Category: Obituaries

KANO, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Kano State Governor and Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran broadcaster and media administrator, Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, Kwankwaso described the late Getso as a distinguished public servant whose contributions to broadcasting and media development left an enduring legacy in Kano State.

According to the former governor, Getso served with distinction as Managing Director of Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV) and Managing Director of Radio Kano during his administration.

“A seasoned broadcaster and accomplished media professional, his immense contributions to public communication, media development and the overall progress of Kano State will be remembered for generations,” Kwankwaso said.

He noted that the deceased played a significant role in strengthening public information dissemination and advancing the growth of state-owned media institutions.

Kwankwaso extended his condolences to the family of the late media executive, the people of Getso in Gwarzo Local Government Area, the government and people of Kano State, and members of the media community.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of Getso in Gwarzo Local Government, the entire Kano State and the broader media community on this profound loss,” he said.

The former governor prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and comfort for those mourning his passing.

“May Allah grant him eternal rest in Al-Jannah and grant his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss,” Kwankwaso added.

The death of Alhaji Adamu Ibrahim Getso marks the end of a distinguished career in public broadcasting and media administration, during which he contributed significantly to the development of information and communication services in Kano State.

KEBBI, Nigeria (NPA) — Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has led a high-powered delegation to Zuru, Kebbi State, to commiserate with the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad Mika’ilu, over the death of Hajiya Hajara Hussaini, popularly known as Innar Manir.

The governor also extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, describing her passing as a significant loss to her family, the people of Kebbi State and the wider North-West region.

In a statement on Monday, Aliyu expressed sadness over the demise of Hajiya Hussaini and urged the bereaved family to take solace in the will of Almighty Allah.

“Her demise is a significant loss to her family, the people of Kebbi State and our wider region,” the governor said.

“As we submit to the will of Almighty Allah, we pray that He, in His infinite mercy, forgives her shortcomings, grants her eternal repose in Aljannatul Firdaus and comforts all those she left behind.”

Aliyu also prayed for continued unity and cordial relations among the people of the region.

“May Allah strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between our people and reward the deceased with His boundless mercy. Ameen,” he added.

The visit underscored the longstanding relationship between the governments and people of Sokoto and Kebbi states.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, on Wednesday, joined Catholic faithful, religious leaders and dignitaries in paying final respects to the late Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Abakaliki, Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu, describing him as a courageous and principled leader who defended truth and morality throughout his ministry.

Most Rev. Chukwu, the third Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, died on April 10 and was buried in Abakaliki amid tributes from church leaders, government officials and members of the public.

Speaking during the burial ceremony, Governor Nwifuru said the late bishop remained steadfast in his commitment to justice, accountability and spiritual leadership, even in difficult times.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Dr Monday Uzor, the governor described the deceased cleric as a man who spoke openly on moral and societal issues without compromising his convictions.

“He never pretended to be neutral where morality and societal conscience were concerned, but carried the burden of spiritual leadership with uncommon sincerity,” Nwifuru said.

The governor noted that the late bishop distinguished himself through courage, intellectual depth and candour, adding that his style of leadership stood out in a period marked by declining moral values and growing social uncertainty.

“In an era where many leaders have chosen silence in the face of moral decline and social uncertainties, Bishop Chukwu chose the difficult path of truth,” he stated.

“He reminded society that the Church must never surrender its prophetic voice and that leadership should always be rooted in justice, accountability and the fear of God.”

Nwifuru further described the late cleric as a defender of institutional integrity and spiritual discipline who worked tirelessly to preserve the sanctity and dignity of the Church.

According to him, many of the difficult decisions taken by the bishop during his episcopal leadership were guided by his determination to protect sacred institutions from undue secular influence.

“He was deeply committed to excellence, discipline and the protection of the spiritual sanctity of the Church,” the governor added.

In his homily, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji of the Owerri Archdiocese urged Christians to reflect on the transient nature of life and remain faithful in service to God.

Archbishop Ugorji said although the death of Bishop Chukwu came as a shock to many, the late cleric had completed his earthly assignment and remained fulfilled in his calling.

Quoting Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7, he said the deceased had fought a good fight and finished his race in faith.

Also speaking during the funeral rites, the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Francis Crotty, conveyed the condolences of Pope Leo XIV to the Catholic Church in Nigeria and the Diocese of Abakaliki.

