Adeosun Pays Tribute to Late Former President Buhari
By Patience Ikpeme
Former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has offered her condolences to the family of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
Adeosun, who served in Buhari’s cabinet from August 2015 until her resignation in 2018, described her time in his administration as the greatest honour of her professional life.
In a message shared on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Adeosun reflected on her relationship with the late president, recalling his personal warmth and the nickname he gave her, “Mai kudi” — a Hausa phrase meaning “one who has money” or financier.
She wrote, “Good night, Your Excellency. It was the greatest honour to serve Nigeria under your leadership and a pleasure knowing you personally. Rest in Peace Sir, I remain, Mai kudi.”
Adeosun’s tribute sparked an outpouring of comments from Nigerians who praised both the former president and Adeosun herself for their service to the country. Many reflected on Adeosun’s tenure as finance minister, during which she introduced key economic initiatives aimed at improving fiscal discipline, boosting non-oil revenues, and tightening public sector spending.
One commenter, George Pamma, described Adeosun as a “national treasure” whose economic policies should be formally studied. “NYSC or not, Kemi Adeosun is a national treasure. Her policies should be a course taught in our universities if we were smart as a people,” he wrote.
Babatunde Ayantola added that Adeosun served the former president with honour and integrity. “Kemi, you served under him with honour and integrity. May the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanah Firdous aameen,” he posted.
Others highlighted Adeosun’s professionalism during her time in office. Prince Bon-Malik remarked, “Indeed, an exceptional professional you were, but for our detractors, again. We’ll look forward to the future when you’ll bring your wealth of professionalism to bear! Until then, let’s together mourn our dear mentor, baba, and hero. May he find comfort and easiness as he journeys to the great beyond.”
Abubakar Sadiq Alkubawi praised Adeosun as a dedicated public servant who understood her responsibilities and contributed meaningfully to economic reform efforts.
During her tenure, Adeosun led several policy measures that gained attention at home and abroad, including the implementation of the Federal Government’s whistleblowing policy, which recovered billions of naira in stolen assets; the push for tax reforms under the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS); and efforts to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenues.
Adeosun’s public statement comes as condolences continue to pour in from within and outside Nigeria for the late former president, whose years in office shaped key economic and security policies. The former finance minister’s tribute reflects the personal connection and professional respect she maintained for the late president, years after her exit from government.
