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Buhari’s Footprints in Nigeria’s History Remains Amid Minority Dissent- Pate

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Buhari’s Footprints in Nigeria’s History Remains Amid Minority Dissent- Pate

The footprints of the late Former President Muhammadu Buhari remains an indelible chapter in Nigeria’s history, despite criticism from a small but vocal minority.

Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate establised this during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in honour of late Buhari, at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja.

Pate affirmed that the late ex-President’s administration’s impact continues to resonate, underscoring a tenure rich in significance that cannot be erased or forgotten.

He emphasized that the rain of eulogies from leaders across the world attests to former President Buhari’s stature as a notable and well-respected leader.

The Minister added that Buhari lived an eventful life etched in sacred principles and died an honourable man.

According to Pate, “It was deeply stirring to see hundreds of people withstand hours of heat on the roadsides from Katsina to Daura to say their goodbyes to Mai Gaskiya.

“But there seems to be a very small but vocal minority who, despite the solemnity of the occasion, has tried to diminish the place of President Buhari in the pantheon of Nigeria’s remarkable leaders. To those on this foolhardy pursuit, I say, as the pages of Nigeria’s history are written in the future, President Buhari’s name will remain indelible.”

Read Also: Nigerian Leader Urges Citizens to Uphold Buhari’s Legacy

The Minister reeled out the vital lessons culled from the life of Nigeria’s former Head of State and a two term democratically elected President, Muhammadu Buhari, sayimg that Buhari showcased the foundation of enduring leadership as authenticity.

“There was clear consistency with President Buhari in all seasons. He was unpretentious, frugal, reserved, humble, and honest. He did not pretend to be what he was not. Some people liked him, and some did not. He was consistently loyal to Nigerians – both high and low.”

He added that the late Buhari was known as a disciplined man, exemplifying integrity in all its ramifications. According to Pate, this rare quality fortified the late former Leader against multiple personal and political shocks.

“Character moulded by self-discipline provided the scaffolding for Buhari’s courage and conviction. He was known as a disciplined man, exemplifying integrity in all its ramifications. This rare quality fortified him against multiple personal and political shocks. Many Nigerians know that, as President, Muhammadu Buhari always acted in what he considered to be the best interest of the country. This character trait was demonstrated across his public service stints — from the military to political office, and even after office.”

Pate recalled that while some may accuse the late General as being slow in making decisions, he highlighted that President Buhari was evidently a stickler for due process.

“Buhari understood leadership as stewardship. This was reflected in his consistent respect for institutions and established processes. The structure of his administration remained relatively stable for eight years. While some may accuse him of being slow in making decisions, President Buhari was evidently a stickler for due process. When his time in office was up, he retired happily to Daura to live among his people and tend his farm. In many ways, similar to the Roman General, Cincinnatus (BC), who served the public when warranted and immediately returned home afterwards to his farm.

“It is evident that Muhammadu Buhari did not take life too seriously. He was fully conscious of the ephemerality of life. He had no appetite for material things. He did not have dozens of houses, business interests, exotic clothing, and items. He lived a decent life. He laughed well at himself and shared joy and laughter with many.

“There are many more lessons to be taken from the late former President’s life,” Pate said.

He enjoined Nigerians to to further reflect and imbibe the lessons from the life of the departed leader, Muhammadu Buhari.

He established that perfection is with God hence it is best to leave final judgement to Him.

“At this time of national mourning, in consonance with His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu’s directive on praying and reflecting on Buhari’s life, we will all be served well if we reflect on and imbibe the lessons from the life of the beloved departed leader. Of course, Muhammadu Buhari has his many failings, as any man does. Perfection is with God and it is best to leave final judgement to Him,” Pate added.

Ali Pate prayed that “Allah forgive and grant President Muhammadu Buhari Aljannah Firdaus.”

