Hadiatu, the wife of the late Defence Minister, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, who died in the line of duty, has paid a deeply moving tribute that celebrated his unwavering honesty, integrity, and humility.

At the state funeral on Friday, August 15, to say a final goodbye to eight patriots, she described him as “a man of deep faith,” who was “God-fearing and humble.”

Hadiatu said her late husband “lived his life with integrity, always choosing the right path, even when it was not the easy one.”

She recalled that he was “trustworthy and dependable, the kind of person you could call at any hour, knowing he would answer.”

Sharing a personal memory, she recounted: “I remember once, an incident on the road. Of course, he was the first person I called. He picked up right away, and I told him my situation, expecting him to come rushing to my rescue.

"He listened patiently, sympathised, and then said, ‘Ah… my dear, the president has called me.’” She said it was in that moment she realised she was not just sharing her husband with friends, family, or the community, but “with the President of Ghana as well.”

She said he was “always in demand, always important to someone, but still finding the time to care for his family.”

She remembered how “his daughters would comb his hair, or perhaps I should say his head… because he had no hair to comb,” and how “he loved to play horse with the children.”

“He had a wonderful sense of humour that could light up a room, and a heart that was always ready to help. More often than not, he put others before himself.

"Hard-working and determined, he gave his best in everything he did, not for recognition, but because it was in his nature to serve and to care,” she said.

“Mohammed’s life was a blessing to us, and his memory will forever be a treasure. He has left us far too soon, but his love, his laughter, and his example will live on in our children, in our hearts, and in the countless lives he touched,” she added.

Closing her tribute, she prayed, “Rest well, my husband. May Allah grant you Jannatul Firdaus and surround you with eternal peace. We love you, we miss you, and we will carry your light with us always. Inshah Allah. ‘Daddy, we love and miss you so much.’ Forever in our hearts.”