20/07/2025
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has described the late former President Muhammadu Buhari as a revered leader who brought honour to his hometown of Daura and to the entire country.
Speaking in Daura, Katsina State, at the weekend during a condolence visit to the family of the late President, Mrs. Tinubu said Buhari’s death was a personal loss to her family and a profound moment for the nation.
“We are not here today merely out of duty. We are here because this loss is deeply personal. My husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has lost not just a former Head of State, but a trusted ally and friend of over 30 years,” she said.
“President Muhammadu Buhari was a man of integrity and discipline, who brought honour not only to Daura but to the entire nation.”
Buhari, 82, died in a London hospital on Sunday, July 13, 2025, and was buried on Tuesday, July 15, in the compound of his private residence in Daura. His passing has drawn an outpouring of condolences from across the country, with dignitaries visiting to pay their respects.
Senator Tinubu, who was received by Governor Dikko Radda, his wife Hajiya Zulaihat, and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar, prayed for Allah’s forgiveness of Buhari’s shortcomings and for eternal peace in Aljannah Firdaus.
Governor Radda, in his remarks, described the First Lady’s presence as a profound gesture of solidarity and compassion. He recalled that this was her second condolence visit, following one earlier in the week.
“This is a clear testament to your compassion and deep regard for our people,” he said.
The governor also praised President Tinubu for his symbolic acts of respect, including personally receiving Buhari’s remains at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Airport, joining the funeral procession to Daura, and declaring a national holiday in Buhari’s honour.
“These are not just acts of protocol, but true expressions of friendship, leadership, and patriotism,” he noted.
Also speaking, the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruq Umar, expressed deep appreciation to the President and the First Lady, noting that in over a century of life, he had never witnessed such public mourning and respect by a sitting president for a predecessor.
“President Tinubu’s personal involvement, the national mourning, and the powerful delegation sent for the Fidda’u prayers will never be forgotten by the people of Daura,” the Emir said.
The First Lady was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the wife of the Vice President, wives of the Speaker and Deputy Senate President, the wife of the Chief of Staff, several First Ladies from various states, and spouses of Ministers and Service Chiefs.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians continued to arrive in Katsina over the weekend to offer their condolences. Notable visitors included the Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammadu Isa; Managing Director of Jaiz Bank, Haruna Musa; and newly appointed Chairman of the Bank of Agriculture, Mohammed Babangida, son of former military President Ibrahim Babangida, who led a delegation from the IBB family.
They all prayed for the repose of the former President’s soul and for strength for his family, the Daura Emirate, and the government of Katsina State to bear the loss.
