Former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Hon. Sadiya Umar Farouq, has paid glowing tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, hailing him as a principled leader who embodied simplicity, discipline, and unwavering dedication to Nigeria.
In a heartfelt statement released on Saturday, Farouq recounted her long-standing relationship with the former president, describing him as a “father figure and mentor” whose leadership left a lasting imprint on both her career and the nation’s political landscape.
“My journey with Baba Buhari began before politics, when I first met him at Ahmadu Bello University during a visit to his daughter, my classmate. Even then, his quiet dignity stood out,” she said.
Farouq went on to describe Buhari’s consistency over the decades—from his days leading the Buhari Organization and CPC, to his presidency under the APC. “He believed in justice, honesty, and competence. He listened, consulted, and acted with deep conviction,” she wrote.
During her time as minister, Farouq said Buhari provided the political space for impactful leadership, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. “He was never one to interfere for political convenience. His instructions were always clear—make sure the people feel the impact,” she recalled.
Under Buhari, Farouq led Nigeria’s most ambitious social protection reforms, reaching millions through programs like N-Power, Conditional Cash Transfer, and School Feeding. She credited his personal experiences and empathy for the poor as the driving force behind the administration’s humanitarian policies.
Beyond governance, Farouq described Buhari as a deeply moral leader who valued humility and eschewed excess. “He reminded us every day that power is fleeting. Leadership, to him, was about legacy—not luxury.”
She ended her tribute with a prayer for the late president and a pledge to uphold his ideals:
“May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. I remain committed to the values he lived by—service, sacrifice, and sincerity.”