Film Corporation Returns “Decasia” Film Festival To Lagos State

Foluke Ibitomi
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Film Corporation Returns “Decasia” Film Festival To Lagos State
Dr Ali Nuhu, Managing Director, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), has announced  the return of  a heritage film festival ‘Decacia’  to Lagos for its  2025 edition scheduled  for  July  27 to July 30.

Nuhu, who is also the Chief  Executive Officer (CEO) of NFC, made this announcement in a statement by NFC’s Director of Public Affairs, Brian Etuk on Thursday in Abuja.

The return of ‘Decasia’ to Lagos state is a collaborative initiative between the Nigerian Film Corporation (NNFC), the Lagos Film Society and partners from Germany namely Arsenal Institute for Film and Video Arts (Berlin, Germany).

Others were Deutsche Filminstitut and Filmmuseum (Frankfurt Germany), Goethe University-Frankfurt, DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) and Goethe Institut.

According to Nuhu, the heritage film festival will be a  landmark gathering of filmmakers, archivists, historians, scholars, and culture enthusiasts,  dedicated to the rediscovery, preservation and creative re-imagination of Africa’s cinematic heritage.
The Chief Executive Officer of NFC assured expected participants of exciting moments of the film festival.
He added the exciting moment include; the screenings of rare archival films, panel discussions woven around strategies, archiving, preservation challenges and national development in support of the draft National Film Archive Policy.
” The networking sessions designed to spotlight the importance of cultural memory in shaping Nigeria’s creative future.
“Objectives of ‘Decasia’ is to sustain global conversations, including the impact of digital technologies, as well as the relationship between archives and film festivals.
“Decasia provides a veritable platform to harness great creative opportunities inherent in archival materials, as weapons for sustainable human existence and development.
” It  also provides public platform and supporting linkages between the National Film Video and Sound Archive (NFVSA)  as a national audio-visual repository.
”  It provides  Master Degree Programme in Film Culture & Archiving Studies of the National Film Institute (NFI) and the University of Jos, as well as audio-visual content creators and the general public,” he said.
Nuhu, speaking on the  underlying thrust, said  the film festival was to conscientised government and relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, including the organised private sector, content creators on the imperatives of audio-visual material usage, protection, preservation and archiving.
”  With the NFVSA as Nigeria’s audio-visual repository, efforts by the NFC to foster constructive engagements and affirmative actions through collaborative partnerships underscores the mounting of ‘Decasia’ 2025.
“The offerings of ‘Decasia’ 2025 to Nigeria’s film industry includes, culture and heritage protection, strong and productive linkages, skills and capacity development in archival management, preservation of audiovisual materials, archival practices, film and culture diplomacy promotion,” he added.
The four-day event, scheduled to take place from  July 27 to July 30 at the Lagos office of NFC Ikoyi, Lagos, also designed to be hosted  in Berlin Germany.

The first edition took place in 2019 October 24  to 27  in Lagos state, with the title “1st Berlin – Lagos Archival Film Festival”.

While the 2020 edition took place in Berlin Germany themed “Reclaiming History, Unveiling Memory”.
NAN / Foluke Ibitomi

Gombe Reaffirms Commitment to Sanitation, Sustainability Goals

Manomsi Mallum
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Gombe Reaffirms Commitment to Sanitation, Sustainability Goals

The Gombe State Government has reiterated its commitment to improved sanitation and environmental sustainability through strengthened efforts in faecal sludge management (FSM), in collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners.

This commitment was reaffirmed in a keynote address delivered by the Director of Water Resources on behalf of the Commissioner for Water, Environment, and Forest Resources, Mr Mohammed Saidu Fawu, during an awareness campaign organised by the Gombe State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), with support from UNICEF.

The campaign convened key stakeholders from government, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the media to promote best practices in the safe handling and treatment of faecal sludge—a pressing concern for communities reliant on pit latrines and septic systems.

Towards a Sustainable FSM Framework

The event emphasised the urgent need for a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable FSM framework, prioritising regulatory enforcement, private sector participation, construction of treatment facilities, and consistent community engagement.

Mr Fawu highlighted that FSM has been incorporated into the state’s sanitation roadmap, with innovative waste-to-resource initiatives already underway—including the conversion of treated faecal sludge into energy, organic fertiliser, and non-potable water, thereby supporting both environmental protection and economic growth.

“Overflowing pits, indiscriminate disposal, and groundwater contamination are not mere inconveniences,” the commissioner stated.

“They are threats to human dignity, water security, and public health,” Mr Fawu said.

Read Also: Nigerian Government Signs Tripartite Health Agreement

He praised UNICEF’s ongoing support for WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programmes in the state and acknowledged UNIDO’s contribution to renewable energy development, especially the upcoming 320 MW Small Hydro Power Project, as a reflection of shared goals for sustainability and resilience.

“Sanitation is not just a health issue; it is a development issue. It intersects with education, gender equality, environmental protection, and climate resilience,” the commissioner stressed.

Mr Fawu reaffirmed Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration’s dedication to achieving a cleaner and healthier Gombe State, calling on community-based organisations, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to view faecal sludge management as a collective responsibility and a cornerstone of public health.

UNICEF’s Role in Driving ODF and FSM Initiatives

Mrs Namban Michael, WASH Officer, speaking on behalf of Dr Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasised the significance of FSM as a crucial extension of open defecation eradication efforts.

She commended Dr Rafique’s leadership in fostering interstate learning visits—particularly to Bauchi State, which has made notable strides in FSM—to help other states, including Gombe, implement effective human waste systems.

“Building and using toilets is crucial, but equally vital is how and where we dispose of the waste,” said Mrs Michael.

She noted that while states like Jigawa have achieved Open Defecation Free (ODF) status, they still face challenges with FSM infrastructure. Gombe, she said, has the opportunity to establish sustainable systems from the outset.

UNICEF, alongside the Federal Government’s “Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet” campaign, is urging Gombe to proactively develop sustainable FSM infrastructure.

Mrs Michael said the gathering also served as an orientation for stakeholders to understand institutional responsibilities and early-stage requirements for FSM implementation.

She underscored the crucial role of the media in advancing ODF advocacy and educating the public on the health and economic benefits of sound faecal waste management.

Socioeconomic Impact of Faecal Sludge Management

In a technical presentation titled “Faecal Sludge Management and Its Link to Open Defecation and Community Hygiene,” Professor Wilson Lamayi Danbature outlined the multifaceted benefits of FSM:

“Prevention of water source contamination, reduced health risks from pathogen exposure, pollution control, and recovery of valuable resources such as biogas and fertiliser,” said Prof. Danbature.

He noted that FSM directly supports the achievement of SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, with potential for:

  • Fewer outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and diarrhoea
  • Lower healthcare costs and improved school attendance
  • Greater productivity due to healthier labour forces

FSM, he added, also generates economic opportunities, including

  • Job creation in toilet construction and maintenance
  • Roles in sludge collection, transport, and treatment
  • Entrepreneurship in recycling waste into fertiliser, biogas, or fuel

Environmentally, FSM helps protect water sources, agricultural land, and ecosystems, thereby reinforcing both food security and climate resilience.

Gombe’s Progress and Persistent Challenges

Meanwhile, RUWASSA’s WASH Sector Lead, Professor Abubakar Lumumba, disclosed that 896 communities across Gombe State have been “triggered” under the Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) initiative. However, only 320 have self-declared as ODF.

He added that 119 communities had been verified by local government WASH departments and were now awaiting state and federal validation for formal recognition.

Prof. Lumumba expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation and the lag in the fight against open defecation, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts and accelerate the drive towards achieving ODF status.

 

Banned Substance: Kenyan Athlete Ruth Chepngetich Provisionally Suspended

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Banned Substance: Kenyan Athlete Ruth Chepngetich Provisionally Suspended

Women’s marathon world record-holder, Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya, has been provisionally suspended by the Athletics Integrity Unit for the presence and use of the prohibited substance hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ).

The substance, a diuretic, was detected in a sample collected from the Kenyan athlete on March 14, the AIU said in a statement on Thursday.

Women’s marathon world record-holder, Ruth Chepngetich of Kenya.

“Chepngetich was not provisionally suspended by the AIU at the time of notification, however, on 19 April, she opted for a voluntary provisional suspension while the AIU’s investigation was ongoing,” said AIU Head Brett Clothier.

“In the intervening months, the AIU continued its investigation and today issued a Notice of Charge and imposed its own provisional suspension.”

The AIU said HCTZ is used clinically to treat fluid retention and hypertension, adding that diuretics may be abused to mask the presence in urine of other prohibited substances.

Chepngetich smashed the women’s marathon record in Chicago last October, running two hours, nine minutes and 56 seconds to become the first woman to break 2:10. Chepngetich’s agent did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

In April, Chepngetich withdrew from the London Marathon, saying at the time she was “not in the right place mentally or physically” to race her best.

Marathon running has been hit with a spate of high-profile doping cases in recent years, particularly from Kenya which is world renowned for its middle and long-distance runners.

In April 2023, Athletics Kenya said its government pledged $5 million per year for five years to fight doping in athletics.

In February 2024, Kenya’s Sarah Chepchirchir was hit with an eight-year ban after the former Tokyo Marathon winner was found to have violated anti-doping regulations for a second time.

A year later, Kenyan marathon runner Brimin Kipkorir was also provisionally suspended by the AIU after he tested positive for prohibited substances.

Nigerian Government Signs Tripartite Health Agreement

Manomsi Mallum
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Nigerian Government Signs Tripartite Health Agreement

In a bold move to bolster Nigeria’s health workforce, the Nigerian government has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Achievers University, Owo, and the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, in Ondo State.

The agreement, formalised at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja, enables Achievers University to utilise FMC Owo’s facilities for the clinical training of its medical, nursing, and allied health students—a step aimed at enhancing medical education and scaling up healthcare workforce production.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, who witnessed the signing, described the MoU as a “timely and strategic partnership” that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed health agenda.

“This MoU exemplifies the vision of Mr. President to harness private investment in education and health to benefit Nigerians.

“Private institutions like Achievers University are critical partners in addressing human resource gaps in our health system,” Dr Salako said.

Read Also: Health Mandate Secretary Announces Hospital Expansion Plans Across FCT

Dr Salako further underscored the urgent need to expand training opportunities for healthcare professionals, particularly in light of the ongoing migration of medical personnel abroad

He noted that the government is developing strategies to transform this brain drain into a mutually beneficial relationship by engaging destination countries to support Nigeria’s health sector.

A Landmark for Private Medical Education

Prof. Bode Ayorinde, founder and pro-chancellor of Achievers University, hailed the agreement as a landmark moment in the university’s development. He praised the process as transparent and devoid of any political interference.

“Today’s agreement is a promise to raise the bar in medical training. We’re building beyond regulations to ensure quality,” he said.

FMC Owo Ready for Expanded Training Role

Dr Hamed Liasu, Medical Director of FMC Owo, confirmed the hospital’s readiness to serve as a clinical training hub, stating that it already trains resident doctors in 11 departments and is fully accredited by both national and West African medical colleges.

“We will collaborate with Achievers University to train undergraduate students in medical laboratory and nursing sciences. The university is also working to upgrade FMC Owo into a teaching hospital,” he said.

The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, Achievers University, and FMC Owo.

 

 

Benue State Government Endorses IDPs Policy For Implementation

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Benue State Government Endorses IDPs Policy For Implementation

The Benue State Government in North Central Nigeria, has approved a comprehensive policy for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), aimed at addressing the challenges faced by displaced population in the state.

The policy, which has been tailored to reflect the unique circumstances in Benue, was validated at a meeting held Makurdi, the state capital, and attended by various stakeholders.

Acknowledging Save the Children International for their sponsorship and support, State Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Aondowase Kunde, highlighted the organization’s contributions in areas like Naka, where the IDPs population is significantly high.

Kunde emphasized the importance of input from all partners to ensure the effectiveness of the policy.

Once approved by the Benue State Executive Council, the policy will serve as a legal framework for managing IDPs affairs in the state.

Legal experts have meanwhile been engaged to support the adaptation of the national guidelines to suit Benue’s specific needs.

Speaking with Journalists on the sidelines to address concerns raised by the former Executive Secretary of the National Christians Pilgrims Commission, NCPC, Rev. Tor Uja about alleged fraud in IDP camps, Kunde stressed the importance of evidence and transparent reporting.

The commissioner emphasized the need for a systematic approach to camp management and closure in line with established policies.

In his remarks, a Member of the Benue State House of Assembly and Chairman of the Assembly Committee on Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Abu Umoru, assured of support from the State Assembly towards fast-tracking the implementation of the policy.

He also pledged to visit affected areas such as Naka to better understand the challenges faced by IDPs who left their homes in the wake of attacks by herdsmen.

Director General of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Benue State, elder John Akuse, highlighted the importance of the validation process in ensuring cultural inclusion, accountability, and completeness of the policy.

He explained that the policy will guide the state in providing support not only to IDPs in camps but also to those living in host communities.

On her part, the Save the Children International’s Advocacy Campaign and Policy Manager, Murjanatu Kabir, emphasized the organization’s commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of children in vulnerable situations.

She explained that the organization aims to ensure that the IDPs policy document is fully integrated and aligned with their objectives.

Ministries of Aviation, Interior Partner Ahead of Nigeria Airshow

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Ministries of Aviation, Interior Partner Ahead of Nigeria Airshow

The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has partnered with the Ministry of Interior as a key stakeholder in preparations ahead of the first Nigeria International Air Show scheduled to hold in December 2025.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, stated this during a courtesy visit to the office of the Minister of Interior in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The visit was contained in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Affairs, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Odutayo Oluseyi.

Dr. Kana stated that following internal deliberations, it was resolved that hosting a successful International Air Show would require collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, recognizing the critical role of Border control and national security, in facilitating the smooth entry and safe arrival of all participants, including international participants and exhibitors.

Numerous marketers, investors, and aviation stakeholders are expected to attend worldwide.

Agencies under the Ministry of Interior, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and Federal Road Safety Corps, will play vital roles in visa facilitation, public security, and traffic management, respectively.

Dr. Kana also revealed that after considering Lagos, Abuja, and Uyo International Airports as potential venues, Abuja was selected for its strategic location and accessibility.

He informed the meeting of the possibility that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would be in attendance.

He further disclosed that invitations would be extended to civil aviation authorities across the globe, and that the Nigerian Air Force and Air Traffic Controllers would be fully engaged to ensure a seamless air show.

Dr. Kana further stated that the Federal Government is committed to delivering a world-class international air show that will promote Nigeria’s aviation sector and attract global industry stakeholders.

While responding, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalena Ajani, who received the delegation on behalf of the Minister of Interior, welcomed the initiative and pledged full support of her ministry for the smooth conduct of the Air Show.

She noted that the online visa application system will be optimized for easy access to visitors attending the air show. She also emphasized the need for structured collaboration with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and other agencies under the ministry to define their specific roles.

Also speaking, the Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, emphasized the need to receive an estimated number of expected visitors to enable NIS to tailor a visa issuance process that minimizes the need for online applications on an individual basis. She assured the Ministry of Immigration’s full support and participation in the program.

The representative of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Tajudeen Oladele Yusuf, assured Nigerians that the Air Force is fully committed to supporting the air show.

He disclosed that a technical subcommittee is already working and will report to the main planning committee to promptly address emerging issues.

Engineer Godwin Balang, Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standards at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), affirmed that the Authority is ready to support the program by providing necessary authorizations and regulatory guidance to ensure the event’s success.

