L-R: Dame Pauline Tallen, former Minister of Women Affairs with the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
By Tosin Kolade
Former Minister of Women Affairs Pauline Tallen has described the death of her former principal, the late President Muhammadu Buhari as a robbery of Nigerian women of their advocate for gender equality.
Tallen, who served during the second term of the late President Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in London, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Monday.
The former minister said the late President was a strong advocate and pillar of women inclusion in politics, gender equality, and was a strongly committed to promoting the welfare of women and children.
“Buhari’s death is a tragic loss and robbery of Nigerian women and children of their greatest advocate and pillar of support for their political inclusion and gender equality.
“As the minister of women affairs under him, I recognised the strides he made toward empowering women and children through his advocacy for women inclusion in politics and gender equality during his administration.
“His leadership and policies impacted millions of women and children through laudable initiatives that catered for their welfare, which are crucial components in the nation’s development narrative,” she said.
Tallen also commiserated with the Buhari family, especially his wife, Aisha, adding that his death was a great loss to the entire family and Nigeria that he served with unparalleled patriotism.
She recalled with nostalgia Buhari’s uncompromising war against corruption in the country, his incorruptible resilience, his focus on national integrity, and vision for a prosperous Nigeria, describing them as “legendary legacies.”
According to her, Nigerians should reflect on the values he championed and honour him, as such legacies will continue to inspire future generations while Nigeria continues to navigate its challenges of nation-building.
“May Almighty God in his infinite mercy grant repose to the soul of Nigeria’s greatest elder statesman and also grant the family he has bequeathed the fortitude to bear this immensely immeasurable loss,” Tallen added.
The statement reads in part as follows:
It is with deep sorrow and a profound sense of national loss that I received the news of the passing of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Buhari was a rare statesman, disciplined, principled, and wholly committed to the service of Nigeria.
His legacy will be remembered not only for his unwavering integrity and selfless leadership but also for the bold and historic strides made under his administration to uplift women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.
As one who had the honour of serving in his cabinet as the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, 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.
His administration made history when, in the wake of rising cases of sexual and gender-based violence during the COVID-19 lockdown, he declared a State of Emergency on Gender-Based Violence; a courageous and unprecedented move that placed the protection of women and girls firmly on the national agenda.
Through his support, we launched the Nigeria for Women Project, one of the most impactful initiatives for women’s economic empowerment in our nation’s history. Under his leadership, we developed Nigeria’s first-ever National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.
We also established the High-Level Advisory Council on Women and Girls to institutionalize gender mainstreaming at the highest level of government.
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.
Today, I mourn not only a former President but a father figure, a moral compass, and a symbol of disciplined public service.
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.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
