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Tag: mourn

  • Producers mourn actress Cindy Amadi

    Producers mourn actress Cindy Amadi

    Fast rising actress, Cindy Amadi, has passed on. 

    Late Cindy played Adaora in Nigerian lesbian movie Ife.

    The producers of the movie on Thursday confirmed the Amadi’s demise in a statement on Instagram.

    According to the producers, the mother of one brought her magic to the set and changed their lives forever.

    The statement said: “We are greatly, deeply, and unbelievably saddened to learn about the passing of Cindy Amadi, who played Adaora in #ìféthemovie.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Akpabio, others mourn accounting guru Akintola Williams

    “Cindy brought her magic to our set and changed our lives forever. She was very enthusiastic about developing her craft and growing her career and continuing to showcase her talent. She was well on her way until her untimely passing.

    “We cannot begin to imagine the pain and loss her family feel right now. On behalf of our entire cast and crew, we send our deepest condolences to her family and wish them all the comfort they need at this time.

    “Rest in Peace, Cindy. Thank you for sharing your gift with us. We will always remember you and you live on in our hearts forever.’

  • Diya, NMA mourn ex-president

    FORMER Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have condoled with Nigerians on the death of former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

    General Diya, who described the late Shagari as a perfect man of love, peace, passion and ultimate concern for the plight of others, urged those at the helms of affairs to emulate his humility and sacrifice with a view to moving the nation forward.

    The former number two man also said the late Shagari’s zeal, appetite for goal and sense of nationalism, when he led Nigeria, placed Nigeria on global map and should be emulated by the current leaders.

    Diya, while condoling with President Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians, said: “The good that men do lives not only after their death, but even before such as great testimonial of the inestimable blueprint at all times.”

    The NMA described the late former President as a symbol of unity.

    Shagari died on the 28thof December 2018 following a brief illness.

    A statement by its President, Dr. Francis Adedayo Faduyile, said the former President’s tenure impacted positively on the life of Nigerians, especially in the health sector.

    He stated that Shagari instituted welfare driven policies while in government.

    The statement said: “The former President was a compassionate leader, whose tenure impacted positively on the life of Nigerians, especially in the health sector where he instituted welfare-driven policies. Above all, Shagari was a symbol of unity.

    “The NMA, therefore, joins others in extolling the leadership qualities of the former President.”

  • Jigawa, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue govs mourn

    THE Jigawa State governor, Alhaji Muhammed Badaru Abubakar has condoled President Muham-madu Buhari, the Sultan of Sokoto, the people of Nigeria and the entire Muslim Umma on the passing away of Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari. The governor described the late Shagari as a humble, gentle and patriotic leader. Badaru prayed Allah almighty to grant his gentle soul rest in Jannatul Firdausi.

    The Bauchi State Government said it received with shock the news of the death of former President. “He will be remembered for several  reasons chief among which was his forgiving heart and tolerance. He  was an unqualified democrat and lived by the tenets of his religion.A modest man.As a politician, he was even more modest giving more than he received.

    “With his passage, a data bank of statecraft is gone and a big void created that may be difficult to fill.We take solace in the Quranic pledge that ‘every soul shall taste death’.We pray to Almighty Allah to grant his family and indeed all citizens of our great country,the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss,” Ali Ali, Special Adviser to Governor said.

    Plateau State Governor, Rt Hon.  Simon Lalong, also commiserated with Shagari’s family and Governor Aminu Tambuwal. He said the late first Executive President of Nigeria was a man of rare exemplary character, who epitomized patriotism, integrity, humility and maturity, whose wise counsel will be missed by the nation.

    “I received the news of the death of former President Shehu Shagari with deep shock and sadness. He was a man of rare exemplary character who epitomized patriotism, integrity, humility and maturity. Shagari’s death has indeed robbed Nigeria of a great nationalist and uncommon elder statesman, whose wise counsel will be missed by the nation, especially in this critical epoch of her nation-building efforts,” Lalong said.

    Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom joins millions of other Nigerians in mourning Shagari’s death. Ortom described the late former President as a true patriot who worked hard for the unity of the country. He stated  that Shagari played a key role in the development of the country as its first Executive President and remained a pillar of democracy till his death. The Governor consoled members of the former President’s family in particular and the people of Sokoto State in general.

     

  • A time to mourn and a time to move on

    As this memorable year swings to a close, yours sincerely is finally able to force issues with time itself in order to gain a reprieve to properly mourn and celebrate beloved friends who fell to the grim reaper this strange and tantalising year.

    There are times when the grim necessities of life make it impossible to grieve; when the din of earthly combats make it impossible for you to send off beloved friends who have succumbed to the grim reaper, silenced and stilled forever and never to be seen again this side of human existence. Yet without proper closure, only affronted memories remain. Let the dead bury dead in the land of the quick and the dying and in the incredible and eternal commotion of coming and going.

