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, amid 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, and 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.
May Allah (SWT) forgive his shortcomings, accept his noble deeds, and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.
Dame Pauline K. Tallen, CON, KSG
Former Honourable Minister of Women Affairs
Federal Republic of Nigeria
