President Bola Tinubu is expected to lead top government officials, political leaders and other dignitaries at a memorial event in Abuja on July 13 to mark the first anniversary of the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The event will feature the public presentation of a commemorative book of tributes dedicated to the late Nigerian leader, alongside interfaith prayers in his honour.
The chairman of the Central Planning Committee and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, announced the programme on Wednesday while unveiling activities lined up for the anniversary.
According to Mustapha, the memorial is designed to celebrate Buhari’s life and enduring contributions to Nigeria through activities that reflect the principles he was known for during his years in public service.
“The programme will consist principally of interfaith and interdenominational prayers, reflecting the values of unity, faith and national cohesion that he upheld throughout his life and his service to our country,” Mustapha said.
He explained that the anniversary would bring together members of Buhari’s family, friends, former associates, public office holders and other well-wishers to pray for the repose of the late president’s soul and honour his legacy.
A key feature of the ceremony will be the unveiling of a publication titled Tributes and Condolences in Honour of Muhammadu Buhari, which compiles messages from world leaders, diplomats and political figures who interacted with the former president.
Highlighting the significance of the publication, Mustapha said it preserves the reflections of notable personalities on Buhari’s character and leadership.
“In its pages, the global community, including heads of state, diplomats, and political leaders, remembered the late President as a man of simplicity, resilience, and integrity,” he stated.
He clarified that the commemorative book was produced solely as a historical record and not for commercial purposes.
“I should add that the book is neither for sale nor for fundraising. It is for free distribution,” Mustapha added.
The former SGF also disclosed that individuals who worked closely with Buhari during his time in office would share personal accounts of their experiences and offer insights into his leadership style.
“A select number of individuals who worked closely with the late President will speak to his historical legacy and share their personal experiences of him,” he said.
Mustapha expressed optimism that the anniversary would not only honour Buhari’s memory but also provide comfort to his loved ones and admirers while encouraging Nigerians to reflect on his service to the nation.
“Our hope is that the occasion will not only honour the memory of the late President, but also serve as a source of comfort and encouragement to his family, his friends, his admirers, and the entire people of this country who continue to cherish his worthy legacy of service to the nation,” he said.
He further appealed to Nigerians and the media to use the remembrance period to foster national unity, urging citizens to offer prayers for the late president in places of worship across the country.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82. The July 13, 2026 ceremony marks one year since his passing and is expected to draw prominent personalities from within and outside Nigeria.