    But there is a time to mourn and a time to move on. In life, you have to choose between growing old and witnessing untold adversities or dying young in order to be spared the cruel brutalities of human existence. Yet what will life be without the cultivation of deep friendship and unusual affection!!

    Some of these personalities are so mutually hostile and incompatible; so incredibly suspicious of each other that only a person who is himself a vast ensemble of human possibilities can play host to them all and at the same time. This is what is known as a gift for friendship and life will be a meaningless and chaotic farce without it.

    These were the thoughts that preyed on snooper’s mind as the columnist churned his way through the vehicular hell of the notorious Ife-Ibadan Road as one made his way back to Lagos from the rural and bucolic beauty of Ifewara this last Friday after honouring Business mogul, High Chief and Baba Oba of Ifewara, Oladele Fajemirokun, the son of the fetching and immensely personable good old Henry himself. Making good his promise last year after he was installed as the Baba Oba of Ifewara, Chief Fajemirokun was back in Ifewara to dedicate a set of buildings to his ancient paternal ancestors two days ago.

    Almost fifty years after first meeting in cloudy circumstances ( You can guess what that means) at the iconic University of Ife, the Baba Oba of Ifewara still wakes snooper up in the dead of the night with a string of imprecations which often sends his beloved wife giggling and laughing with delight. Snooper often replies in kind with invectives from the deep forests of Osun.

    And almost fifty years after, the notorious Ife-Ibadan road was still consuming its grisly menu of human diet. If one were to take an audit of the great and potentially great people, particularly staff and students of the university that have perished on this road, what an endless cortege of shame and misery would it have been!!

    Among the first batch to be dispatched in 1973 was Onome Ibru, the son of the late business mogul, Pa Michael Ibru. Handsome and dashing like a Greek deity, Onome was returning to Ife to check his first year result when he had an accident on the road. Valiantly and brilliantly, the late celebrated Professor Julius Odeku was said to have drilled a hole through his skull to suck out blood to no avail.

    A year after in 1974, one of Onome’s pall bearers and cousin, Leke Adenuga, aka Sexy Leks, broke his spine in an accident on the Kano highway while returning as a serving corper to watch the Ali-Foreman fight. He died a few days later as his father, Dr Adenuga, made strenuous attempts to evacuate him abroad.

    In 1983, it was the turn of Dele’s old roommate at Ife, Colonel Michael Alaiyemola. A military genius who was a captain at twenty two and with a fetching Citroen car (MO1) to match, Mike would often announce in the dead of the night and after a protracted bout of drinking that he was headed for his Mopa homestead. Nobody could stop him. He was commanding the military cantonment in Ojoo when he died in his sleep. This past Monday, snooper was with Rotimi, his widow, at the annual remembrance get together for J.K Randle organized by his son, Bashorun J.K Randle.

    Early this year, it was the turn of Chief Isola Filani, an old power broker and PDP chieftain. Although belonging to different political persuasions and ideological spectrum, this did not disturb our friendship. When he complained after what was clearly a botched operation, we had advised him to seek medical restitution abroad. He never returned.

    Although Isola, could become choleric and temperamental when infracted, he was as generous and as kind-hearted as they come. Snooper remembers with pleasure the three wonderful nights Isola spent with him in the village a few years ago with his childhood friend, Moyo Ogundipe.

    At dawn, the two Ekiti rustics would start parading the streets of the village in their loincloths like their pristine ancestors soaking up the splendours of rural bliss. Whenever snooper remonstrated, Isola would ask him to shut up, sternly warning him that if older men were keeping his company, he should learn how not to abuse the honour and generosity. Now, they are both gone. And so has Colonel Gabriel Adetunji Ajayi, a much decorated combatant officer, bosom friend and former reporting colleague at the Nigerian Tribune, who never quite survived his military ordeal.

    Finally a few months back, yours sincerely sat sandwiched between the inseparable duo of Pastor Seye Ladapo and High Chief Ope Bademosi at the early morning prayers for Dr Adewale Adeoyo, iconic publisher and man of exquisite taste, on the occasion of his seventieth birthday. The banter was infectious. A few weeks later, Seye collapsed and died while Ope was murdered on the day of Seye’s funeral. Ondo town is still mourning the loss of its illustrious sons. May the soul of all the departed rest in eternal bliss.

  • NBA, group mourn Kutigi

    The judicial pronouncements of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) the late Idris Kutigi will remain reference points for future generations, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Paul Usoro (SAN), has said.

    Justice Kutigi, who died on October 21, aged 79, was Niger State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice before becoming a high court judge.

