Tribute to Late Hajiya Bilqees S.O Mohammed.

By AbdurRaheem Sa’ad Dembo, anipr

I had returned to my base in Minna on Thursday but by Saturday afternoon,2nd August ,2025 I received the news of the demise of Hajiya Bilqees SO Mohammed,one of the wives of Justice S.O Mohammed (rtd), former Grand Khadi of Kwara state .

I knew her through my first mother-in-law, Hajiya Hafsat Akanbi, because they were good friends.I have known her to be a good and kind mother.She was humble and related with family and friends without animosity.

There was an incident that happened in 2011 and the role she played can’t be forgotten , because she showed that humanity and support for each other are the ingredients for a better society and peaceful co-existence.

My mother-in-law told me several times that they have been friends from primary school. Meaning their friendship had transcended decades.

In 2024 when I was in company of Ahmad Fulani and Mallam Ibrahim Adefalu on a visit to Justice S.O Mohammed’s house ahead of BUK Alumni, Ilorin Emirate Chapter annual gathering.I had to go and greet her first, before we were told that Justice
said we should meet him at his office.

Hajiya Hafsat Akanbi said:
“Alhaja Bilqees was more than just a friend to me.We related like siblings and She was a great unifier among family and friends.She made impacts on many.Talking about her kindness to people would be inexhaustible. May Allah in His infinite mercies forgive her inadequacies and grant her aljannah firdaus.”

Similarly, the Registrar of University of Ilorin, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla also asserted:
“When alive, she was an easy-going person. Very reserved and pious. She observed her prayers regularly and was a bridge builder. Very calm, cool and dutiful. She was a trustworthy person and God fearing. We have been in a contribution scheme for more than 20 years now. And never defaulted for once. Bilqis was a willing giver.

May Allaaah be pleased with her gentle soul and make her an adherent of His paradise.”

Significantly, For one to know how good and kind she was, Her mother revealed to some mourners how she took good care of her. And with her death who will now be taking care of her, the old woman lamented.Every minute we breath is an opportunity to do good to our parents, family and friends and she had done well in this regard.

Hajiya Bilqees had lived with a difference. Until her demise she was a staff member at the university of Ilorin. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her aljannah firdaus