PICTORIAL: BUA Boss Rabiu Shares Photos With Ex-Wife Minister Hannatu Musawa

Abdulsamad Rabiu, BUA Group chairman and former husband of the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has shared photos from a surprise visit by the minister to his Abuja office, saying their friendship and mutual respect have endured beyond their marriage.

Rabiu disclosed the visit in a post on his Instagram page on Wednesday, describing Musawa as someone he once called his wife.

“Had a lovely surprise visit at my Abuja office today from someone I once called my wife, the Honourable Minister Hannatu Musawa,” he wrote.

He added, “Times change, but friendship and respect remain. Wonderful to see the passion and dedication she continues to bring to Nigeria’s culture and creative economy.

“Wishing her continued success!” he said.

Musawa also shared photographs from the meeting on her social media page, where she praised the businessman for his contributions to Nigeria, Africa and humanity.

In her tribute, the minister described Rabiu as a man whose impact on the country was matched by his service to humanity.

“Abdulsamad is a man whose place in the history of Nigeria is matched only by the magnitude of his service to humanity, a pillar of strength to Africa, a hero to his community, and a blessing to all whose lives he has touched,” she wrote.

The visit came months after Musawa spoke publicly about her marriage to Rabiu, explaining how they had maintained a close relationship despite their separation.

In January 2026, the minister while appearing on MIC On Podcast, hosted by Channels Television journalist Seun Okinbaloye, where she reflected on their marriage and discussed the reasons they remained close after their relationship ended.

Musawa described her relationship with Rabiu as one of the greatest experiences of her life, adding that she had no regrets about their time together.

She explained that their families had known each other for decades and continued to maintain close ties after the marriage ended.

The minister also described Rabiu as a source of support in her career, saying they remained family and best friends despite no longer being husband and wife.

Rabiu is the founder and chairman of BUA Group, a Nigerian conglomerate with interests in cement production, sugar refining, food manufacturing and other sectors.

Musawa, a lawyer, was appointed Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy by President Bola Tinubu in August 2023.