The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, has extended his deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mele Kyari, over the tragic and untimely passing of his daughter, Fatima Kyari. The 25-year-old Fatima passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024, following a long, protracted illness, leaving her family, friends, and the nation mourning her loss.
Fatima’s death has prompted an overwhelming outpouring of grief and condolences from various sectors of society, including prominent Nigerians, close family friends, colleagues, and others whose lives she touched. Despite her young age, Fatima was deeply cherished by all who knew her, and her death has reverberated across the country, especially among those connected to the Kyari family.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 12, by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje expressed profound sorrow at the devastating loss of Fatima. He acknowledged that losing a child is one of the most heart-wrenching experiences a parent can endure, and no amount of comforting words could ever fully encompass the depth of pain and grief that the Kyari family is now enduring.
Ganduje described the passing of Fatima not only as a personal tragedy for the Kyari family but also as a great loss to all who cherished her. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mallam Mele Kyari and his entire family during this incredibly difficult moment. The pain of losing a child is unimaginable, and we stand with the family as they navigate through this challenging time,” Ganduje said. “We pray that Almighty Allah, in His infinite mercy, grants Fatima eternal rest and gives the Kyari family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss.”
In his condolence message, Ganduje also urged the family to seek solace in their faith and the knowledge that their daughter’s journey on earth, though brief, has now been completed in accordance with divine will. He expressed hope that the Kyari family would be able to find comfort in the prayers and well-wishes from all who mourn with them.
A Nation Mourns with the Kyari Family
Fatima Kyari’s death has struck a chord with many, prompting reactions from a wide range of public figures, religious leaders, and fellow Nigerians who have expressed their sadness and solidarity with the Kyari family. Fatima, at the age of 25, had a bright future ahead of her, but her life was tragically cut short after a long battle with illness. Her passing has drawn widespread sympathy and prayers for her grieving family, with messages of support pouring in from every corner of the country.
Many who knew Fatima personally have described her as a kind-hearted, thoughtful, and graceful individual whose presence brought light and warmth to those around her. Her passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, and her memory will continue to be cherished by family, friends, and all who were touched by her life.
As the CEO of NNPC, Mele Kyari holds a significant position in Nigeria’s energy sector, and his personal loss has resonated not only with those in the oil and gas industry but also with the broader public. His colleagues and associates have also taken to social media and other platforms to share their condolences, expressing their sorrow and sending prayers for strength and peace during this difficult time. The loss of a child is universally understood as one of the most heartbreaking tragedies a parent can face, and this sentiment has been echoed by many in their messages to the Kyari family.
Ganduje’s Call for Prayers and Support
In his message, Ganduje not only offered words of sympathy but also emphasized the importance of prayer during times of grief. He called on the nation to join him in praying for Fatima’s soul and for the Kyari family to find the courage and strength needed to endure this immense pain. “We also pray that God’s mercy and comfort be with the bereaved family during this period of mourning. May the prayers and support of well-wishers help ease their sorrow, and may they take solace in the thought that their daughter’s journey on earth has been fulfilled,” Ganduje said.
He also highlighted the importance of community during times of loss, reminding the Kyari family that they are not alone in their grief. He assured them that their friends, colleagues, and fellow Nigerians share their pain and stand with them during this challenging time. Ganduje’s message of solidarity and prayer reflects a sentiment shared by many others who have extended their condolences to the family.
Fatima Kyari’s Legacy and the Strength of Faith
In the wake of this tragedy, many have pointed to the strength of faith as a crucial element in coping with loss. The Islamic faith, which Fatima and her family practice, teaches that death is part of the natural cycle of life and that it is ultimately in the hands of Allah. As such, many in the Muslim community have been offering prayers for Fatima’s soul, asking that Allah grant her entry into Jannah (Paradise) and provide her family with patience and strength during their time of mourning.
Fatima’s legacy will be one of love, kindness, and grace, qualities that she exhibited throughout her life. Those who knew her will carry her memory forward, and the prayers for her will continue to be a source of comfort for the Kyari family as they navigate this period of grief.
A Nation United in Sympathy
The tragic passing of Fatima Kyari at such a young age is a reminder of the fragility of life and the deep emotional pain that comes with losing a loved one. As the Kyari family mourns their daughter, they are surrounded by the prayers and support of a nation that shares in their sorrow. The heartfelt condolences extended by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, highlight the deep sense of empathy and solidarity that Nigerians feel for the Kyari family during this difficult time.
While no words can fully capture the pain of losing a child, the nation stands united in its prayers for Fatima and its support for her grieving family. May the Kyari family find strength in their faith and in the love and support of their community as they mourn the loss of their beloved daughter.
