Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has spoken about her past marriage to BUA Group chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu, describing it as a defining experience in her life.
Musawa made the comments during an appearance on the MIC On Podcast hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye. Reflecting on the relationship, she said the bond between her and Rabiu has endured despite their separation.
She said, “We love each other because you love your family, obviously. But Samad is my brother. He’s my family. That’s what he is. And I’m his sister and his family, too.”
Musawa described Rabiu as “one of the greatest experiences” she has ever had, adding that the end of the marriage did not erase the connection between them. According to her, they remain close and continue to be involved in each other’s lives, largely because of family values.
“He is my ex husband, but we are still family. We juggle coming from a background where, once you’re joined together, you continue to participate in each other’s lives. And so, we were married, and now we are just family,” she said.
She also spoke about the close ties between their families, noting that Rabiu’s relatives are an important part of her life. Musawa revealed that her daughter Khadija was named after Rabiu’s grandmother.
Musawa said there is no bitterness between them and stressed that mutual respect remains. “We continue to share a deep respect and a love, and more than anything, support for each other. I’ll continue to be his greatest cheerleader,” she added.
Abdul Samad is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a major Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement, sugar and other sectors.