    Usoro, in a statement, said Kutigi’s death has robbed Nigeria of one of its icons.

    “This is a loss, not just to the Nigerian judiciary or even the legal profession, but a loss to Nigeria, as a nation, and it comes at a crucial time when strong and respected voices need to be heard in defense of our national ethos such as the rule of law, democracy, Nigerian unity and oneness as a nation, respect for the fundamental rights of our people and much more,” NBA president said.

    A human rights group, the Access to Justice, said the late Kutigi served Nigeria and the Judiciary inspirationally and faithfully.

    A statement by its Convener Joseph Otteh reads: “It was him who promulgated, in 2009, the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) (FREP) Rules (2009) that is currently used to enforce fundamental rights in our courts.

    “The FREP Rules fundamentally changed the landscape of enforcing constitutional rights in Nigeria.

    “It simplified fundamental rights litigation, made it speedier, and created a separate, inexpensive filing-cost regime for human rights cases, thus ensuring that poverty was, as far as human rights cases go, not a significant barrier to access to justice.

    “The Rules also direct courts to ensure that international norms of human rights are applied in the resolution of domestic human rights claims.

    “Hon. Justice Kutigi’s legacy will live on, not only in the tremendous contributions he made to national development but also in the FREP Rules.

    “No narrative of the struggle for judicial activism in the protection of constitutional rights in Nigeria can be authentic or complete without a mention of his prodigious contribution to it.”

     

  • President, Okowa, Ibori mourn Dafinone, Okogwu

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and ex-Governor James Ibori have sent condolences to the family of the late Senator David Dafinone, a Second Republic legislator, who represented Bendel South in former Bendel State.

    Buhari, Okowa and Ibori also joined the business community in mourning the passing of renowned entrepreneur and philanthropist, Ojise of Asaba, Chief Sunny Okogwu.

    Buhari, in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, commiserated with the government and people of Delta State, Dafinone’s business associates and friends.

    He assured them the senator, who was a renowned chartered accountant, lived a life of service to God and the nation.

    He hailed the senator’s disposition to serve the Federal Government whenever he was called upon, while always promoting democratic values and culture among his people.

    Buhari prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed and comfort his family.

    The President sent condolences to family and friends of Ojise of Asaba, whose love and care for the poor and downtrodden remains historical, especially in Kaduna, where he spent most of his life.

    In a separate statement, the President also recommended to other Nigerians the detribalised and cosmopolitan outlook of Okogwu, who, he said, developed strong and meaningful relationships outside his roots, and graciously invested in the transformation of many lives.

    Buhari believed Okogwu’s business acumen also reflected in his large-heartedness as he contributed generously to communities’ growth across the country.

    The President prayed that the chief would find eternal rest in the bosom of the Lord.

    He urged his family to carry on with the legacies of the iconic businessman.

    Okowa commiserated with the Asagba-In-Council and the people of Asaba over the demise of Okogwu.

    The governor’s condolence was contained in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Aniagwu yesterday in Asaba.

    He said the deceased spent his entire life in the service of humanity, especially by helping the underprivileged in his native Asaba and Sabon-Gaya Community in Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State.

    Okowa said the life and times of the industrialist and philanthropist deserve to be documented for posterity.

    Ibori expressed sadness over the departure of Okogwu and Dafinone.

    The for governor, in separate statements issued by his Media Assistant, Tony Eluemunor, described the two men as exceptional, leaving indelible legacies in the lives of Delta State and its various peoples.

    He said: “Chief Okogwu was indeed one of my sureties and he offered his Ship House as a bond to meet my bail conditions. His fragrant memory will always linger in my mind. May God grant him eternal rest.”

  • NBA, Eastern Bar, SANs mourn ‘legal giant’ Aguma

    More tributes have poured in for Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Chief Emmanuel Aguma (SAN), who died on August 10 in London. Legal Editor JOHN AUSTIN UNACHUKWU reports.

    The Judiciary is still in shock following the death of Rivers State Attorney-GeneralChief Emmanuel Aguma (SAN) on August 10 in London.

    The late Aguma was Port Harcourt Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) from 2006 to 2008. He served as Secretary between 2000 and 2002.

    A member of the NBA National Executive Committee and a Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) prosecutor, he was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) in 2015.

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike had directed that flags be flown at half-mast for two days from August 11 to mourn the late Aguma.

    The NBA, through its General Secretary Aare Isiaka Olagunju, described the late Aguma as an astute lawyer, very versatile and a complete Bar man.

    “He created a lasting impression on anyone who came across him owing to his warm reception to all. He was a key promoter of the need for discipline and sanctity within the profession.

    “It is indeed a monumental loss to Nigerian legal profession and young legal practitioners who look up to him for guidance and mentoring.

