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Buhari: Tribute to a life of dedication
By Aminu Garko, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
The quiet town of Daura in Katsina State played host to the nation’s political elite on Tuesday as it bid farewell to its most accomplished son, Muhammadu Buhari, the nation’s immediate past president, ex-military Head of State, and retired Major-General.
The city hosted the nation’s political gladiators led by President Bola Tinubu, business moguls, top military brass, both serving and retired diplomats to pay their last respect to the late president.
The list of dignitaries also included Vice-President Kashim Shettima, former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau, and Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine of Niger Republic.
Other notable attendees include Service Chiefs, industrial leaders, former governors, a representative of the President of Chad, Islamic clerics, and other prominent personalities from within and outside Nigeria.
Buhari died at a London clinic on Sunday at the age of 82 after a protracted illness according to a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu.
The announcement of the death of the erstwhile president came as a rude shock to many Nigerians as it was earlier said that he was recuperating.
Buhari’s remarkable journey in Nigeria’s political landscape began on July 29, 1975, when he was appointed Governor of the North-Eastern State.
On Feb. 3, 1976 the North Eastern State was split into Bauchi, Borno and Gongola and Buhari was appointed the first governor of Borno before his tenure was cut short by the coup that ousted Gen. Murtala Mohammed.
He later appointed Federal Commissioner for Petroleum and Natural Resources by the Olusegun Obasanjo-led junta and oversaw the establishment of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) the most prominent player in Nigeria’s oil industry.
As a military leader, General Buhari demonstrated exceptional courage and strategic prowess, notably repelling Chadian troops from Nigerian territory during his tenure as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3rd Division in Jos.
As Head of State (1984-1985), he showcased his leadership abilities. Later, as Chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), he managed the fund judiciously, addressing infrastructural deficiencies and providing medical support services.
In 2015, on the ticket of All Progressives Congress (APC), Buhari emerged victorious in the presidential election after several attempts, having anchored his campaign on tough stance against corruption.
He relinquished power to Incumbent Bola Tinubu after reaching the ceiling of two tenures of eight years.
A true patriot and nationalist, President Buhari’s legacy is marked by discipline, capable leadership, honesty, and integrity.
His passing leaves a void, but his impact on Nigeria’s history remains profound.
Among those who paid tribute to the fallen hero was retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida who toppled his regime in 1985.
“I’m deeply saddened by the sudden demise of my friend, brother, course mate, and fellow soldier.
“We shared a bond forged by military training and a commitment to service, discipline, and love for Nigeria.
“From our early days at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna, Muhammadu stood out – quiet yet resolute, principled yet humble, deeply patriotic, and fiercely loyal.
“We shared experiences, dreams, and disappointments, but he remained consistent in his belief in integrity, order, and dignity of public office,’’ the retired military president said.
According to him, as a leader, Buhari served the nation with every sense of responsibility and unwavering commitment.
Beyond the public glare, I knew him as a deeply spiritual man, humble and guided by faith.
“Though we may not have agreed on everything, I never doubted his sincerity or patriotism.
“His passing is not just the loss of a former Head of State or President, but a symbol of Nigeria’s transition from the old guard to the new republic,’’ Babangida said.
Similarly, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, also a former military Head of State, described the late Buhari as a great patriot and statesman who greatly contributed to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development.
Abubakar, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Monday that: “from God we came, and to Him we shall all return”.
He said that Buhari would be greatly missed by his family, friends, and indeed all Nigerians, and prayed for God’s repose of his soul.
“The death of President Buhari is a painful one, but who are we to question the will of Almighty Allah? We have lost an honest, sincere leader and a patriotic Nigerian at this critical time.
“May Allah forgive his shortcomings and give the family and indeed all Nigerians the strength to bear this loss,” Abubakar said.
He underscored Buhari’s efforts in fighting corruption during both his military and civilian administrations as well as implementing measures that significantly impacted Nigeria’s political and economic trajectories.
He praised Buhari as a detribalised Nigerian, consensus builder, and selfless leader who worked tirelessly to maintain the country’s unity.
Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, describes late Buhari as a great patriot and statesman who significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development.
Similarly, Sen. Sani Musa expressed grief and shock over Buhari’s death, describing him as a great leader who leveraged his vast experience to serve the nation.
“Buhari’s life is widely regarded as exemplary and worthy of emulation,” Musa said.
Musa commended Buhari’s life as exemplary, marked by patriotism, good works, humility, and dedication to public service.
He highlights Buhari’s efforts in instilling discipline and combating corruption, adding that they left a lasting impact on Nigeria.
The lawmaker described him as a patriot, bridge-builder, and exceptional public servant who lived a modest life.
The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Sen. David Mark, expressed sadness over Buhari’s death, describing his legacy of selfless service as unparalleled.
“It’s sad that President Buhari passed away at this critical time, but we’re consoled that his legacy of keeping the nation united will endure,” Mark said.
Mark said Nigeria has lost a hero, an uncommon patriot, and a selfless leader who gave his all for the nation’s good.
He highlighted Buhari’s love for the country, especially its unity, as his greatest sacrifice.
