On July 17, 2025, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) convened a special session at the Presidential Villa in Abuja to pay tribute to former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82 in a London hospital. The session, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, was a solemn gathering of Nigeria’s top political figures, including National Assembly leaders, FEC members, representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and members of Buhari’s family, who came together to reflect on the late leader’s legacy of service and integrity.
The FEC meeting, originally scheduled for 1:00 p.m., was rescheduled to 5:27 p.m. to accommodate the state funeral held earlier that day in Daura, Katsina State, Buhari’s hometown. President Tinubu opened the session with a heartfelt address, describing Buhari as a leader who embodied restraint, dignity, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right. He highlighted Buhari’s personal qualities, noting his respectful demeanor toward colleagues, kindness to subordinates, and devotion to his family. Tinubu remarked that even in his final moments, Buhari maintained the serene composure that defined his life, passing quietly without complaint. He extended condolences to Buhari’s widow, Aisha, their children, the broader Buhari family, and the people of Katsina State, acknowledging the late president’s over five decades of public service.
The session saw emotional tributes from various attendees, including ministers and aides who served under Buhari during his tenure as military head of state from 1983 to 1985 and as a two-term democratically elected president from 2015 to 2023. They shared personal anecdotes that underscored Buhari’s discipline, simplicity, and dedication to Nigeria’s progress. A particularly poignant moment came when Yusuf Muhammadu Buhari, the late president’s son, delivered the final tribute on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude for the nation’s outpouring of support and reflecting on his father’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s unity and development.
The special FEC session followed a series of national mourning activities, including the third-day Islamic prayer held in Daura earlier that day, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima. The prayer, attended by thousands, was a testament to Buhari’s widespread respect among Nigerians, particularly in his home state. The FEC meeting also served as a prelude to additional commemorative events, with a special prayer session planned for July 18 at the National Mosque in Abuja and an interdenominational church service scheduled for July 20 to further honor Buhari’s memory.
In a significant gesture, President Tinubu announced during the session that the University of Maiduguri would be renamed in honor of Buhari, recognizing his contributions to education and national development. This decision was met with approval from attendees, who saw it as a fitting tribute to a leader whose tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and address economic challenges.
The FEC session was not only a moment of reflection but also a recognition of Buhari’s role in shaping modern Nigeria. His leadership, often characterized by a quiet resolve and a focus on anti-corruption and security reforms, left an indelible mark on the nation. The tributes offered during the session painted a picture of a man who, despite the complexities of governing a diverse nation, remained steadfast in his principles and commitment to public service.
As Nigeria continues to mourn, the FEC session underscored the collective gratitude of a nation for Buhari’s decades of service. The planned religious ceremonies and the renaming of the University of Maiduguri ensure that his legacy will endure, both in the hearts of Nigerians and in the institutions he helped shape.
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