Nigeria Prepares to Bid Farewell to Former President Muhammadu Buhari as Burial Arrangements Finalized

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Nigeria is set to honor the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a London hospital.

The burial plans, announced by Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda at a press conference on Monday, confirmed that Buhari’s remains will arrive in Katsina by noon on Tuesday, July 15, followed by a 2:00 p.m. burial in his hometown of Daura, in accordance with Islamic traditions.

Governor Radda extended condolences to the Buhari family and the nation, praising the late leader as a model of discipline, patriotism, and integrity. “President Buhari was not just a son of Katsina but of Nigeria. His life was defined by selfless service and an unwavering commitment to the nation,” he said.

In the UK, Nigerian officials are working to complete the necessary documentation for the repatriation of Buhari’s body. Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila are leading the delegation, assisted by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar and Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum.

Meanwhile, Daura has become a hub of national mourning, with dignitaries, associates, and citizens gathering at Buhari’s residence to pay their respects. Security has been tightened around key locations, though daily life continues with little disruption.

Among the early visitors were Katsina’s Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe, APC Chairman Sani Daura, and other prominent figures. Longtime friend Sulaiman Yarin-Katsina remembered Buhari as “a humble and principled leader who remained connected to his roots despite his global stature.”

Buhari, born in Daura in 1942, first led Nigeria as a military ruler (1984–1985) before being democratically elected in 2015 for two terms. His legacy—marked by anti-corruption efforts and a modest lifestyle—continues to spark reflection.

Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria and beyond, with leaders and organizations honoring his dedication to national unity. As Daura prepares for the burial, the town has become a focal point of collective grief, with full state honors to be observed per President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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