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Former National Chairperson of the NUPENG Women’s Wing, Comrade Thelma O. Ndukwe, has joined countless Nigerians in mourning the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as one of the nation’s most defining political figures.

In a heartfelt condolence message, Comrade Ndukwe extended her sympathies to the Buhari family and the nation at large, urging Nigerians to reflect on the legacy of leadership and service left behind by the late former Head of State.

Recalling her time as a leader within the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Comrade Ndukwe spoke of the honour of being part of a historic delegation to the Presidential Villa. The visit, led by the incumbent NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, was a significant moment of engagement between organized labour and the nation’s highest office — an experience she described as a testament to the mutual respect that existed between the labour movement and the former President’s administration.

“This visit to the Villa remains a vivid memory for me,” she said. “It symbolized a time when the voices of Nigerian workers resonated at the highest levels of governance. President Buhari’s doors were open to dialogue and constructive engagement, and for that, we remain grateful.”

Beyond her contributions to the labour movement, Comrade Ndukwe is celebrated for her dedication to public service and her commitment to women’s empowerment within the union. She is also a proud mother whose legacy of courage and excellence lives on through her daughter, Victoria Nwogu — an emerging Nollywood actress known for her bold and purposeful storytelling, which is helping to reshape narratives within Nigeria’s creative industry.

As the nation comes to terms with the passing of its former leader, Comrade Ndukwe called for unity and reflection. She emphasized that Buhari’s years in service should inspire renewed dedication to nation-building and the strengthening of democratic institutions.

“May the soul of President Muhammadu Buhari rest in perfect peace,” she prayed. “May his family find strength in this difficult time, and may we as a people find unity and purpose as we honor his legacy.”

The former President, who ruled Nigeria first as a military leader from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, leaves behind a complex legacy marked by efforts to tackle corruption and insecurity, as well as enduring debates over the challenges that defined his tenure.

As tributes pour in from across the country and the world, Comrade Ndukwe’s message stands as a reminder of the enduring relationship between organized labour and leadership, and the pivotal role civic voices continue to play in shaping Nigeria’s democratic journey.