The third-day Fidau Prayer for former President Muhammadu Buhari, who died on July 13 in London, England, is to be held this morning in Daura, Katsina State.

The prayer is a time for friends and relations to gather and pray for the forgiveness of the deceased’s sins, and to seek blessings for the afterlife.

The gathering will feature recitation of the Holy Quran, prayers, and sometimes charitable acts performed on behalf of the deceased.

Buhari’s death, which has elicited varied reactions from national and global leaders, has seen thousands of sympathisers troop to his private residence in Duara to witness his state funeral on Tuesday afternoon.

President Bola Tinubu led a gathering of African leaders, high-ranking government officials, traditional rulers, political leaders, and citizens to pay final respects to the former country’s leader when he was laid to rest on July 15.

The funeral prayer, conducted according to Islamic rites by Chief Imam of Daura Sheikh Alhaji Salisu Rabiu, attracted international dignitaries including President Umaru Sissoci Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, Prime Minister of Niger Ali Lamine Zeine, and former President of Niger Issoufou Mahamadou.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accompanied Buhari’s remains from London, former vice president Yemi Osinbajo, and former vice president Atiku Abubakar were among the most prominent Nigerian leaders present.

Also in attendance was the National Assembly (NASS) leadership, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, Senator Kawu Sumaila, Senator Abdulaziz Yari, Senator Sani Bello, former Senator Abu Ibrahim, and former Senator Yariman Bakura.

Security chiefs in attendance included Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, former Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai (rtd), and former Director General of DSS Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

Federal government officials present included Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters Ibrahim Kabir Masari, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, and Arch Ahmed Dangiwa.

The delegation also includes the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari, former Minister of Communications Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, and former Attorney General and Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami.

Minister of Agriculture Senator Abubakar Kyari and Mr. Seyi Tinubu, son of President Tinubu, were among other notable attendees.

The ceremony was attended by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum Chairman and Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, alongside governors from multiple states, including Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule, Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Others are Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Cross River State Governor Bassey Edet Otu. Former governors in attendance included Ibrahim Shehu Shema (Katsina), Ali Modu Sheriff (Borno), Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), and Yahaya Bello (Kogi).

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda led the state government’s delegation, which included Deputy Governor Faruq Lawal Jobe, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, Secretary to the State Government Barr. Abdullahi Garba Faskari and members of the State Executive Council.

Private sector leaders Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, and Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal joined other dignitaries, while traditional rulers, including Emirs of Katsina HRH Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, Daura HRH Alhaji Faruq Umar Faruq, and Kano HRH Aminu Ado Bayero were also present.

The funeral prayer held at the PMB Helicopter Ground witnessed an outpouring of emotion from citizens across the state and nation who came to bid farewell to one of Nigeria’s most influential leaders.

Prayers were offered to Almighty Allah for the forgiveness of his shortcomings and to grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, while strength and comfort were sought for the bereaved family, the people of Daura, Katsina State, and all Nigerians mourning this monumental loss.

Buhari is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was 82 years, six months, and 26 days at the time of his death.