Tinubu to unveil Buhari Tribute Book at first anniversary memorial

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to join senior government officials, political leaders, members of the Buhari family and close associates in Abuja on July 13 for a special event marking one year since the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The event will feature the unveiling of a tribute book dedicated to the late former president, alongside interfaith prayers for the repose of his soul.

Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed details of the programme while speaking on behalf of the Central Planning Committee.

According to Mustapha, the anniversary event is designed to honour Buhari’s legacy and reflect on the values he upheld throughout his lifetime, particularly unity, discipline, service and national cohesion.

The tribute book, titled “Tributes and Condolences in Honour of Muhammadu Buhari,” will be formally presented during the ceremony.

Mustapha said the publication contains messages, reflections and condolences from world leaders, diplomats, senior government officials and political figures who interacted with Buhari during his years in public service.

He noted that many contributors described the late president as a leader known for discipline, simplicity, resilience and integrity.

He clarified that the book is not intended for commercial sale.

According to him, it is strictly a historical publication created to preserve memories and tributes from those who encountered Buhari, adding that copies will be distributed free of charge.

Mustapha said the event will also provide an opportunity for individuals who worked closely with Buhari to publicly share personal experiences and reflections on his life and leadership.

The gathering is expected to bring together Buhari’s family, longtime associates, former aides, friends and admirers from across Nigeria and beyond.

He expressed hope that the event would comfort those Buhari left behind while reminding Nigerians of the values he represented.

Buhari died on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.

Reflecting on his personal relationship with the late president, Mustapha described the past year as a period of deep reflection.

He said working closely with Buhari gave him the opportunity to witness both the public and private sides of the former leader.

“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 saw Buhari about a month before his death, adding that later attempts to visit him were disrupted by the sudden deterioration in his health.

Mustapha also recalled what he described as one of his most treasured memories with the former president.

“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 described Buhari as more than a former boss, saying the late president was a father figure, mentor and leader whose guidance shaped many important moments in his career.

Speaking on unfinished projects from the Buhari administration, particularly in infrastructure and national development, Mustapha acknowledged that more progress had been desired.

However, he noted that Nigeria’s size and the slow pace of institutional processes contributed to delays in delivering some long-term national projects.

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