Supported targets: Ubuntu 22.04 and 24.04. The update-motd.d framework ships built-in via base-files and pam_motd. Other distros use different mechanisms.

Install the rendering tools

sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y figlet lolcat fortune cowsay

Create the MOTD script

sudo nano /etc/update-motd.d/99-motd

Add the script

#!/bin/bash
/usr/bin/figlet <your-banner-text> | /usr/games/lolcat -f
echo "Welcome back, $USER!"
echo "========================================"
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo "System $(uname -a | awk '{print $1, $3}')"
echo "========================================"
/usr/games/fortune | /usr/games/cowsay -f tux | /usr/games/lolcat -f

Make it executable

sudo chmod +x /etc/update-motd.d/99-motd

Preview without logging out

run-parts /etc/update-motd.d/

Disable a stock MOTD fragment by removing its executable bit: sudo chmod -x /etc/update-motd.d/10-help-text. Files run in lexical order, so a 99- prefix runs last.

References: