On July 27, the Auchi Sacred Kingdom in Edo State will come together for the 40 Days Fidau prayer to honor the late Alhaja Jeminetu Osumah Musa. A revered community leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jeminetu Musa passed away on June 15, 2024, at the age of 84, leaving a lasting impact on her family and the broader community.
Known affectionately as “Mama” by her children, great-grandchildren, and countless others, Jeminetu Musa led a life defined by devotion, love, and selfless service. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a celebrated community figure was marked by hard work, strong family values, and a deep commitment to helping others.
Born in 1940 in Igbei Village, Auchi Sacred Kingdom, Jeminetu was the first of six children born to the late Alhaji and Mrs. Bawa Abdullahi. Despite not having formal education, she excelled in vocational endeavors, particularly tailoring, which she transformed into a successful commercial enterprise in the 1950s.
In the late seventies, defying traditional expectations, Jeminetu enrolled in an adult education program, inspiring many women in Auchi and its surroundings. She married Mallam Osumah Musa of the Tokurah Dynasty in Aibotse Village in 1957, balancing her roles as a wife, mother of twelve, and entrepreneur with remarkable dedication.
After her husband’s death in 1985, Mama faced the challenge of raising her children alone. Through determination, hard work, and faith, she ensured they received quality education and skills, enabling them to grow into responsible members of society.
Her commitment to her Muslim faith was evident in her daily prayers and her twice pilgrimages to Mecca and Medina in 2004 and 2009, making her one of the few privileged people in the region to experience this spiritual journey more than once.
Mama’s legacy extends beyond her immediate family. As a matriarch and philanthropist, she frequently donated food, clothes, and money to youths, women, and widows, embodying the essence of traditional motherhood and selfless service. Her life was a testament to inclusiveness and compassion, transcending gender, ethnicity, and class.
A committed member of the Nasrul Lahi-l-fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), her contributions were celebrated by the local chapter in Auchi. Shortly after her passing, NASFAT members visited her family to offer condolences and reminisce about the times spent together, singing songs of praise and gratitude to Allah for a life well-lived.
Mama is survived by six biological children, five stepchildren, grandchildren, and numerous sons and daughters-in-law, including Hon. Yakubu Oshiorenua Musa, a former chairman of Etsako West LGA. Speaking on behalf of the Musa family, Hon. Musa expressed their acceptance of Allah’s will and the profound sense of loss they feel without her wisdom and guidance.
The upcoming 40 Days Fidau prayer will be a solemn yet celebratory occasion, bringing the community together to honor the life and legacy of Jeminetu Osumah Musa, a woman whose contributions and spirit will be remembered for generations.
