idris.
Others are former Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Yayale Ahmed, emirs, Islamic clerics, businessmen, captains of industries, academics, students, among others.
After the prayer, the remains of the late scholar was interred at his residence in Bauchi metropolis at about 7:30 p.m. in accordance with Islamic rites.
Usman-Bauchi died on Thursday at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBU – TH), Bauchi.
Born in 1927 in Gombe, Usman-Bauchi devoted his life toward advancing Islamic education, promoting peaceful coexistence and fostering unity in the country.
He was also the supreme leader of the Tijjaniya in Nigeria, an Islamic Sufi group.
His teachings focussing on moral discipline, tolerance and adherence to Islamic principles, earned him mass followership and deep respect within and beyond Nigeria.
Over the years, Usman-Bauchi played a significant role in community development, mentorship of young scholars and strengthening religious understanding.
He was survived by many children as well as grand and great grandchildren. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali
