Dame Chief Pauline Tallen has once again been confirmed as Chairlady of the Occasion for the highly anticipated Papyrus Global Mayors Conference and Awards 2026, reinforcing her enduring influence and the event’s growing prestige across Africa’s governance landscape.
The announcement places one of Nigeria’s most respected political figures at the forefront of a conference widely recognised as a premium gathering of mayors, local government leaders, and policymakers from across the continent. With her return, expectations are high for a dynamic and impactful edition.
Tallen’s journey into public service began at the grassroots level as a councillor, a formative experience that continues to shape her deep commitment to inclusive governance and community-driven development. Her rise through the ranks reflects decades of dedication to public service.
She gained national recognition during her tenure as Minister of State for Science and Technology under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, marking a significant step in her transition to federal leadership.
Breaking barriers, she went on to become the first female Deputy Governor of Plateau State and the first in Northern Nigeria, where she contributed to governance reforms, peacebuilding efforts, and social development initiatives.
Over the years, her career has spanned all levels of government, making her a standout figure in Nigeria’s political space and a role model for women aspiring to leadership positions across Africa.
As Minister of Women Affairs, Tallen championed bold policies aimed at advancing gender equality and protecting vulnerable groups. Her tenure was marked by intensified campaigns against gender-based violence and expanded opportunities for women’s economic empowerment.
She also strengthened Nigeria’s engagement with global gender inclusion frameworks while advocating for increased female participation in governance and decision-making processes.
In recognition of her contributions, she has received prestigious honours, including the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) and the Knight of St. Gregory (KSG), affirming her impact both nationally and internationally.
Her long-standing relationship with PAGMACA has been instrumental in shaping the conference into a respected continental platform. Having chaired all seven previous editions, she brings unmatched continuity and credibility to the role.
According to Doofan Damsa-Justin, Managing Director of the organising body, her leadership reflects the core values of the conference—grassroots impact, resilience, and transformational governance.
The 2026 edition of the conference is set to take place in Abuja from April 29 to May 1, drawing participants from across Africa and beyond, including mayors, local government chairpersons, and international development partners.
Discussions at the event will focus on strengthening local governance systems while exploring new opportunities for sustainable development, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
As Chairlady of the Occasion, Tallen will preside over key segments of the programme, including the prestigious awards ceremony honouring excellence in governance and community impact.
Her confirmation underscores the continued commitment of PAGMACA to excellence and visionary leadership, while reinforcing its mission to drive meaningful change at the grassroots level across Africa.
