President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to be among top political leaders, senior government officials, family members, and close associates of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari at a commemorative event scheduled for July 13 in Abuja, marking one year since Buhari’s passing.
The programme will include the formal unveiling of a tribute publication dedicated to the former leader, as well as interfaith prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, revealed the plans on behalf of the Central Planning Committee, outlining the activities lined up for the memorial.
He explained that the commemoration is intended to celebrate Buhari’s life and leadership, with particular emphasis on values he consistently projected, including discipline, unity, public service, and national cohesion.
A key highlight of the event will be the presentation of a tribute compendium titled “Tributes and Condolences in Honour of Muhammadu Buhari,” which will be officially launched during the ceremony.
According to Mustapha, the book features messages, reflections, and condolence notes contributed by world leaders, diplomats, senior officials, and political figures who interacted with Buhari during his years in public office.
He added that many of the contributors described the late president as a man defined by discipline, simplicity, resilience, and integrity.
Mustapha also clarified that the publication is not intended for commercial distribution, stressing that it is a historical record meant to preserve the voices and memories of those who knew him. He further noted that copies will be distributed free of charge.
The former SGF said the gathering will also provide a platform for individuals who worked closely with Buhari to share personal accounts and reflections on his leadership and character.
He added that the event is expected to draw Buhari’s family members, friends, former aides, long-time associates, and admirers from within Nigeria and abroad.
According to him, the committee hopes the memorial will offer solace to those he left behind while also reinforcing the values the late president stood for.
Buhari passed away on July 13 last year at the age of 82 following a prolonged illness.
Reflecting on his personal experiences with the late president, Mustapha said the past year had been one of deep reflection and remembrance.
He noted that working closely with Buhari exposed him to both the public and private dimensions of the former leader, shaping his understanding of him beyond official duties.
“When I look back at his simplicity, the way he conducted his life, you begin to question what man is made of, the frailty and transient nature of life,” Mustapha said.
He disclosed that he last met Buhari about a month before his death, adding that subsequent plans to visit were affected by a sudden decline in the former president’s health.
Mustapha also recounted what he described as a particularly memorable final dinner with Buhari, saying: “I still remember the last dinner I had with him. We chatted for over an hour over a meal in his hotel accommodation in the UK.
“Those are very precious memories because we reflected on our tenure, on the things we did and the things we anticipated to do but could not, because of time,” he said.
He further stated that Buhari’s passing left a significant emotional void in his life, describing him not only as a former principal but also as a father figure, mentor, and guiding influence in his career.
Commenting on unfinished initiatives from the Buhari administration, particularly in infrastructure and national development, Mustapha acknowledged that while progress was made, more outcomes were expected.
He added that the country’s scale and the complexity of institutional processes also contributed to delays in fully achieving some long-term objectives.
