Northwest Governors Declare Tuesday Public Holiday to Honour Late President Buhari

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 passed away on Sunday at a hospital in the United Kingdom.

In a statement released Monday, the Forum’s Chairman and Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda, expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the elder statesman, describing it as a monumental loss to the nation.

“The Northwest Governors Forum received with profound shock and grief the news of the passing of our beloved former President, General Muhammadu Buhari, who died yesterday in a hospital in the United Kingdom,” the statement read.

Radda described Buhari as a father figure, a visionary leader, and a symbol of pride for the Northwest region. He lauded the former president’s life of selfless service, steadfast integrity, and patriotic commitment.

As a mark of respect, the Forum unanimously agreed to observe a public holiday on Tuesday across Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States to allow citizens to pay their final respects.

“This gesture reflects the deep reverence we hold for a man who dedicated his entire life to serving Nigeria and humanity,” Radda added.

According to the statement, Buhari’s remains will be flown to his hometown of Katsina by noon on Tuesday. Burial prayers and interment will take place at 2:00 p.m. in line with Islamic rites.

The Forum also called on Nigerians to pray for the peaceful repose of the former president’s soul and to find unity in collective mourning.