From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A high-level United Nations delegation on Friday paid a condolence visit to the Kaduna State Government over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a transformational leader and long-time ally of the global body.
The delegation, led by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Malik Fall, was received at the Government House by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who stood in for Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking during the visit, Fall said the UN system in Nigeria deemed it necessary to honour the late President Buhari, not only for his leadership but also for his longstanding connection with the United Nations, dating back to his days as a young peacekeeper.
“We came here today to visit the family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari because we know what he represented for Nigeria, for Kaduna State, and the United Nations,” he said.
Fall noted that President Buhari supported several UN-led interventions during his administration, especially at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and was always a willing partner on issues of global importance.
The UN chief also revealed that Yusuf Buhari, the late President’s son, has been working with the UN system for the past four years. “His humility, kindness, and team spirit have been commendable, and that further deepens the bond we feel with the Buhari family,” he added.
Beyond condolences, the delegation used the visit to reaffirm its development partnership with Kaduna State and hinted at an upcoming joint UN-State mission to explore areas for accelerated implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“You cannot talk about the Northwest without talking about Kaduna, historically, demographically, and in terms of opportunity. We hope to deepen our joint programming and increase our footprint in this crucial region,” Fall stated.
In her remarks, Deputy Governor Balarabe thanked the UN for identifying with Kaduna State during the period of national mourning, describing the visit as a demonstration of true friendship and international solidarity
“A true friend rejoices with you in good times and mourns with you in times of sorrow. The United Nations has shown again today that it is a true friend to Kaduna State,” she said.
She also acknowledged the UN’s long-standing support to the state across sectors such as health, education, agriculture, humanitarian response, and development planning, adding that such interventions have significantly impacted citizens’ wellbeing.
After the meeting, various UN agencies held technical sessions with Kaduna State officials to discuss sector-specific collaboration in youth development, health, innovation, business support, and social services. The delegation later visited Buhari’s Kaduna residence to condole with the family.
After the meeting, the UN delegation paid a condolence visit to the former First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari at the Buhari’s Kaduna residence.
