Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, recently discussed her past marriage to Abdul Samad Rabiu, the billionaire industrialist and chairman of BUA Group.

During an interview on MIC ON, she shared that she maintains a close relationship with her former husband, citing their shared family roots and longstanding connections as reasons for their continued respect and bond.

She expressed admiration for Rabiu and pride in their ongoing association.

“Abdul Samad is my ex-husband. However, we happened to come from a background where once you’re joined together, you continue to participate in each other’s lives. We were married, and now we are family, brother and sister, best of friends,” she said.

“I think it has a lot to do with the kind of families that we come from. His father and my father come from the same community, so the families all knew each other even before we were born, and we were joined.

“His grandmother, Hajia Bua, the matriarch of the family, is somebody that I continue to love very deeply. My daughter Hadiza is named after her, and of course his mother is like my mother.

“His mother is one of the sweetest, most wonderful, purest, genuine souls I have ever known. So we continue to share a deep respect, love, and support for each other.”

The minister described a relationship grounded in deep admiration and ongoing support. She praised Rabiu’s character beyond his image as a business magnate, emphasising his kindness and generosity.

“He’s my greatest cheerleader and supporter in my career, and I continue to also be his greatest cheerleader,” she said.

“I shall continue to be proud to see the way he flourishes and to be proud to be associated with someone who has the kind of philanthropy and heart that Abdulsamad has.

“People see him as a businessman, but I know him as a person who is the kindest person that I know. He is just a genuinely kind-hearted, good human being, so it’s really very difficult not to continue to have a good relationship.”

Musawa reflected on their past marriage, stating they have no regrets and see it as a foundational period that contributed to significant personal and professional development.

“…To think about it, I’m not sure I would change anything about my marriage to Abdulsamad. I’m quite happy with the way things worked out, and I still maintain my friend and family, and I still have my career as well, and the ability to inspire other women to be greater than perhaps what they would have thought they would be,” she added.

“Abdulsamad will always have my heart, no doubt about that. He is one of the greatest experiences that I’ve ever had, but no regrets whatsoever, absolutely just happiness and pride in him as a member of my family.”

ASA