Tallen Sent Forth In Grand Style

By Deola Tehinse

For Dame Pauline Kedem Tallen OFR, the outgoing Minister , Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, it was an evening of great honour and glowing tributes as dignitaries from all walks of life, management and staff of Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, National Centre for Women Development, family, friends and well wishers converged at A-Class Events Centre, Maitama, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory Sunday May 28, to celebrate the end of her tenure in the ministry and her lofty strides in championing the cause of Nigeria Women for national development .

Speaking at the occasion, Mr Idris Mohammed Director, Economic Services thanked the Honorable Minister for setting unprecedented records
in improving the lives of Nigeria Women through her advocacy for promoting gender equality. More political appointments For Women and 35% inclusiveness of women in all positions at various levels of government . Violence against women including rape, all forms of sexual abuses and molestation against the physical and emotional well-being of any Nigerian woman and Women empowerment . Talllen led a successful campaign against early girl child marriage, female genital mutilation, Child Labour and Girl Child’s Right to qualitative education. To her credit, many states across the federation have keyed into the advocacy with Ekiti, Lagos, Kahuna and very recently Kano states Houses of Assembly passing the bills into law .
He promised to work harder to sustain her good legacies.

Hajia Asabe Villita , DG National Centre for Women Development (NCWD) described Dame Tallen as the most celebrated minister in President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration. She extolled her leadership virtues and unflinching support to NCWD, a parastatal under her watch for her exceptional leadership roles . She prays to see Dame Tallen in higher positions in the nearest future as her sterling qualities and experience will be benchmark to guide the upcoming ones in nation building.

Senator Joshua Dariye, former Governor of Plateau State described Dame Tallen as a detribalised Nigeria who can work with any person without discrimination .

Dr. Betta Edu, APC National Women leader who also graced the occasion described Dame Tallen as a courageous leader with a listening ears. She said “Like a mother, her door is always open to listen and establish the truth on issues . She is ever ready to stand up to defend the cause of fellow women without any bias.”

The encomium came in torrents as Mr Jackson National Representative of People Living With Disabilities, enthused… “Dame Tallen is a mother with a milk of kindness. He thanked Dame Tallen for her unflinching support by alleviating the cause of the people living with disabilities in Nigeria.

Among dignitaries present at the occasion are Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent secretary Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Senator Aisha Binani, APC governorship candidate for Adamawa State who described Dame Tallen as a mobiliser and a pillar of strength all through her electioneering campaigns in Adamawa State

In her response, Dame Pauline Tallen thanked everyone present for honouring and celebrating her efforts with the encomium showered on her. she said ‘ it’s sad to leave you but I’m happy leaving you because there is a time for everything. ‘ she hopes to see the ministry moving beyond where she stops and Nigeria women occupying higher position to contribute meaningful to the development of our dear country.
Dame Pauline Tallen, 64, before her appointment as Minister of Women Affairs was a former Commissioner in Plateau state between 1994-1999, A former Minister of State for Science and Technology and The first female Deputy Governor in Northern Nigeria. She came, she saw, and she conquered with a footprints of remarkable legacies on the sands of time.