United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed has paid glowing tribute to the late former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari during a solemn visit to the Nigerian House in New York.
Amina, who worked under Buhari as Minister of Environment and earlier at the Petroleum Trust Fund, signed the condolence register and offered prayers for his peaceful rest.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the UN’s second-highest-ranking official described Buhari as “a man of discipline and deep conviction,” praising his unwavering patriotism and commitment to national service.
She recalled his popular Hausa expression, kishin kasa, a deep love for the country, as one of the late president’s defining virtues.
Amina said Buhari often reminded his aides that leadership was a calling of service to humanity that demanded patience, sincerity, and a strong moral footing. “He believed we would be judged by our intentions. When we were frustrated, he would say, ‘We are serving people, so we must have patience and faith,’” she recalled.
Reflecting on her personal interactions with him, she said Buhari’s legacy extended beyond Nigeria. She cited a moment during her UN mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo when he encouraged her with his insight into the region’s complexity, reminding her of the need to understand the people to create real change.
Amina said Buhari’s passing came at a time when the world is in dire need of moral courage and values-driven leadership. “We will always stand on his shoulders,” she said, while extending condolences to his wife, children, and family.
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires to the UN, Syndoph Endoni, noted that Buhari earned global respect for his values of discipline, sacrifice, and putting the nation first.
