Dame Pauline Tallen: A life of diligent service, integrity and patriotism

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi, JP

Today, Thursday 8th January, 2026, marks a milestone in the life of an illustrious daughter of the Nigerian State-Dame Pauline Tallen, a seasoned and colourful politician, administrator, a lovely mother, a decent wife and community woman leader.

She is a respected voice on gender issues in the Country, haven served in government at various levels and various capacities as Deputy Governor, Minister for Women Affairs, party stalwart and a woman of high esteem and honour-as she turns 66 years old. A woman of valor, distinction and humility.

Dame Pauline Tallen embodies the ideals of patriotism, leadership, service and integrity at every point of her life. The celebrant is a blueprint of what a model public servant should be in Nigeria and anywhere in the world. Her journey in politics, governance and service to humanity reflects an unwavering commitment to capital human development of woman folk in Nigeria.

Born into a Christian family from Shendam Local Government in Plateau State and grew up with the fear of the Lord and deep sense of discipline. She is an advocate of women emancipation and literacy for girl-child with compassion, a reason why she studied sociology at a degree level in the University of Jos, Plateau State. Her robust virtues later defined her career in politics and in life as she attain higher altitude in life.

To the glory of God, she has served the nation and humanity creditably and excellently in various capacities, living behind records of immaculate excellence and honor. Her passion for good governance earned her respect across party lines, nurturing and upholding enduring philosophy of humanism, capital human development, empowerment and bringing grassroots into focus.

Dame Pauline Tallen remains a strong standing pillar of APC, a ruling political party in Nigeria. Her invaluable pearls of wisdom and consistent guardians to the younger generations have been a compass helping them to navigate through the Labyrinth of life, indeed, she’s a shining star, worthy of emulation and an African Woman Ambassador.

What really compelled me to write this piece, over the years, the celebrant’s comportment, carriage, self-respect, dressing code, self-motivation, being a dynamic team player, that she is a proactive and adept at using her initiative and creativity to effect any assignment(s) given to her as being a source of attention, attraction, information and ability to put pen to paper to spotlight Dame Pauline Tallen. In the course of this write-up, I spoke with many people who know and are close to her, their submissions can be summarized as thus, “A woman of impeccable character – sociable, approachable as a Civil Administrator, accommodating, deeply principled, a wife and mother who kept her marriage intact despite deeply involved in local, state and national politics. She’s a true African woman whose strength reflects Godliness and service to the people, has served the Nigeria State Galaxlily. Her impacts transcends politics and Public Service, she remains a mentor, community leader, bridge builder, trusted advocate for women and Evergreen Ambassador.

As Dame Pauline Tallen marks her 66th birthday anniversary, this journalist joins her immediate families, the people of Plateau State, her political families and the Nation in celebrating an icon whose life story exemplifies loyalty, patriotism, excellence, integrity and service to humanity.

Happy Birthday to a virtuous woman, many more happy returns of the day in good health, longer life, more happy days coated with God’s love…. May the presence of Almighty God never departs from her household, Amen!!!

Ayangbayi, JP is a journalist/Media Consultant based in Ilorin, Kwara State.