The North West Governors Forum has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as a public holiday across all seven states in the region in honour of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital.
In a press statement signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, the governors expressed profound grief over the passing of the elder statesman, describing him as “our father, our leader, and the pride of the Northwest region.”
Radda said, “The Northwest Governors Forum receives with shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of our beloved former President, General Muhammadu Buhari. He lived a life of service, integrity, and sacrifice for the betterment of Nigeria.”
He added that the declaration of a public holiday was a unanimous decision by all Northwest governors as a mark of honour and respect for the late President.
Buhari’s remains are expected to arrive in Katsina, his home state, on Tuesday at around 12 noon, with burial rites scheduled for 2pm, according to Islamic rites.
“We call on all Nigerians to join us in prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul,” Radda said.
The statement further extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the deceased, the people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.
Buhari, a retired Army General, served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1983 to 1985 and later as a democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023.
Known for his austere lifestyle and anti-corruption stance, he was one of the most influential figures in Nigeria’s post-independence history.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the country and beyond, arrangements for the state burial in Daura are underway, with dignitaries expected to attend from all parts of Nigeria and abroad.
