Lai Mohammed to Launch Book to Mark Buhari’s Posthumous Birthday

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The first posthumous birthday of former President Muhammadu Buhari will be commemorated on December 17, 2025, with the public presentation of a book written by Alhaji Lai Mohammed, who served as Minister of Information and Culture in the Buhari years, spanning 2015 to 2023.

Buhari would have turned 83, but passed away on July 13, 2025, a statement by the book launch committee said yesterday.

Entitled: “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration”, the book, according to the publisher, is an insider chronicle of governance, communication and nation-building during the Buhari era.

Scheduled to hold at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre by 10 am, Chairman of the event is Chief Bisi Akande, former Governor of Osun State, and pioneer Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Expected as Royal Father of the Day is the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar 111, leading a team of other eminent royal fathers from across the country. Besides, the wife of the departed President, Aisha Buhari, is Mother of the Day.

In the same vein, a number of eminent businessmen and industrialists will serve as chief launchers, including Dr Kesington Adebukunola Adebutu; Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Alhaji Abdusamad Rabiu; Alhaji Nasiru Danu, who is the Sardaunan Dutse; and Aare Kola Oyefeso, an accomplished entrepreneur.

Keynote Speaker at the event, according to the statement, is former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof Oladapo Afolabi,  who will speak on the topic: “Nigeria’s Unfulfilled Global Community Expectations.”

Mr Segun Adeniyi, former presidential spokesman and Chairman Editorial Board, THISDAY Newspaper, is the Book Reviewer.

Speaking on the book, Lai Mohammed, said: “It will serve both as a commemoration of President Buhari’s life and legacy, and as a reflection on the policies, programmers and values that shaped his tenure.”

 “Headlines & Soundbites: Media Moments that Defined an Administration”, according to the statement, documents the author’s stewardship of a vast and complex ministry, covering information management, cultural development, tourism promotion, and national orientation.

It also offers a unique window into how major national policies were shaped, defended and communicated, the statement pointed out.