National

The immediate past National Chairman of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari. In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje described the late President as a disciplined leader, a patriot, and a statesman who dedicated his entire life to the service of Nigeria. He noted that Buhari’s death is a monumental loss not only to his family and the people of Katsina State, but to the entire nation. Read Also: Kano Online Media Chapel Mourns Former President Muhammadu Buhari “President Muhammadu Buhari was an embodiment of integrity, discipline, and selfless service. From his days as a military officer to his tenure as a democratically elected President, he remained committed to the unity, progress, and development of Nigeria,” the statement read. Ganduje also highlighted Buhari’s enduring legacies in anti-corruption, agricultural advancement, and national security, saying they will be remembered for generations to come. He extended condolences to the Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians, praying that Almighty Allah (SWT) grants the late President eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus. Ganduje called on Nigerians to honour the former President’s legacy by upholding the values of patriotism, honesty, and sacrifice that he stood for throughout his life.

The Kano Online Media Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has joined millions of Nigerians and the global community in mourning the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose passing in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025, marks the end of a significant era in Nigeria’s history. In a statement jointly signed on Monday by the Chapel’s Chairman and Secretary, Abubakar Abdulkadir Dangambo and Isiyaku Ahmed, respectively, the union extended its condolences to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Government and people of Katsina State, the family of the deceased, and all Nigerians on this national loss. The statement described the late President Buhari as a patriotic statesman who dedicated his life to the service of the nation. Read Also: Shettima to Bring Buhari’s Body to Nigeria – Presidency “His leadership, both as a military Head of State and later as a democratically elected President, reflected a deep commitment to national development, anti-corruption reforms, and the unity of the Nigerian state,” the Chapel noted. It also highlighted Buhari’s disciplined leadership style, modest personal lifestyle, and firm stance against corruption as enduring legacies that would continue to inspire future generations. “His humility, courage, and sense of duty set him apart as one of Africa’s most respected leaders,” the statement added. The Chapel prayed for Almighty Allah to grant the late President eternal rest in Al-Jannah Firdaus and to give the family, friends, and the entire nation the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on Sunday in London at the age of 82. In a personally signed statement titled “Tribute to a Brother, Friend, and Patriot Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR)” released from his Minna residence, General Babangida described Buhari’s death as more than just the loss of a former Head of State or two-term civilian president, but “the loss of a symbol.” Read Also: Shettima to Bring Buhari’s Body to Nigeria – Presidency “His passing today is not just the loss of a former Head of State, or a two-term civilian President,” Babangida wrote, “it is the loss of a symbol, a man whose life embodied the transition of Nigeria from the old guard to the new republic. A man who, even in retirement, remained a moral compass to many, and an example of modesty in public life.” According to Babangida, beyond the military uniform and the spotlight of public service, Buhari was a deeply spiritual individual who found solace in faith and carried himself with humility. “We may not have agreed on everything as brothers often don’t, but I never once doubted his sincerity or his patriotism,” he stated. Describing the late president as “my friend, my brother, my course mate, and a fellow soldier in the journey of nationhood,” Babangida recalled their shared experiences in the military and in service to Nigeria. “Through the years, we shared trenches and trials, dreams and disappointments, victories and moments of reflection. Our bond was forged not only by military training, but by a shared commitment to the ideals of service, discipline, and love for country,” he said. The former military ruler extended his condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha Buhari, his children and grandchildren, and the nation as a whole. He prayed that Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgives Buhari’s shortcomings, accepts his deeds, and grants him Aljannatul Firdaus.

The Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, has passed away at the age of 91. The revered Ogun State traditional ruler died on Sunday, just hours after the announcement of the death of his close ally and Nigeria’s former president, Muhammadu Buhari. Read Also: Shettima to Bring Buhari’s Body to Nigeria – Presidency Oba Adetona, one of Nigeria’s longest-reigning monarchs, was widely respected for his wisdom, influence, and enduring commitment to traditional leadership.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. after a prolonged illness. The confirmation was made in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. “President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aisha Buhari, the former president’s widow, and offered his deep condolences,” Onanuga said. Related: Former President Muhammadu Buhari dies at 82 In a mark of national honor, President Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to travel to the United Kingdom to accompany Buhari’s body back to Nigeria. “President Tinubu has also ordered Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari’s body back to Nigeria,” the statement added. Additionally, the president has ordered that all national flags be flown at half-staff as a sign of respect for the late leader. Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from January 1984 to August 1985, and later as a democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. He remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s political history.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away in London, according to a statement released by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu. In a brief message posted to his verified Twitter handle on Sunday, Shehu announced the death of the former president, stating that he died earlier in the day at a clinic in London, United Kingdom. “Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’un,” the statement began, invoking the Islamic prayer traditionally recited upon news of a death. “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” the statement concluded.

The Northwest region of Nigeria, spanning seven states (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara) across approximately 216,065 square kilometers, faces significant challenges. Once a bastion of peace and commerce, the area has been severely impacted by insecurity, affecting five out of its seven states. This shift has transformed the region from a thriving hub of trade and agriculture to one grappling with safety concerns. Read Also: Rigasa Elders Renew Demand for Local Government Creation at Constitution Review Hearing Despite its vast untapped mineral resources the region remains impoverished. Approximately 80% of the population relies on farming, pastoralism, or small-scale entrepreneurship. For almost a decade Northwest region has been ravaged by increasingly violent criminal gangs, responsible for mass abductions, farm seizures, and widespread internal displacement. This escalating violence has fueled growing instability, affecting million people. Tasks Before NWDC:The Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) must remain resolute and focused on its core objectives, unwavering in its commitment to addressing the region’s challenges. The Commission objectives include: Promoting economic development, Improving infrastructure, Enhancing social services (education, healthcare) Other are fostering regional collaboration, Addressing security challenges, encouraging investment and reducing poverty and inequality Strict adherence to these objectives will undoubtedly enhance the lives of citizens in the Northwest region. To address these issues, the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) must collaborate with stakeholders to enhance safety and stability. Foster economic growth through agriculture, commerce, and infrastructure development. Improve access to education, healthcare, and social welfare programs.By tackling these challenges, NWDC can help revitalize the region and improve the lives of its citizens There is a pressing need for the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) to engage hold public town hall stakeholder meetings across the seven states. This will enable the commission to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of ordinary citizens in the region. Media enlightenment for the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) could involve: public awareness campaigns, information dissemination on NWDC’s objectives and initiatives. Other community outreach programs, collaborations with local media outlets and new media engagement. This would help educate citizens about NWDC’s goals, progress, and impact, fostering transparency and trust. Recently, the Northwest Development Commission (NWDC) paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Kaduna State, His Excellency Senator Uba Sani, at the Government House in Kaduna. During the visit, Prof. Ma’aji highlighted the Commission’s priority areas. He emphasized NWDC’s commitment to collaborating with state governments to drive measurable progress in these key sectors. I am delighted to learn that the Commission will collaborate closely with the region’s governors to develop a comprehensive 10-year master plan aimed at driving integrated growth across the North-West. In my view, the commission’s courtesy visits to the governors, beginning with Kaduna State, are a step in the right direction. Dukawa write in from Abuja can be reached at abbahydukawa@gmail.com

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has announced that online applications for recruitment into the four paramilitary agencies, Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Federal Fire Service (FFS), and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), will commence on Monday, 14th July 2025. Secretary of the Board, Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin (retired), made this known in a statement issued Friday in Abuja on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. Read Also: Federal Government Postpones Paramilitary Recruitment Exercise He urged applicants to beware of scammers, emphasizing that the recruitment process will be seamless, transparent, and strictly merit-based, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. Additionally, the CDCFIB approved the timeline for the 2025 Promotion Exercise, which is scheduled to begin in August and conclude by November 2025.