The daughter of Nigeria’s late former President, Safina Buhari, has urged Nigerians to uphold the values of faith, integrity, discipline, humility, patriotism and selfless service that defined the life of her father, Muhammadu Buhari.
She said preserving these ideals would be a fitting tribute to the former president’s legacy and his commitment to national service.
Speaking at the first-year remembrance of the late president in Abuja, Safina described the event as a moment of reflection, prayer and gratitude, saying it provided an opportunity to celebrate not only the offices Buhari held but, more importantly, the principles that guided his life and leadership.
“Today has been a day of reflection, prayer and gratitude. We have been reminded not only of the offices he held but more importantly of the values he cherished—faith in Allah, integrity, discipline, humility, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to serving Nigeria with honesty and dedication,” she said.
She expressed profound appreciation to the guest speakers for their insightful presentations, noting that their reflections underscored the true essence of leadership.
“Your thoughtful reflections have reminded us that true leadership is measured not merely by years in office, but by the values one leaves behind and the lives one touches,” she added.
Safina also thanked Islamic scholars and religious leaders for their prayers, asking Almighty Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta’ala) to forgive her father’s shortcomings, illuminate his grave and grant him the highest place in Al-Jannatul Firdaus.
She announced that the proceeds from the book, From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, which was launched on December 15, 2025, had been donated to Al-Qalam University, Katsina, to fund the construction of a Computer Science Complex.
According to her, the donation reflects the late President’s long-standing commitment to advancing education and human capital development in Nigeria.
“The proceeds from the book have been donated to Al-Qalam University in the form of a Computer Science Complex, in line with our late father’s long-standing desire to contribute to the development of education and other social programmes,” she said.
Safina explained that the decision to support Al-Qalam University followed an appeal by the institution’s leadership, which requested that the proceeds be invested in the community-owned and charitable university.
She disclosed that the groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held in Katsina on July 5, 2026, and that, upon completion, the complex will include a 200-seat auditorium, two lecture halls with a capacity of 150 students each, three computer laboratories equipped with 50 computers each, a 12-seat lecturers’ workshop, offices for lecturers and the Head of Department, a common room, a students’ cafeteria and a secretary’s office.
She also paid tribute to her mother for fulfilling the late President’s vision despite the family’s loss.
“I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our mother for fulfilling the wish of our late father. We are grateful for the remarkable strength, love and leadership you have shown since his passing. In the midst of profound grief, you stepped forward with courage and held our family together,” she said.
Safina further thanked the organisers of the remembrance programme, as well as Buhari’s associates, friends and well-wishers, for their unwavering support and commitment to preserving the legacy of the late president.
She expressed appreciation to Nigerians who have continued to remember Buhari in their prayers, saying their compassion and goodwill have provided comfort to the family.
“As a family, we remain committed, by the grace of Allah, to preserving the values our father lived by and encouraging future generations to embrace integrity, discipline, justice and selfless service to humanity,” she said.
She concluded by praying for Almighty Allah to accept the prayers offered for the late President, forgive his shortcomings, bless everyone who attended the remembrance and grant them safe journeys to their respective destinations.
The first-year remembrance ceremony brought together President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former Heads of State, senior government officials, political associates, diplomats, religious leaders, members of the Buhari family and other dignitaries to honour the life and enduring legacy of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
