Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has paid glowing tribute to Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a leader whose greatest legacy lies not in the numerous positions he held in public service but in the enduring values of integrity, patriotism, humility and absolute trust in those who worked with him.
Mohammed made the remarks in Abuja during an event marking the first anniversary of Buhari’s passing, where political associates, former government officials, friends and admirers gathered to celebrate the life and contributions of the late Nigerian leader.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Strategic Communication in the Lai Mohammed Media Office, Nnamdi Atupulazi, the former minister reflected on his close working relationship with Buhari during the nearly eight years he served as the administration’s spokesman.
He noted that Buhari consistently exhibited exceptional confidence in his ministers and aides, allowing them to carry out their responsibilities without unnecessary interference while providing the support needed to succeed.
Mohammed described the late president as a man whose leadership style was anchored on honesty, compassion and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
According to him, Buhari’s public service journey was remarkable not because of the many offices he occupied, as a military officer, military Head of State, democratically elected President and elder statesman, but because of the principles that guided him throughout his life.
“President Buhari’s life was defined not merely by the many positions he occupied but by the values he represented. Beyond his impressive military and political credentials were the qualities that truly distinguished him: his unwavering patriotism, unquestionable integrity, disarming humility, honesty and, above all, his profound humanity,” Mohammed said.
The former minister recounted several moments during his tenure in government that, he said, reflected Buhari’s confidence in those who served under him.
He explained that despite the politically sensitive nature of his role as Minister of Information and Culture, Buhari never attempted to micromanage his work or dictate how he should carry out his responsibilities.
Instead, Mohammed said the late president trusted him completely to communicate government policies and respond to national issues, even during periods of intense political criticism and public scrutiny.
According to him, such confidence inspired loyalty among members of the administration and strengthened their resolve to serve the country diligently.
Mohammed also praised Buhari’s personal character, describing him as a leader who remained humble despite occupying some of the highest offices in Nigeria’s history.
He said Buhari maintained a simple lifestyle and consistently placed national interest above personal or political considerations.
The former minister further noted that Buhari’s honesty and transparency earned him the respect of many Nigerians and members of the international community, adding that these qualities would continue to define his place in the country’s history.
He urged Nigerians, particularly younger generations, to remember the late president not only for the policies implemented during his administration but also for the moral values he exemplified throughout his lifetime.
According to Mohammed, the greatest honour that can be paid to Buhari is for leaders at all levels to embrace integrity, accountability, patriotism and selfless service in the discharge of their duties.
He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to have worked closely with Buhari, describing the experience as one of the greatest privileges of his public service career.
Mohammed said the lessons he learned from the former president’s leadership would continue to guide him long after Buhari’s passing.
The commemorative event featured reflections on Buhari’s decades of service to Nigeria, with participants remembering his contributions to governance, national unity and democratic development.
The gathering also served as an opportunity for associates and admirers to celebrate the former president’s enduring legacy, with many describing him as a disciplined leader whose commitment to public service left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.
As tributes continue to pour in one year after Buhari’s death, Mohammed maintained that history would remember the former president less for the offices he held and more for the values of integrity, patriotism, humility and humanity that shaped his life and leadership.
