Emotion and tears filled the air during the requiem mass and night of tributes for aaRichard Tallen, the late son of former Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.
Friends, family, and associates gathered in Abuja on Saturday to honor his memory following his death on Oct. 6.
Leading the tributes, Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, wife of the Kwara Governor and Chairperson of the Nigerian Governors Wives’ Forum, described Richard as a loving, purposeful man whose impact on many lives will be remembered.
She urged those present to keep his memory alive and help the family cope with the void his death has created. “He was a good son, a good father, and a good friend. We will fill the void and continue to stand by this family,” Abdulrazaq said.
Hajiya Titi Abubakar, wife of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, highlighted the legacy Richard left behind, reminding everyone that his passing was in accordance with God’s timing. Prof. Mary Lar, widow of Chief Solomon Lar, echoed this sentiment, urging young people to live exemplary lives as Richard did. “Though he lived for just 41 years, he achieved what many would take a lifetime to accomplish,” she said.
Prof. John Opara, Founder and CEO of CSS Group of Companies, shared similar thoughts, emphasizing that life is about quality, not duration. The evening also saw the unveiling of a foundation in Richard’s memory.
Richard Tallen, born on Oct. 12, 1982, hailed from Shendam, Plateau State. A graduate of Computer Science from a U.S. university, he is survived by his wife, three children, siblings, and in-laws.
