Tinubu to Receive Buhari’s Body in Katsina as Global Leaders Pay Tribute to Late Nigerian President
By Myra Okafor | July 15, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025, receive the body of former President Muhammadu Buhari in Katsina as Nigeria prepares to lay its late leader to rest. The development follows detailed burial arrangements unveiled by the Inter-Ministerial Committee led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
The late president, who died in London on Sunday, July 14, will be flown into Katsina at noon by a high-powered federal government delegation led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. A brief military ceremony will be held at the Katsina International Airport before the body is transported to Daura, Buhari’s hometown, for the Jana’iza (funeral prayer) and interment at his private residence.
Twenty-five members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) have already been directed to proceed to Katsina to participate in the full schedule of funeral rites. They are also expected to stay on for the Third-Day Prayers in Daura, scheduled for Wednesday, July 16.
As part of the state arrangements, President Tinubu has declared Tuesday a public holiday, and all flags are to fly at half-mast nationwide throughout the seven-day mourning period which began on Sunday, July 13. Ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian missions abroad, have been instructed to open condolence registers in honour of the late statesman.
In a statement shared via X (formerly Twitter), Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, confirmed that Tinubu will personally receive Buhari’s remains. He emphasized the solemnity and national importance of the event, saying:
“There will be a military ceremony and Jana’iza in Daura. The President has constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee the programme, working closely with the Katsina State Government and Buhari’s family.”
Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, statesmen, and notable figures across the globe:
- Barack Obama, former U.S. President: “Buhari was a man of integrity. He had a clear agenda to fight corruption and promote accountability.”
- António Guterres, UN Secretary-General: “Buhari was a calm force in a stormy region. His consistency made him a dependable voice on global security and African integration.”
- David Cameron, former UK Prime Minister: “He took bold steps to restore public trust in governance and attract global investment.”
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General: “Whatever one may think politically, Buhari’s personal discipline and anti-corruption stance were clear.”
- Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank: “He defended Africa’s economic dignity and supported regional financial institutions.”
- William Kumuyi, Founder of Deeper Life Bible Church: “He lived simply, was never driven by wealth, and remained content with what he had.”
- Nana Akufo-Addo, former Ghanaian President: “Buhari was a friend to Ghana and a stabilising father-figure in West Africa.”
- Aisha Buhari, widow of the late president: “He lived for Nigeria. And now, he rests, fulfilled, in the mercy of his Creator.”
- Olusegun Obasanjo, former Nigerian President: “We had policy disagreements, but no one can question Buhari’s honesty and good intentions.”
- Lamido Sanusi, Emir of Kano and former CBN Governor: “His legacy lies in restoring moral accountability in government.”
As Nigerians prepare for the final rites, the legacy of Muhammadu Buhari continues to inspire reflection on leadership, integrity, and national service.
