Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, arrived in Bauchi State in the northern region of Nigeria on Friday to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the funeral prayer of respected Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who passed away on Thursday. The Vice President landed at the Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa International Airport, which serves as the main airport in Bauchi State and is named after Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Okay News reports that the Vice President’s arrival drew the attention of community leaders, students of the cleric, and residents who gathered to witness the formal reception and prepare for the burial proceedings. Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, known across West Africa and other Islamic learning communities for his long years of service to Islamic scholarship, leadership in the Tijaniyya movement, and humanitarian teachings, was widely regarded as one of the most influential Islamic figures in contemporary Nigeria.
The funeral prayer, which is being held in accordance with Islamic rites, is expected to attract thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and neighboring countries. Religious leaders, traditional rulers, community groups, and government officials are also expected to join the event.
A high-level government delegation accompanied the Vice President. Those in the delegation include the National Security Adviser of Nigeria, Nuhu Ribadu, who oversees national security coordination; the Minister of Information, Idris Mohammed; the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, who is also a global health specialist; and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who represents Nigeria in diplomatic engagements.
Other notable attendees in the Vice President’s entourage include Senator Abdul’aziz Yari, a former governor from northern Nigeria; Senator Shehu Buba; and Ahmed Mu’azu, a former Governor of Bauchi State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, one of Nigeria’s major political parties.
The funeral is seen as a major moment in the religious and cultural history of northern Nigeria, particularly because Sheikh Bauchi shaped the teachings of generations of Islamic scholars throughout Africa. Many families and students have travelled long distances to honor his memory.
More updates are expected as the burial continues and tributes pour in from across the region.
