VZCZCXYZ0015
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUJA #1633 2110657
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 300657Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0447
INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 7520

UNCLAS ABUJA 001633 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV TBIO NI
SUBJECT:  FETE FOR THE FRIST LADY OF NIGERIA 
 
 
¶1.  Summary.  On July 26 Nigerians celebrated the 50th birthday of 
First Lady Hajiya Turai Yar'Adua with a gala banquet at the State 
House for 1,000 guests.  Although the event focused on Madame 
Yar'Adua and underlined that she will be a force to reckon with in 
years to come, the party also provided the opportunity for the new 
administration's first real celebration of itself as it coincided 
with the naming of the new cabinet.  There was much glad-handing and 
joy in the banquet hall that conveyed an intended sense of legitimacy 
for the continuity of government.  End Summary. 
 
¶2.  The gala was obviously a well pre-planned event designed to fete, 
introduce and thrust Madame Yar'Adua into the limelight.  That task 
was well accomplished with reminiscences via video by her elderly 
father, and remembrances by school mates and colleagues.  A clear 
demonstration of attachment to family values, it was an occasion for 
the first family, daughters and son, also to bask in the affection of 
the nation's political elite.  Even though admonished by her father 
never to change, Madame Turai has, indeed, moved far beyond her rural 
roots. 
 
¶3.  The official bio, distributed to the guests, follows: "Hajiya 
Turai Umaru Yar'Adua was born July 26, 1957 to the family of Alkali 
Abdullahi Maimaje in Katsina metropolis, and the importance of 
education was instilled in Hajiya Turai from an early age.  Her 
primary education started at Garama Primary School and was completed 
at Girls Day School, both schools respectively in Katsina.  After 
completing primary school, Hajiya Turai was granted admission to the 
Government Girls Secondary School, Kankiya.  Eighteen days after 
completing secondary school, Hajiya Turai married President Umaru 
Musa Yar'Adua, and he encouraged her to attend Katsina College of 
Arts, Science and Technology (KCAST).  Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) 
was the next milestone in Hajiya Turai's educational experience where 
she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree with Honors in Hausa. 
Throughout her education Hajiya Turai distinguished herself through 
hard work and commitment to excellence. 
 
The Government Day Secondary School, Funtua, was the recipient of 
Hajiya Turai's work ethic as she began her professional career with a 
one-year National Youth Service.  Upon completing her youth service, 
the Katsina State Ministry of Education extended a teaching 
appointment to Hajiya Turai, and she taught at various secondary 
schools across the state.  During this appointment, Hajiya Turai rose 
to the position of Head of Languages at Government Day Secondary 
School (GDSS), Kofat Yandaha until she decided to retire. 
 
Even in retirement, Hajiya Turai was not tired as she engaged herself 
in numerous public service activities.  Providing humanitarian 
welfare and services to the needy and less privileged has been 
especially important to Hajiya Turai.  As the First Lady of Katsina 
State, she helped children born with abnormalities receive surgeries 
abroad.  Scholarships and instructional materials were granted to 
poor pupils and primary schools across the state.  She facilitated 
the provision of the Women's Inter-city Bus Service in Katsina and 
provided hundreds of tricycles to the disabled.  Hajiya Turai 
reconstructed and equipped a workshop for male inmates and a female 
cell to help decongest the Katsina Central Prison.  She continually 
provided assistance to womens' skills acquisition centers in the 
state to nurture women's self-reliance. 
 
Many organizations have honored Hajiya Turai for her contributions to 
social development.  The Katsina State Council of Chiefs awarded her 
for selfless service to humanity, the World Islamic Call Society 
(Libya) Award for Excellence was received for her contribution to the 
growth of Islam in Nigeria, Arewa Youth Forum Award of Excellence, 
Nigeria Union of Journalists, Katsina Chapter Award of Honor by the 
Federated International Youth, the Sport Medal of Excellence and the 
NYSC/Road Safety Award of Excellence are only a few of the many 
achievements awarded to Hajiya Turai. 
 
As a pillar of support to her husband, the President, and her family 
of seven children, Hajiya Turai Umaru Yar'Adua is a devoted Muslim 
who cares for family and community." 
 
¶4.  Comment.  Little in Nigeria is modest and this sumptuous party 
was no exception.  On that score it indicated that as President, 
Yar'Adua will not project as austere an image as that he held as 
Governor of Katsina State, but will rather be more in the mold of his 
predecessors.  The President himself did not speak, but contentedly 
presided over the head table.  The party did bear a new stamp 
indicating a clear change of administrations.  It fortuitously marked 
the swearing in of the cabinet, which occurred that morning, and the 
real beginning of Yar'Adua's government. End Comment. 
GRIBBIN