“The Holy Father mourns the death of Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu,” Crotty said.

“His Holiness Pope Leo XIV is deeply saddened by his passing. He championed the social doctrine of the Church and strengthened Catholic institutions under his watch.”

The Papal Nuncio prayed for the peaceful repose of the late bishop and encouraged the faithful to uphold the values he represented during his lifetime.

The burial attracted bishops, priests, political leaders, traditional rulers and worshippers from different parts of the country who gathered to honour the late cleric’s contributions to the Church and society.

ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (NPA) — Ebonyi State Governor Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru has formally welcomed the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) delegation to the state ahead of the funeral rites for the 3rd Catholic Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese, Late Most Rev. Peter Nworie Chukwu.

The delegation was led by the Papal Nuncio to Nigeria, Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, and included the CBCN President, Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso; Peter Cardinal Okpaleke; John Cardinal Onaiyekan; Archbishop Valerian Maduka Okeke; and the Apostolic Administrator of Abakaliki Diocese, Most Rev. Ernest Anaezichukwu Obodo, among other distinguished bishops.

In a statement personally issued by Governor Nwifuru, he described Late Bishop Peter Nworie Chukwu as “a bold, courageous, and compassionate shepherd who spoke truth to power and remained deeply committed to the welfare of his flock and society at large.”

Nwifuru noted that Ebonyi State was honoured to host Catholic faithful and church leaders from across Nigeria for the solemn occasion.

“Ebonyi State is privileged to pay final respects to a devoted servant of God whose legacy of faith, courage, and service will continue to inspire generations,” the statement concluded.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The family of beloved Nollywood actor Alexx Ekubo has confirmed his death, which trended on social media yesterday, breaking the hearts of his fans across Nigeria and around the world.

In a statement titled “From the Family of Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke” released on Wednesday, the family announced: “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke.”

According to the family, Alexx died at Evercare Hospital after complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer, following a brief but courageous battle. “Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the statement read.

Tributes from colleagues and fans dominated social media throughout the day, celebrating his talent, charisma, and contributions to Nollywood.

The family appealed for privacy during this painful period, asking for prayers for the peaceful repose of his soul and strength for all who mourn this immense loss.

Alexx Ekubo’s Nollywood career has been defined by a string of standout performances that highlight his range, screen presence and versatility. His breakthrough came with In the Cupboard (2012), where he played Tega in a role that earned him the Most Promising Actor award and marked him as one of the industry’s fast-rising talents. That same year, he featured in Weekend Getaway, portraying Andre Dikeh, a performance that won him Best Supporting Actor at the Golden Icons Academy Movie Awards and further cemented his status among Nollywood’s emerging stars.

He went on to expand his repertoire with roles that cut across social commentary and satire. In Power of 1 (2018), Ekubo played LeJit, a character centred on youth empowerment and political consciousness, showcasing his ability to handle weightier, issue-driven narratives. His performance in The Bling Lagosians (2019) further demonstrated his depth, as he portrayed Nnamdi in a sharp satire of Lagos high society, earning praise for his restrained and emotionally nuanced delivery.

Ekubo also displayed strong comedic timing in blockbuster productions such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga (2020), contributing to one of Nollywood’s highest-grossing films with a lively and memorable performance. Collectively, these roles reflect a career that spans romance, comedy, drama and social satire, reinforcing his place as one of Nollywood’s most versatile contemporary actors.

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union Commission has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae, describing him as a distinguished African statesman and committed Pan-Africanist.

In a statement issued on behalf of the commission, Chairperson of the AUC, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said Mogae would be remembered for his exemplary leadership, commitment to democratic governance and contributions to peace and development across Africa.

According to the statement, the late former president played a significant role in promoting peace efforts in South Sudan through his service as Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC), where he supported the implementation of peace agreements and encouraged dialogue and reconciliation.

“Former President Festus Mogae was a respected African statesman whose humility, integrity, and unwavering commitment to peace, democracy, and good governance inspired generations across our continent,” Youssouf stated.

“Africa has lost a distinguished leader and devoted Pan-Africanist,” he added.

The African Union Commission extended its condolences to the government and people of Botswana, as well as to the family and loved ones of the late former president.

Mogae served as President of Botswana from 1998 to 2008 and was widely recognised for overseeing economic reforms and strengthening democratic institutions in the southern African nation.

The AU prayed for the peaceful repose of his soul.