The Northwest Governors Forum has declared Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a public holiday across all seven states in the region to honour the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in a hospital in the United Kingdom.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda. The governors described Buhari’s passing as a “colossal loss to Nigeria,” expressing profound grief over the demise of the elder statesman.
“The Northwest Governors Forum receives with shock and deep sorrow the news of the passing of our beloved former President, General Muhammadu Buhari, who breathed his last yesterday at a hospital in the United Kingdom,” the statement read.
Governor Radda paid tribute to the former president, describing him as “a father, leader, and the pride of the Northwest region,” whose life was marked by selfless service, integrity, and patriotic devotion to Nigeria.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Former President Muhammadu Buhari Dies In London
As a mark of respect, all seven states in the Northwest geopolitical zone—Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara—will observe a work-free day on Tuesday. Radda said the gesture would allow citizens to pay their final respects to the late president.
“This gesture reflects the deep reverence we hold for a man who dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria and humanity,” he said.
According to the statement, the remains of Buhari will be flown to Katsina, his hometown, by noon on Tuesday, with burial prayers and interment scheduled for 2:00 PM in accordance with Islamic rites.
The Forum also urged Nigerians to offer prayers for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul and called for unity in this time of national mourning.
READ ALSO: Awujale Of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, Dies After 64 Years On The Throne
On behalf of the Forum, Governor Radda extended condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the bereaved Buhari family, the Government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning the loss.
“May Allah (SWT) grant him Aljanah Firdaus and give his family, friends, and the entire nation the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” he concluded.
President Muhammadu Buhari, 81, was Nigeria’s democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023, and earlier served as military Head of State from 1983 to 1985. His decades-long presence in Nigeria’s political landscape earned him a place as one of the most influential figures in the country’s modern history.