If used please credit the writer and News Agency of Nigeria
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Kano Line Resuscitation Committee Chairman Felicitates Gov. Abba Kabir Yusuf on Third-Year in Office
The Chairman of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee, Alh. Saidu Abdullahi Shu’aibu, has congratulated the Executive Governor of Kano State, His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, on the occasion of his third year anniversary in office.
In a congratulatory message, Alh. Saidu Abdullahi Shuaibu described the administration of Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf as purposeful, people-oriented and committed to restoring the lost glory of Kano State across various sectors.
He particularly commended the Governor for his unwavering support and commitment toward the revitalization of Kano Line, nothing that the ongoing reforms and investment in the transportation sector have rekindled hope among workers and the people of the state.
According to him, the efforts of the present administration in improving infrastructure, enhancing public transportation, empowering youths, supporting education, healthcare and promoting economic growth have continued to earn the confidence and support of the people in line with the “Kano First Agenda”.
Alh. Saidu Abdullahi Shuaibu further prayed for Almaighty Allah continued guidance, wisdom and protection upon Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf as he continues to steer the affairs of Kano State toward greater development and prosperity.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kano Line Resuscitation Committee to support the administration’s vision of transforming the transportation sector for the benefit of the people of Kano State.
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The Civil Society – Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN) has organized a two-day capacity-building workshop for stakeholders in Kano State on the use of the National Nutrition Budget Tracking System (NNBTS).
The training, held at Tahir Guest Palace, brought together key actors in the health and nutrition sector to enhance accountability and strengthen nutrition financing across the state.
During a presentation titled “Overview of Nutrition Financing in Nigeria: State Trend Analysis Review”, CS-SUNN official Jibrin Okpaji stressed that government interventions at all levels are vital for tackling malnutrition and its associated challenges.
Okpaji noted that sustained investment in nutrition is essential for improving public health and reducing preventable deaths among vulnerable populations.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to acquire the technical expertise to effectively use the NNBTS, which would bolster advocacy for increased budgetary allocations and promote transparency in resource management.
Abdulrahman Abdullahi, Secretary of CS-SUNN Katsina State Chapter, described the NNBTS platform as a key tool for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and accountability in nutrition programs.
The training featured live demonstrations of the portal, practical exercises on data entry and reporting, and the generation of scorecards, analytical reports, and policy briefs using sample data.
Participants also developed state-level implementation frameworks and action plans for the effective adoption of the system.
In his goodwill message, CS-SUNN Kano Coordinator Salman Mohammad urged participants to fully utilize the training to achieve its objectives.
Stakeholders described the workshop as timely and crucial for strengthening nutrition governance and improving coordination among actors in Nigeria’s nutrition ecosystem under initiatives led by CS-SUNN and its partners.
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Families in Kano State have turned out in large numbers to participate in a digital birth registration exercise organised by the National Population Commission (NPC) in partnership with UNICEF.
The initiative, supported by the Government of the Netherlands and implemented in collaboration with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and ALGON, aims to provide legal identity for children, particularly in hard-to-reach and underserved communities.
Speaking during an exercise in Wasarde Birgima community, Joda Ward, Gabasawa Local Government Area, Abba Hussaini, focal person for Under-One Birth registration, described the turnout as “highly encouraging.
“Over 626 children were registered in the community alone, adding that the target for the area is 1,100 and 12,000 for the entire local government,” he explained.
Hussaini commended UNICEF for technical support, training of personnel, and provision of registration equipment, and highlighted the role of traditional and religious leaders in mobilizing families.
Also speaking, Bashir Aminu Dambazau of NPC said the digital system has simplified registration by enabling instant issuance of birth certificates, improving data management, and ensuring children are documented immediately.
He explained that the digital registration system is helping to improve documentation and data management while ensuring that children receive certificates immediately after registration.
Hussaina Ahmad, 20, who brought her eight-month-old daughter, Aisha, after missing the previous exercise in September 2025, said that she was only two weeks into motherhood then.
According to Hussaina, her husband, a commercial motorcycle operator, learned about the exercise from the village head and informed her.
“I don’t know my own birth date and I want my children to have an identity from the start.” She said
She explained that the registration was essential for school enrollment and other future benefits.
“I didn’t attend school, and neither did my parents, but I want my child to go to school and become influential in the community. Every child deserves this,” she added.
Hussaina noted that she would return to her community to educate other parents about the importance of early registration, praising the organisations bringing the service closer to families.
Similarly, 19-year-old Kaltume Ali of Unguwar Tsakiya brought her four-month-old son, Musa, said community awareness campaigns helped her realise that children without birth certificates often face barriers to healthcare, education, social protection, and other opportunities.
“My husband first heard about the registration from the village head and encouraged me to enrol our child. Neither of us has a national identity card, but we were told we could use his brother’s NIMC card. I don’t want my only son to miss out on opportunities,” she said.
Also participating was 20-year-old Asmau Sagir of Unguwar Yamma, who brought her seven-month-old son, Abdulrahman , said birth registration to safeguard children’s identity and future.
Sagir noted that digital registration helps families avoid challenges later, particularly with school enrollment and access to government services.
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