Nigeria Reclaims ITTF West Africa Regional Title

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Nigeria Reclaims ITTF West Africa Regional Title

Nigeria’s men’s team reclaimed its crown at the 2025 ITTF West Africa Regional Championships with a dominant win over Côte d’Ivoire in Thursday’s final, at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.

After losing the title to Togo in 2024, the Nigerian men returned with renewed determination. Playing on home soil in Lagos, they sailed through the group stage, dropping only one set to Côte d’Ivoire.

From the quarterfinals, Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai delivered strong performances, sweeping Côte d’Ivoire 3-0 in the final.

Nigeria’s men’s team at the 2025 ITTF West Africa Regional Championships.

The singles competition resumes Friday, with high-stakes matches expected across the board.

Defending men’s champion Oba Kizito of Côte d’Ivoire faces tough competition from Nigeria’s Taiwo Mati and Matthew Kuti.

Players from Togo and Benin Republic are also expected to contend for medals in the singles category. Guinea’s Maret Camara impressed, topping Group 9 with a 3-0 win over Ghana’s James Marfo.

Nigeria’s only singles loss came as Matthew Fabunmi narrowly fell 3-2 to Benin Republic’s Atanda Adou in Group 11.

Women’s Team

Nigeria’s women’s team, led by Ajoke Ojomu, maintained regional dominance, defeating Benin Republic, Ghana and Guinea to retain their title.

Nigeria’s women’s team at the 2025 ITTF West Africa Regional Championships.

In the women’s singles, Nigeria’s Ajoke Ojomu, Kabirat Ayoola, Aishat Rabiu, and others all topped their groups to reach the knockouts.

The championship ends Saturday, July 19, with titles to be decided in both men’s and women’s singles.

The four-day championship also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, set for later this year in Kigali, Rwanda. Ten countries, including hosts Nigeria, are participating in this regional tournament.

The top three teams in each event will qualify for the continental finals in Rwanda this October.

Full Text of President Tinubu’s Tribute at the Special Session of FEC Held in Honour of Late President Muhammadu Buhari

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Full Text of President Tinubu’s Tribute at the Special Session of FEC Held in Honour of Late President Muhammadu Buhari

PROTOCOL

Today, we gather under a heavy shadow, drawn from the silence that surrounds a departed leader and the immense weight of a life whose absence will be felt for generations.

We meet to honour a man whose presence once commanded this very room, whose voice once summoned the best in us, and whose convictions never bowed, even to the strongest winds of public
opinion. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former Head of State and former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has gone to rest.

He was first among soldiers in war, first among citizens in peace, and first, without ambition or flattery, in the hearts of his fellow citizens.

Yet it was in the quiet and unadorned settings of his
private life that his true greatness was revealed: pious without show, just without cruelty, humane without sentimentality, temperate without coldness, and sincere without guile.

Steady in posture and spirit, dignified in bearing, and
commanding by his very presence, his example guided all who encountered him. Still, it endures.
To his peers, he was respectful and without pretence.

To those who served under him, he was kind without condescension. And, to those whom he loved most intimately, he was unfailingly tender, loyal, and good. His life was a rebuke to vice and a refuge for virtue.

The purity of his private character gave radiance to the discipline and integrity of his public service.

Even in death, he maintained the serenity that defined him in life: not a sigh, not a groan, just a quiet submission to the will of God. Such was the man Nigeria has lost. Such was the man for whom our nation now mourns.

President Buhari’s life was one of austere honour. He stood, always, ramrod straight; unmoved by the temptation of power, unseduced by applause and unafraid of the loneliness that often visits those who do what is right, rather than what is popular.

His was a quiet courage, a righteousness that never announced itself. His patriotism was lived more in action than in words.

His life traced the arc of Nigeria’s journey. Born before independence, he became a young soldier in the struggle to keep our nation whole.

In war and in peace, he served with vigilance and determination, as if the task of watching over Nigeria had been assigned to him alone. From the battlefield to the corridors of power, he remained faithful to the task.

