As Nigeria continues to mourn the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, his children and grandchildren have offered intimate reflections on the man behind the statesman.
In an emotional interview with the BBC Hausa Service, members of the late president’s family shared never-before-heard stories that painted a portrait of Buhari’s private life — marked by humour, discipline, and a deep commitment to integrity.
Hadiza Muhammadu Buhari, fondly known as Nana, one of his daughters, recalled a moment from her childhood that left a lasting impact. “I remember when we were little, there was a time he gave me money to buy textbooks. After buying the books, I used the remaining change to buy sweets,” she said.
“When I got home and told him, he was very upset. He said, ‘Don’t ever use what is not yours.’ That stayed with me forever.”
The family described Buhari as a man of few words but firm values — one who lived simply and expected honesty from everyone, especially his children. His grandchildren spoke of his calm presence, playful side, and quiet strength.
“He may have been a president, but at home, he was Baba — our guide and example,” one of his grandsons added.
These personal stories add a deeper layer to the national mourning, revealing that the man many knew as Nigeria’s former president was, first and foremost, a principled father and grandfather who left behind not just a political legacy, but a moral one.
