El-Rufai Celebrates Wife Hadiza, Credits Her with Giving His Life Meaning

Former Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, marked the birthday of his first wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai, on Saturday, June 21, with a heartfelt tribute reflecting on their nearly four decades of marriage.

In a message shared on social media, El-Rufai described Hadiza as his “best friend, university classmate, teenage sweetheart, and dearest wife,” expressing deep admiration for her intellect, strength, and unwavering support.

“Please join me and members of the El-Rufai Family to wish my best friend, university classmate, teenage sweetheart and dearest wife, Hadiza Isma El-Rufai a very happy birthday,” he wrote.  

“Hadiza is a bundle of brains, beauty and brawn, holder of three master’s degrees – in architecture, business administration, and creative writing – fluent in French and a published novelist.  My life began to have meaning when we married nearly 40 years ago. She is a taskmaster and disciplined organizer of our home and our lives.  Happy birthday, Hadiza, and God bless you forever more.”