In a magnificent ceremony that blended tradition, political significance, and royal grace, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday stood as Waliyi (guardian) to Aisha Dikko Umaru Radda, the daughter of Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, as she tied the knot with Ahmed Usman, the esteemed Inuwar Kasar Hausa from the legendary Daura Emirate.

The symbolic choice of President Tinubu as guardian not only underscored the personal bonds among Nigeria’s elite but also reflected Katsina State’s enduring centrality in Nigeria’s political landscape. Katsina has long been a powerhouse of national leadership—home to two democratically elected Nigerian presidents, the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and Muhammadu Buhari, and a state deeply steeped in Islamic scholarship, tradition, and emirate influence.

The Daura Emirate, from where the groom hails, is one of the oldest and most revered in Hausa land. As the historical cradle of Hausa civilization, Daura carries immense spiritual and cultural weight, and its ties with the political establishment are both historical and contemporary. The wedding, therefore, became more than a family affair—it was a convergence of Nigeria’s power structure, tradition, and unity.

Former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda served as Wakili, receiving the bride on behalf of the groom’s family, in a rite officiated by the Chief Imam of Katsina Central Mosque, Malam Mustapha. He was supported by the Imam of Modoji Jumu’at Mosque and former Grand Khadi of Katsina State, Alhaji Amadi Batagarawa. The marriage was solemnised with a dowry of N700,000, fulfilling Islamic tradition and sealing a sacred covenant between the couple.

This royal and political convergence drew an imposing constellation of dignitaries from across the country. From the legislature came House of Representatives Speaker Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Deputy Senate President Senator Barau Jibrin. The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, was also present, symbolising party solidarity.

A powerful delegation of state governors joined in the celebration: Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (Kwara/NGF Chairman), Mohammed Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Aliyu Sokoto (Sokoto), Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia (Benue), Mai Mala Buni (Yobe), Nasir Idris (Kebbi), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), and Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), showing a rare bipartisan presence and harmony.

Also in attendance were top federal officials including the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi; Minister of Transport, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Senator Ali Modu Sheriff; and former Katsina State Governors Aminu Bello Masari and Ibrahim Shehu Shema. They were joined by the Deputy Governor of Katsina, Faruk Lawal Jobe, and a host of federal legislators.

From Nigeria’s business landscape came titans like Prince Arthur Eze, Dahiru Mangal, Isah Gerawa, Charles Odii (DG, SMEDAN), and Abba Bello (MD, NEXIM Bank), adding economic gravitas to the occasion.

Traditional reverence was not left out. The royal presence of Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Emir of Katsina, and Alhaji Umar Faruk Umar, Emir of Daura, gave the occasion its regal luster—cementing the continuity between past, present, and future leadership.

Among other distinguished attendees were Senator Muntari Dandutse, Salim Sani Buhari, Hon. Usman Abba Jaye, Alh. Aminu SDY, Isah Bello Radda, Mansur Ahmed, Muntaka Badaru Jikamshi, Sarkin Kurayen Katsina, Barden Daura Alhaji Abdulhamid, Lawal Bindawa Zannan Katsina, and Alhaji Sharif Nasiru Abba Jaye.

This gathering was more than a celebration of love—it was a reaffirmation of Katsina State’s strategic place in Nigeria’s past and future. A place where tradition meets power, and where weddings like this echo far beyond family lines to the soul of the nation.

Reported by Abubakar Bala Funtua
S.A Digital Media Funtua Zone
For Ibrahima Kaulaha Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina State Governor.