The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Nigerian Women join others to mourn the loss of our beloved Mentor and Leader, Late Pastor Emily Okheren Aiglmoukhuede (Nee Ihonde), who died in her Surrey, London, United State home at the age of 79.
As former Honourable Secretary of State (Federal Minister) in 1993, she redefined the pace of strategic involvement for women in governance and decision making, paving the way for more women to be so appointed.
As President of the National Council for Women Societies, between 1988, the late Mrs Imoukhuede brought in significant changes and raised the bar for women’s empowerment in Nigeria. She was very visible in the Better Life for Rural Women Project of the Late Mrs Maryam Babangida, touring the nooks and crannies of this great country to spotlight Nigerian women at the grassroots. We will forever miss her.
She was indeed a great teacher, a mentor, team player, God-fearing, trail-blazer; a professional to the core, a woman of worth, visionary, courageous, down to earth and a seasoned administrator.
A woman who saw beyond the scope of her profession, believing that women could make a difference in life. Her demise at this time is true, irreplaceable and creates another vacuum in our journey of women empowerment in Nigeria. Nigerian women mourn this great mentor. Auntie Emily, you truly left an indelible mark in our hearts which has remained our binding and unifying force as women of Nigeria to date.
So, with gratitude to God, but with a heavy heart and uncontrollable tears, on behalf of Nigerian women and the less privileged, I pray for the perfect repose of your soul in God’s bosom. Rest on, our Sweet Auntie and my Mentor. Signed.
Dame Pauline K. Tallen, OFR, KSG
Honourable Minister