By Tosin Kolade

Former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, has described the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari as a great loss to Nigerian women, saying it robbed them of a strong advocate for gender equality.

Tallen, who served during Buhari’s second term, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

The former president died on Sunday in London.

She described Buhari as a firm advocate of women’s political inclusion, gender equality, and a champion of the welfare of women and children.

“Buhari’s death is a tragic loss and a robbery of Nigerian women and children of their greatest advocate and pillar of support for political inclusion and gender equality.

“As Minister of Women Affairs under him, I recognised the strides he made in empowering women and children through advocacy and action during his administration.

“His leadership and policies impacted millions of women and children through laudable initiatives that addressed their welfare, key components of the nation’s development,” she said.

Tallen also commiserated with the Buhari family, especially his wife, Aisha Buhari, noting that his death was a great loss to the family and the country he served with uncommon patriotism.

She recalled Buhari’s anti-corruption stance, commitment to national integrity, and vision for a prosperous Nigeria, describing them as legendary legacies.

She urged Nigerians to reflect on the values he championed and uphold them, adding that such legacies would continue to inspire future generations as the country navigates its development challenges.

“May Almighty God, in His infinite mercy, grant repose to the soul of Nigeria’s greatest elder statesman and give his family the strength to bear this immeasurable loss,” she added.

The statement reads in part:

“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”.

Tallen said that as a member of his cabinet, she witnessed firsthand Buhari’s compassion, convictions, and commitment to building a more just and inclusive society.

She recalled that during the COVID-19 lockdown, Buhari made history by declaring a state of emergency on gender-based violence, an 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 Nigeria’s history.

“Under his leadership, we developed the country’s first-ever National Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy.

“We also established the High-Level Advisory Council on Women and Girls to institutionalise gender mainstreaming at the highest level of government,” she said.

“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, who cared, and 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,” she added. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen