Nigeria’s former Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, has paid tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his passing as a great national loss.
In a heartfelt message, Tallen described Buhari as a rare statesman — disciplined, principled, and wholly committed to serving Nigeria—whose legacy would be remembered not only for his integrity and selfless leadership but also for his bold efforts to uplift women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.
“President Buhari gave us the space, the support, and the strength to deliver on our mandate for Nigerian women and children. He was a leader who listened. A leader who cared. And a leader who acted,” she stated.
Reflecting on her time as Minister of Women Affairs, Tallen said, “I witnessed firsthand the depth of his compassion, the firmness of his convictions, and the sincerity of his resolve to build a more just and inclusive society.”
She highlighted Buhari’s historic declaration of a State of Emergency on Gender-Based Violence during the COVID-19 lockdown, describing it as “a courageous and unprecedented move that placed the protection of women and girls firmly on the national agenda.”
Tallen further praised Buhari’s administration for its achievements in advancing women’s economic empowerment, including the launch of the Nigeria for Women Project.
“Under his leadership, we developed Nigeria’s first-ever National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy and established the High-Level Advisory Council on Women and Girls to institutionalise gender mainstreaming at the highest level of government,” she added.
Calling Buhari a father figure, moral compass, and a symbol of disciplined public service, Tallen prayed for the repose of his soul and offered words of comfort to all who mourn.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his beloved wife, Her Excellency Aisha Buhari, their children, the entire family, and indeed all Nigerians who feel this great loss. May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” she prayed.
Dame Pauline Tallen served under the late President’s cabinet as Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development from 2019 to 2023. She was one of seven women appointed in the late Nigerian Leader’s 43-member ministerial list.
President Muhammadu Buhari, who died at a London hospital at the age of 82, will be buried in Daura, Katsina State, today, Tuesday, 15th July 2025, at 1300 GMT.
He served as Nigeria’s President from 2015 to 2023 and previously as Military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985.
PIAK