Bilkisu wanted to die in the act of worship - FOMWAN
The death of late veteran journalist and civil society activist, Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, in the Hajj stampede was consistent with her wish to die in the act of worship, Chairperson of the Federation of Muslim Women in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Sa’adatu Hasheem said.
Sa’adatu, who made the remarks Saturday during a symposium organized by Bayero University, Kano in honour of Bilkisu, said the late activist lived an austere life exemplified by her passion for the wellbeing of vulnerable and downtrodden women in the society.
“Hajiya Bilkisu never wore expensive clothes because she was always mindful of the fact that there are millions of poor people in need. Her aim was always to make positive impact on the lives of others and she died the kind of death she had always wished for, which is in the act of worship,” she said.
She noted that Bilkisu, who was the founding member of FOMWAN, also contributed immensely to the growth of various non-governmental organizations that were now making progress in championing the cause of women in the country.
Also in Professor his speech,
Abubakar Momoh said Bilkisu once assured him that until her death, “she will never buy any dress worth more than N20,000”.
“I asked her why and she replied that her advocacy and work with rural women has proven to her the value, significance and what difference N20,000 can make in the lives of disempowered and rural women. This deeply touched me and told me something rare, uncommon and noble about the personality of Hajiya Bilkisu,” he said.
Equally extolling her virtues, Dr. Bala Muhammad, a columnist with Daily Trust, described the deceased as a down-toearth mentor, journalist and an intellectual who was always ready to assist in times of need.
On his part, Dr. Sule Bello of History Department, BUK, remembered Bilkisu as a personality who through knowledge and practice of Islam could turn a non-Muslim into an instant convert.
“Bilkisu was an exceptionally devout Muslim and a role model, who represented a staunch opposition to people who worship at the altar of power and greed. She was a woman who, despite facing the enormous demands of society, was able to perform her matrimonial duties diligently,” he said.