July 14, (THEWILL) — 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.
The announcement comes two days after Buhari died in a London hospital at about 4:30 p.m. on Sunday following a prolonged illness. He was 82.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, the governors expressed deep sorrow over the death of the former president, describing him as “a father, leader, and the pride of the Northwest region.”
“The Northwest Governors Forum received 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.
The Forum said the decision to declare a public holiday across Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States was unanimously agreed upon to allow citizens to honour and reflect on Buhari’s legacy.
“This gesture reflects the deep reverence we hold for a man who dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria and humanity,” it added.
The Forum disclosed that Buhari’s remains will be flown into Katsina on Tuesday by noon, with funeral prayers and interment scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in his hometown, Daura, in accordance with Islamic rites.
Calling on Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of Buhari’s soul, the governors urged unity during this period of national mourning.
They also extended condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the bereaved family, the Government and people of Katsina State, and all Nigerians grieving the loss of the elder statesman.
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