Buhari’s son became emotional as he expressed gratitude to Tinubu for honouring his father with a dignified state funeral.

Yusuf, the son of former President Muhammadu Buhari, conveyed his appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the honour given to his late father.

He made the statement during an expanded Federal Executive Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday in Buhari’s honour.

Yusuf, who was present at the special session alongside his siblings, extended his thanks to President Tinubu and his administration for their support to his father and family.

He also acknowledged the National Assembly, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, other governors, and Nigerians for their solidarity with the grieving family.

Yusuf said, “It has shown that he (Buhari) was regarded far more than a politician, but regarded as a friend and a father. To all members of the Federal Executive Council, for the care and befitting burial accorded to our late father, we appreciate you all.

I also wish to thank the Senate President, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and all the distinguished and honorable members of the National Assembly for honoring the memory of our late father during the state burial in Daura.

Your visits, calls, and prayers symbolise a great honour to the memory of our late father, and we’re sincerely grateful for all the support and solidarity extended to the family. May Allah continue to bless us all.”

Fighting back tears, Yusuf added, “Thank you, daddy. Thank you, Daddy. Thank you, Daddy. May Allah continue to bless, provide, and protect you throughout your tenure.”

Buhari passed away on Sunday at a medical facility in London.

His remains were received by Tinubu and interred in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday.

President Bola Tinubu paid his final respects to former President Muhammadu Buhari at the burial in Daura, Katsina State, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023.

He was also the country’s military head of state between 1983 and 1985.

He died at the age of 82.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, is likely to step in to resolve a long-standing legal dispute involving a multi-billion naira, unfinished four-star airport hotel and International Conference Centre, returning it to Bi-Courtney Aviation Service Limited, the operators of Murtala Muhammed Terminal Two, after nearly two decades in contention.

A private meeting took place last Thursday between the minister, key Bi-Courtney executives, and the Managing Director of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, Olubunmi Kuku, at FAAN’s headquarters in Lagos.

Sources familiar with the meeting said the discussions focused on putting an end to the drawn-out conflict that has left the hotel and conference centre locked up.

The dispute began in 2005, when Bi-Courtney started building the hotel and conference facility on land provided by FAAN. The project later came to a halt due to disagreements over the terms of the concession.

In 2013, FAAN reportedly revoked the lease agreements given to Bi-Courtney, citing contract breaches and the firm’s failure to complete the developments within the agreed timeline.

Bi-Courtney responded by obtaining a court injunction stopping FAAN from reclaiming the sites, arguing that the delay was caused by FAAN’s lack of cooperation and support.

The company had previously expressed readiness to complete the hotel project, stating that FAAN’s conduct hindered progress.

Bi-Courtney reportedly stated, We are ready to finish the two projects, but we are completely scared of FAAN because of its antecedents. For example, we spent $2m to buy tiles and another $1.2m to airlift them for the projects, only for FAAN to frustrate us. What is more painful is that an international company that we signed agreements with on the two projects pulled out of Nigeria because of the harsh business environment.

Multiple insiders suggested the minister appeared inclined to authorize a restart of the hotel and conference centre developments. From what I gathered from the meeting, the Federal Government may allow the project to resume.

Efforts to reach the minister for comments were unsuccessful, as he did not reply to messages sent to his phone. Likewise, phone calls and texts to the spokespersons of FAAN and Bi-Courtney, Obiageli Orah and Yinka Olawuyi, respectively, went unanswered.

Aviation analyst John Ojukutu reacted positively to the move, advocating for more comprehensive concessioning in the sector. Government should have no business in the business of aviation. Anyways, if they give him back his property, I will congratulate him, and whenever they release it to him, he should then start counting his 35 years, he said.

The minister’s potential involvement could bring closure to the 19-year impasse and enable work on the hotel and conference centre to resume.

President Bola Tinubu delivered a speech during Thursday’s special federal executive council meeting at the State House in Abuja, held in honour of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Today, we gather in a moment of stillness, surrounded by the absence left behind by a leader whose presence deeply shaped our nation.

We are here to honour a man who once led this chamber, whose voice called for our best efforts, and whose convictions stood strong against the tide of opinion.

President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, former Head of State and President of Nigeria, has passed away.

He was a soldier during war, a calm figure during peace, and a citizen admired not for seeking praise, but for simply being himself.

But it was in private that his greatest strengths were clearest: he was devoted without show, just without being harsh, kind without being sentimental, reserved without being distant, and honest without deception.

His nature was consistent and his spirit steady. He moved with grace and earned the respect of those who encountered him. That inspiration remains with us.

He showed humility toward his equals, gave respectful kindness to those he led, and offered love and loyalty to those close to him. His life challenged wrong and gave shelter to what was right. His moral character gave deeper meaning to the discipline he held in public life.

Even at the end, he kept the calm dignity that marked his life. He met death with the same quiet acceptance of God’s will. This is the man Nigeria mourns today.

President Buhari lived with rare honour. He stayed upright in his values, untouched by the temptations of power, unmoved by applause, and unfazed by the loneliness that often comes with doing what is right over what is popular.

His courage was unspoken, and his integrity needed no announcement. His loyalty to the country showed in action more than words.

His path reflected that of Nigeria. Born before independence, he chose to defend the nation. In war and peace, he showed careful attention and unwavering commitment, as if he believed protecting Nigeria was his life’s purpose.

From his military years to civil service, he remained consistent. He governed the North-Eastern State, led as Head of State, and later managed the Petroleum Trust Fund with firm discipline and focus on national interests.

Still, his most lasting mark came through democracy. At a time when many doubted that change was possible, Muhammadu Buhari placed his hope in the will of Nigerians.

We stood together. With others from across political backgrounds, regions, and languages, we built a coalition that made history with Nigeria’s first true democratic transfer of power from one party to another.

When he became our party’s first elected President, he led with humility, governed with dignity, and carried the responsibilities of leadership with patience.

Those who knew him closely saw that the presidency did not change him. He remained calm in pressure, firm in challenge, humble in victory, and always cheerful in spirit.

After completing his tenure, he returned to Daura. Not to control from behind the scenes, but to live quietly, just as he always had—trusting others to move the nation forward.

President Buhari was not without flaws—no leader is—but he was a good man, a decent man, an honourable man.

His legacy will be discussed, as all legacies are, but the values he brought to public service, the strength of his character, and his incorruptible standards will be remembered. He lived entirely in service to Nigeria and with devotion to God.

Now he rests. And we must remember him not just with words, but with actions: by showing humility in power, integrity in duty, kindness in leadership, and courage in doing what is right.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2025, a grateful nation laid to rest one of its finest sons. It was a deep honour for me and Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead the funeral procession to Daura and witness his burial, which reflected the dignity he deserved.

I thank the Inter-Ministerial Committee, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, and Governor Dikko Radda, for organising a fitting State Funeral within 48 hours.

As we mourn, I extend my deepest condolences to Hajia Aisha Buhari, her children, the wider Buhari family, the government and people of Katsina State, and to everyone who knew and loved him.

We thank President Buhari’s family for giving him the strength and support to serve Nigeria for more than five decades.

We remember his contributions, reflect on his impact, and pray for peace upon his soul.

Mai Gaskiya, the People’s General, the Farmer President—your duty is complete.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannah Firdaus.

May his life continue to inspire generations of Nigerians to serve with courage, conviction, and selflessness.

President Buhari, thank you. Nigeria will remember you.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria