Hajiya Mairo Habib, a prominent Nigerian politician, philanthropist, unionist and author, has died, family sources and associates have confirmed.
She died on Saturday after a protracted illness, Dateline Nigeria reports.
Hajiya Mairo Habib, a former Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Textile Garment Workers Association, a two-time governorship aspirant in Kaduna State, was also the 2003 presidential running mate to Rev. Chris Okotie under the then Justice Party.
The veteran politician, who also served as Chairman of the Board of the College of Health Technology, Kafanchan in Kaduna State, attended UMA Mission School. She earned a degree in Fine Arts from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria and also obtained a postgraduate diploma from Leeds University in the United Kingdom.
A trained textile designer, she blended art with activism and philanthropy throughout her career. Within her community she held traditional titles, including the Queen of Gamji and the Garkuwar Unguwar Rimi in Kaduna. She was married and had four children.
Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in from political, labour, and women’s groups across Kaduna and beyond, describing her as a courageous voice for women’s participation in politics and workers’ rights in Nigeria.
Her death marks the end of a public life that spanned unionism, elective politics, education, and community leadership in Kaduna State.
