Nigeria, Aug. 4 -- Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has written a heartfelt tribute in honour of his wife, Asia Ahmad El-Rufai, as she marks her birthday, describing her as his "OgaAtTheTop," trusted companion, and the unwavering rock behind their family.

In a statement on Monday, Mr El-Rufai called on Nigerians and well-wishers to join him and his family in offering special prayers for Asia as she celebrates her birthday on 3 August, and as the couple prepares to mark their 26th wedding anniversary on 14 August.

"Asia has variously been my cerebral and passionate friend and wife - a mother and nurturer of all our children for nearly 30 years," Mr El-Rufai wrote. "She has tolerated my personal idiosyncrasies and absences fo...