In a moment filled with reflection and admiration, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J. Mohammed, paid a heartfelt tribute to former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during a commemorative event held at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The gathering, attended by diplomats, global leaders, and members of the African diaspora, was organized to recognize Buhari’s legacy in advancing democratic governance, anti-corruption reforms, and regional peace efforts during his tenure as President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023.
Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed described Buhari as “a steadfast leader who upheld the dignity of his office and worked tirelessly to reposition Nigeria on the path of transparency, stability, and resilience.”
“President Buhari understood the value of integrity in public service,” she continued. “In a time marked by complex challenges across West Africa, his leadership served as a beacon—calm, principled, and consistent. His commitment to multilateralism, regional cooperation, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 was unwavering.”
Mohammed, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Environment before her UN appointment, shared personal anecdotes reflecting Buhari’s quiet resolve and his often-understated impact on global conversations around climate resilience and counter-terrorism.
“Many may not realize,” she said, “that under his leadership, Nigeria took bold steps toward transitioning to a greener economy. He gave voice to Africa’s climate priorities at COP summits and reminded the world that environmental justice must be part of global equity.”
Other speakers at the event included representatives from ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the UN. They highlighted Buhari’s role in restoring regional stability, especially his work in mediating political crises in neighboring countries and contributing troops to multinational efforts against Boko Haram and extremist groups in the Sahel.
A moment of silence was observed in honor of Buhari’s contributions to peace and global cooperation, followed by the unveiling of a commemorative plaque that will be displayed at the Nigerian Mission in New York.
The tribute concluded with a cultural performance by Nigerian artists based in the U.S., featuring traditional music and poetry that celebrated Buhari’s legacy of discipline, patriotism, and public service.
As the hall emptied, Amina Mohammed summed up the sentiments of many: “We honor not just the man, but the ideals he stood for—honesty, courage, and a deep love for Nigeria and Africa. May his legacy continue to inspire future generations of leaders.”
