Preparations are underway for a memorable tribute to the late President Muhammadu Buhari, as his first posthumous birthday will be marked on December 17, 2025, with the formal unveiling of a new book authored by his former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
President Buhari, who died on July 13, 2025, would have celebrated his 83rd birthday this year. The commemorative publication, titled Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration, captures Lai Mohammed’s frontline experience in government communications throughout Buhari’s administration from 2015 to 2023. The book recounts crucial moments in governance, public messaging, policy defence, and the evolving role of media in nation-building during those eight pivotal years.
The public presentation will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre at 10 a.m., with Chief Bisi Akande, CFR, elder statesman and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the APC, serving as Chairman of the occasion.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, CFR, will grace the event as the Royal Father of the Day, accompanied by an array of traditional rulers from across Nigeria. The late President’s wife, Her Excellency Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, will be honoured as Mother of the Day.
A distinguished group of business leaders is expected to lead the book launch, including Sir Dr. Kesington Adebutu, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Abdulsamad Rabiu, Alhaji Nasiru Danu (Sardaunan Dutse), and Aare Kola Oyefeso.
The keynote lecture, titled “Nigeria’s Unfulfilled Global Community Expectations,” will be delivered by former Head of Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, OON, CFR. Renowned journalist and Chairman of ThisDay Editorial Board, Mr. Segun Adeniyi, will review the book.
Reflecting on the work, Lai Mohammed said the publication is both a tribute to President Buhari’s life and a deeper exploration of the policies, programmes, and values that shaped his time in office. The book also offers an insider’s account of the challenges and triumphs involved in managing Nigeria’s information architecture, cultural policy, tourism drive, and national orientation strategies.
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