Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hon. Sadiya Umar Farouq, has paid glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a mentor, father figure, and an unwavering symbol of integrity and patriotism.
By Chimezie Godfrey
Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hon. Sadiya Umar Farouq, has paid glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a mentor, father figure, and an unwavering symbol of integrity and patriotism.
In a heartfelt tribute issued on Sunday, Farouq recounted her personal and political journey with the late president, highlighting how their relationship began during their days at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where she first met him while he visited his daughter, her classmate.
Farouq, who served as one of the youngest ministers in Buhari’s cabinet, said her political path was shaped through years of working within The Buhari Organization (TBO), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and later the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Buhari was never overbearing. He listened more than he spoke, and he acted only after deep reflection,” she said. “He believed in competence, not noise; in results, not rhetoric.”
The former minister noted that under Buhari’s leadership, Nigeria launched its most ambitious social protection programme, the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), which she oversaw. According to her, the initiative—comprising N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfers, GEEP, and the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme—impacted millions of households and was inspired by Buhari’s deep understanding of poverty and compassion for the vulnerable.
She added that the creation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs during his administration demonstrated his foresight in responding to complex emergencies and long-standing humanitarian needs.
“Even during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, he showed calm resolve. He backed us fully to do what was right, not what was popular,” Farouq stated.
Beyond governance, Farouq described Buhari as a humble and principled leader whose austere lifestyle stood in stark contrast to the flamboyance often associated with power.
“He taught us that power is transient, and leadership is about the legacy one leaves behind. His belief in women and young people was not symbolic—it was real. He gave me the platform to serve and trusted me with it,” she said.
Farouq concluded her tribute by praying for the repose of Buhari’s soul, saying: “May history be kind to him. And may generations unborn learn that once, a truly honourable man led Nigeria with sincerity and sacrifice.”
President Muhammadu Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as civilian president from 2015 to 2023, died on Friday at the age of 82.