Buhari’s Final Journey Home
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima led a host of Nigerian elites and world leaders to pay final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who was laid to rest in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
The late President’s remains, draped in the national flag, arrived from London aboard the Presidential Aircraft the same jet he used throughout his eight-year civilian tenure. Tinubu personally received the casket at the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina, shortly after 2 p.m.
Islamic Rites and Military Honours in Daura
Funeral Ceremony Details
The state funeral adhered to Islamic rites and was officiated by Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, Chief Imam of Daura. A full military guard of honour and a 21-gun salute marked the solemn occasion.
A joint team of high-ranking military officers served as pallbearers, wheeling Buhari’s casket in a slow, honourable march to the hymn, “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”
Buhari was interred at his private residence in Daura following funeral prayers at the PMB Helicopter Ground, witnessed by large crowds and dignitaries.
A National Gathering of Power and Influence
Federal and State Government Officials in Attendance
Those in attendance included:
President Tinubu and VP Shettima
Former Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Atiku Abubakar
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, multiple Senators
Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa
IGP Kayode Egbetokun
Minister of Housing Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Budget Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, among others
State Governors and Former Leaders Present
Governors from over 20 states attended, including Lagos’ Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Kano’s Abba Yusuf, and Borno’s Babagana Zulum. Former governors like Nasir El-Rufai and Yahaya Bello also paid respects.
Katsina Governor Dikko Radda led the state’s delegation, alongside his deputy and the state assembly speaker.
International and Private Sector Dignitaries Present
International Delegates
Notable international figures included:
President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
Niger Republic Prime Minister Ali Zeine
Former Nigerien President Issoufou Mahamadou
Traditional Rulers and Business Moguls
Prominent traditional rulers and business leaders also graced the ceremony:
Emir of Daura, Umar Faruq
Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero
Aliko Dangote
Sayyu Dantata
Dahiru Mangal
Tributes Pour In: “We Lost a Father, a Leader, a Patriot”
Emotional Farewells from Former Female Cabinet Members
Former Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Rabi’atu Aliyu, described Buhari as “resilient, honest, tolerant and deeply detribalised.” She said, “He was like a father to me. He believed in merit above ethnic lines.”
Sadiya Farouq, former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, said, “We lost a father, mentor, and patriot. His legacy is one Nigerians must emulate.”
Pauline Tallen, ex-Minister of Women Affairs, added, “He valued humility, simplicity, and the vanity of life. He never changed despite wielding power.”
Amaechi, Audu and Others Pay Homage
Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Transportation Minister, called it a “personal loss,” adding that Buhari was “disciplined and principled.”
Dr. Aliyu Audu, former SSA to Tinubu, said, “A bright Nigerian star has dimmed. Buhari lived modestly and served faithfully.”
A Week of National Mourning
The funeral marked the beginning of a weeklong programme of national mourning. Later on Tuesday, President Tinubu is expected to lead a Presidential Committee on a condolence visit to Buhari’s family.
