Preparations are underway for a major national event to mark the first posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025.
The commemoration will centre on the public presentation of a new book by former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
The book, titled: “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration”, will be unveiled on December 17, 2025, the day Buhari would have turned 83.
The launch is scheduled to take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, beginning at 10 a.m.
Described as an insider’s account of governance, communication strategy and nation-building during the Buhari presidency (2015–2023), the work chronicles Mohammed’s stewardship of the Information and Culture Ministry, and offers rare insights into how key policies were framed, defended and communicated to Nigerians.
The event will draw an impressive array of political leaders, traditional rulers, top industrialists and policy thinkers.
Former Osun State Governor and pioneer APC Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, (CFR), will chair the occasion.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, (CFR), will serve as Royal Father of the Day, accompanied by a delegation of eminent traditional rulers from across the country.
Former First Lady, A’isha Buhari will attend as ‘Mother of the Day,’ representing the family of the Late president.
A powerful group of business magnates will lead the book launch as chief launchers. They include: Sir Kesington Adebutu, (GCON); Alhaji Aliko Ɗangote, (GCON); Alhaji AbdulSamad Rabiu, (CFR), (CON); Alhaji Nasiru Danu, OFR, the Sardaunan Dutse, and renowned entrepreneur, Aare Kola Oyefeso.
The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, OON, (CFR), former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, speaking on the theme: “Nigeria’s Unfulfilled Global Community Expectations”.
Renowned journalist, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, Chairman, Editorial Board of ThisDay newspaper and former presidential spokesman, will review the book.
Reflecting on the work, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (CON) said the publication is both a tribute to President Buhari’s life and legacy and a thoughtful exploration of the policies and values that shaped his eight years in office.
“It will serve both as a commemoration of President Buhari’s life and legacy, and as a reflection on the policies, programmes and values that shaped his tenure”, he noted.
The Book Launch Committee said the event is expected to be a major moment of national reflection on the Buhari years and the communication architecture that guided his administration.
