Maryam Abacha, Fayemi attend Pauline Tallen’s 65th birthday celebration

Former first lady Maryam Abacha and former governor of Ekiti State Kayode Fayemi, among others, on Monday graced the 65th birthday celebration of former minister of women affairs Pauline Tallen.

The event, which ended with a dinner at Tallen’s residence, began with a Holy Mass at Our Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Pro-Cathedral, Garki, presided over by the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Ignatius Kaigama.

Others who were present were former governor James Ngilari of Adamawa; minister of youth and sports, Jamila Ibrahim; and Senator Aisha Binani.

Also present were two former ministers of women affairs, Zainab Maina and Inna Ciroma; former minister of power, Prince Jeddy Agba; former Kaduna State governor’s wife, Amina Yakowa; former Supreme Court Justice, Amina Augie.

The list also included former EFCC boss, Farida Waziri; mandate secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, health and human services, Adedolapo Fasawe; and solicitor general of Nigeria, Beatrice Jeddi-Agba.

Also in attendance were APC national women leader, Blessing Agbomhere; first female and current vice-chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi; and former Nigerian ambassador to Cote D’Ivoire, Martin Adamu.

Many of the guests took turns to eulogise the celebrant.

Mrs Abacha recalled meeting her for the first time in the Presidential Villa when Abacha was head of state and since then they both remained in touch “because of her exciting and irresistible aura”.