The Passing of Muhammadu Buhari at 82: A Moment to Reflect on Health, Longevity, and Nature’s Remedies

On Sunday, July 13, 2025, Muhammadu Buhari—Nigeria’s former President, both military and civilian—passed away in London at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness. While his political legacy continues to stir debate, his longevity—especially by Nigerian standards—offers us an important opportunity to reflect on health, aging, and the pursuit of a fruitful life.

At TCM Nigeria Blog, our platform was born out of a deep-seated desire to see more Nigerians live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. In a nation where average life expectancy hovers between 53 and 55 years, the passing of an octogenarian like Buhari—despite years of visible health challenges—reminds us of what is possible and what is at stake.

Why We Exist: Extending Lifespan the Natural Way

We don’t just talk about TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) here, even though that is where the name comes from. Our deeper philosophy is rooted in the belief that nature provides for the body, if only we would listen. We aim to bridge wisdom from across cultures—Chinese, African, and even Ayurvedic traditions—with a focus on holistic healing, herbs, lifestyle modification, and preventive care.

We are alarmed by how quickly we adopt practices that are not only foreign to us but also inherently destructive to health and longevity—heavily processed foods, sedentary living, over-medicalization, and disregard for stress and mental well-being. At TCM Nigeria Blog, we see this trend and feel compelled to counter it. That’s why we lean into nature’s pharmacy—the herbs, roots, and rituals our ancestors thrived on.

What Buhari’s Life Teaches Us About Aging in Nigeria

For all his faults and flaws—and there were many—Buhari’s life tells a striking story about health disparity and access to care. He was a man who frequently sought medical treatment abroad, a reality that speaks volumes about the limitations of our own healthcare infrastructure. Yet he lived to 82, nearly three decades longer than the average Nigerian male.

Should that be normal? Absolutely. Should it be rare? Never.

But to live long in Nigeria today, one must fight several enemies:

• Environmental toxins,

• Unregulated pharmaceuticals,

• Neglect of preventive healthcare,

• Rising mental stress, and

• A dangerous disconnect from traditional health wisdom.

The Earth Still Heals — If We Let It

At the heart of what we do at TCM Nigeria Blog is a very simple belief: our bodies were designed to heal. What if we honored our immune systems more? What if we respected sleep? What if we trusted bitter leaves, not just bitter pills?

We have explored numerous African and Chinese herbal protocols for:

• Cardiovascular health,

• Liver detox,

• Prostate balance,

• Cognitive clarity, and

• Reproductive vitality.

And we continue to document and rediscover the rich knowledge of Traditional African Medicine, passed down by herbalists, midwives, and diviners—knowledge being lost to time and modern skepticism.

Conclusion: 82 Should Not Be Exceptional

As Nigeria mourns the death of Muhammadu Buhari, we at TCM Nigeria Blog see this as a moment for national reflection—not just on his political era but on what a good, long life should mean for every Nigerian.

We remain committed to our mission: to raise awareness, advocate for natural healing, and push the boundaries of life expectancy in Nigeria. Eighty-two should not be exceptional. It should be normal—if we return to the wisdom of the earth, honor the body as sacred, and resist the urge to sacrifice our health for modernity’s false promises.

May Buhari’s soul find peace.
May the rest of us find health.