Nigeria has officially bid farewell to President Muhammadu Buhari in a ceremony filled with emotion, reflection, and symbolism. After eight years at the helm of Africa’s most populous nation, Buhari was honoured with a final salute as he handed over the reins of power. The event drew attendance from top government officials, military leaders, and a cross-section of Nigerians who gathered to witness the end of a defining chapter in the country’s democratic history.
Buhari, a former military head of state who made a return as a civilian president in 2015, leaves behind a mixed legacy. His administration championed anti-corruption reforms and invested heavily in infrastructure, especially in transportation and agriculture. However, critics have pointed to growing insecurity, economic struggles, and perceived lapses in uniting the diverse nation as areas where his leadership fell short.
The farewell was not without emotion, as many reflected on Buhari’s austere style and his reputation for personal integrity. For supporters, he was a steady hand in turbulent times; for others, a leader whose government failed to meet the high hopes placed on it. Either way, his departure marks the end of an era that reshaped Nigeria’s political discourse.
As the country welcomes a new administration, Buhari’s final salute serves as a reminder of the weight of leadership and the complex expectations that come with it. The moment offered a chance for both closure and anticipation, as Nigerians look ahead to a future defined by new promises and the enduring challenges of nation-building.
