Gbemi Ruqayyah Saraki, the former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development during the administration of former President Muhammad Buhari, pulled all the strings required alongside her siblings, including former Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, to give their late mother, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki, passed away on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, at the age of 89. The passing of the matriarch of the Saraki family, Chief (Mrs.) Florence Saraki came as a rude shock to members of her family. Old or not, we all want our mothers to live forever. This is because a mother’s love is irreplaceable. In the words of Agatha Christie, “A mother’s love for her child is like nothing else in the world. It knows no law, no pity; it dates all things and crushes down remorselessly all that stands in its path.”.
The grieving Saraki family is, however, consoled by the legacy of love left behind by their beloved mother. The late Chief Florence Saraki was described as a good woman who lived a fulfilled life dedicated to the service of humanity. For Gbemi Saraki and her siblings, their mother was a one-in-a-million whose sacrifice and love guided them to become who they are today. To honour her memory, the Sarakis organised a befitting burial ceremony to send the late Chief (Mrs.) Florence Saraki’s home in a blaze of glory. The funeral service was held at the Cathedral Church, Marina, on July 19, 2024, while the grand reception took place at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites. Before the final burial ceremony, a service of songs was held in honour of the late Chief (Mrs.) Florence Morenike Saraki. The Service of Songs was attended by prominent personalities. Expectedly, the grand reception lived up to our expectations as high-profile personalities from all walks of life stormed Eko Hotel & Suites in fine style. Senator Gbemi Saraki, a former member of the upper chamber of the National Assembly, is a big name in Nigeria’s high society whose circle of friends cuts across the important sectors of Nigeria’s economy. The roll call of influential personalities at the colourful burial ceremony included governors, former governors, members of the National Assembly, prominent traditional rulers, captains of industries, celebrities, and many more. It was an assemblage of who-is-who in Nigeria’s high society. No doubt, it was a glorious outing for Senator Gbemi Saraki and her siblings.