He governed the North-Eastern State and stood as Head of State. Years later, he returned to chair the Petroleum Trust Fund, which he administered with Spartan rigour and complete fidelity to the public good.

Yet, with all that he had achieved, his most enduring legacy would be carved in democracy. In a time when many had lost hope that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari put his faith in the people of this country.

We stood together, he and I. Alongside others drawn from across the political spectrum, regions and tongues, we formed an alliance that enabled Nigeria to experience its first true democratic transfer of power from one ruling party to another.

When he was sworn in as our party’s first elected President, he led with restraint, governed with dignity, and bore the burdens of leadership without complaint.

Those who knew him most intimately understood that the authority of that exalted office never changed him. In the face of pressure, he remained calm.

In the face of crisis, he remained resolute. In the face of triumph, he remained modest. Most remarkably, he retained his jovial spirit.

When his tenure ended, he returned to Daura; not to command from the shadows or to hold court, but to live as he always had, never seeking to impose his will but content to let others carry
the nation forward.

President Buhari was not a perfect man – no leader is – but he was, in every sense of the word, a good man, a decent man, an honourable man. His record will be debated, as all legacies are, but the character he brought to public life, the moral force he carried, the incorruptible standard he represented, will not be forgotten. His was a life lived in full service to Nigeria, and in fidelity to God. Now, he rests.

And we who remain must carry the memory of his
life as a standard to guide us.

Let us honour him not only with words, but with humility in power, discipline in service, compassion in governance, and fearlessness in the pursuit of justice.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation bid farewell to one of her most illustrious sons. It was a profound honour for me, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, to lead his funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial in the dignified manner befitting a great and noble leader.

I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a befitting State Funeral within 48 hours.

In this period of national mourning, I once again extend my heartfelt condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the entire Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all who knew and loved him. Our gratitude will remain with President Buhari’s family members who provided him with the comfort and strength to serve our nation in various capacities throughout his over 50 years of public service.

We honour his service, reflect on his legacy, and pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.

Mai Gaskiya, The People’s general, the Farmer President – your duty is done.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

May his life continue to inspire generations of
Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness. President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Education Minister Hails Renaming of UNIMAID After Late Buhari

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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Education Minister Hails Renaming of UNIMAID After Late Buhari

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, has extended profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his statesmanship decision to immortalize the late President Muhammadu Buhari through the renaming of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, as Muhammadu Buhari University Maiduguri.

Dr. Alausa in a statement through the Director of Press of the ministry, Boriowo Folashade noted that the Ministry of Education is deeply honoured that the sector has been chosen as the channel through which the late President’s legacy will be permanently enshrined.

“President Tinubu’s decision reflects not only deep empathy and respect but also a firm belief in education as the bedrock of national development. His commitment to human capital development is unwavering and consistent with the path of national renewal that President Buhari championed.

“This symbolic gesture underscores the administration’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for sustainable development and national identity,” he said.

The Ministry reiterated its commitment to upholding the values of service, integrity, and excellence that both late President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu exemplify.

Read Also: National Assembly Leaders Eulogise Buhari

The appreciation was extended on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Education and the entire Nigerian education sector.

The renaming announcement was made during a special session of the expanded Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened on Thursday by President Tinubu to honour the legacy of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President opened the session with a moving tribute chronicling the life and service of the late statesman, particularly highlighting his commitment to national security, institutional reform, economic recovery, and anti-corruption efforts.

The President’s federal executive council memo, seeking to honour and recognise the enduring impact of President Buhari’s leadership, culminated in the Council’s approval to rename the institution in his memory.

President Buhari’s administration (2015–2023) was marked by notable reforms in national security, anti-corruption, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital development — including the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, TSA, ERGP, and social investment schemes — which significantly contributed to national progress.

Distinguished national leaders, including the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; Governors, Ministers, and Heads of Service of Federation paid heartfelt tributes.

In a solemn response, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late President, spoke on behalf of the Buhari family.

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