    “The President of the NBA A.B Mahmoud (SAN) expresses his heartfelt condolences to his wife Ifenyinwa, entire members of Aguma family home and abroad, members of NBA Port Harcourt branch and the people and government of Rivers State of Nigeria and entire members of the NBA on the loss of a husband, father, uncle, colleague and undoubtedly one of the brilliant minds and shinning stars of the legal profession.

    “It is our prayer that God grants his family, members of the NBA and Rivers State Government the fortitude to bear the loss,” Olagunju said.

    NBA Port Harcourt Branch, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr. Sylverster  Adaka and Secretary Mr. Tonye Sipoto-Pepple, said it received the news with utter shock and sadness.

    “We recall that before assuming office as the Attorney-General of the State and therefore the leader of the official Bar, the late learned silk served the NBA Port Harcourt Branch in various capacities. Noteworthy was his service to the Bar at different times as Branch Secretary and Chairman respectively.

    “Being one known for navigating the office of the Attorney-General and nuances of government deftly, we could not help but observe his unusual absence at recent several state functions in which the Bar was involved, the most recent being the commissioning of the newly completed National Industrial Court, Port Harcourt Division Complex and the renovation of the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division Complex.

    “Surely, he will be greatly missed by his colleagues at the Branch and we pray for the peaceful repose of his soul. We wish his wife (and our colleague), children, extended family and Rivers State Government the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the branch said.

    NBA Criminal Justice Reform Committee chairman Chief Arthur Obi Okafor (SAN) said he was deeply saddened by Aguma’s death.

    He expressed his condolence to the Rivers State Government, family, relatives and friends of his learned friend and brother.

    “Chief Aguma was an active and committed Bar man and a leading light of the NBA, especially the Port Harcourt Branch where he served as Secretary and later Chairman. He made invaluable contributions toward the unity and stability of our noble association.

    “His death is a painful loss to the people of Rivers State and the entire legal community. He will be fondly remembered as a brave and tireless promoter of justice, who served the society with boundless dedication, utmost humility and total commitment.

    “His noble service and contributions to the legal profession shall indeed be missed. I pray that the Almighty God will comfort the family and loved ones at this hour of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Obi Okafor said.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mr Paul Usoro, sympathised with the state government, the NBA and Aguma’s family “on the sad demise of their illustrious Son”

    He said: “Aguma was a quintessential gentleman who, until his sudden demise, served his people with a great sense of responsibility, passion and competence as the State Attorney- General and Commissioner for Justice.

    “His death is certainly a colossal loss, not only to his immediate family but to the people of Rivers State, and indeed the legal profession. We would sorely miss you, Brother Silk.

    “It is my fervent prayer that God accepts Hon. Aguma in paradise and rests his soul well. May God also grant his family and relations the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Adieu Emmanuel.”

    The Eastern Bar Forum (EBF), in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. George Igbikikuno, described the late Aguma as a sage and legal icon.

    It condoled with Governor Wike, the government and good people of Rivers State, and the eight NBA Branches in Rivers State.

    “The late Aguma was an epitome of absolute respect for rule of law, respect for human rights, strong stalwart of the EBF and a great, irreplaceable and irrepressible advocate.

    “The EBF will sorely miss him! We pray the Almighty God to grant the family, the EBF and Rivers State Government the fortitude to cope with this irreparable loss.

    “The Almighty God shall remember him in the resurrection. May the soul of Chief Emmanuel C. Aguma (SAN) rest in perfect peace,” EBF said.

    The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) said it received the news of Aguma’s death with a rude shock and deep sense of loss.

    “He was the beloved husband of our Country Vice-President/National President, Mrs. Inime Aguma. Until his death, he served Rivers state with an amazing sense of responsibility, passion, courage and competence.

    “He was also a philanthropist who promoted the welfare and good causes of everyone in his environment. He used his good office to ensure that the rights of women and children in Rivers state was preserved by providing free legal representation to them.

    “He also supported all the activities of FIDA Nigeria, most especially in Rivers State.

    “FIDA Nigeria mourns with his wife, our amiable CVP, his children, his mother, Rivers State government, and all his beloved ones.

    “Please stay strong and may God comfort and grant you the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. The world has lost a beautiful soul,” FIDA Nigeria said in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary Princess F. Frank-Chukwuani.

  • Nigerians mourn reggae star Ras Kimono

    The Nigerian entertainment industry is mouring the death yesterday of Reggae legend Ras Kimono.

    Kimono, 60, who passed on at the Lagoon Hospital, Ikoyi, Lagos, is survived by his wife and musician daughter Oge.

    Recounting his last moments, Kimono’s one-time manager and friend Eddy Lawani, said the musician was billed to travel to the United States but complained of being unwell on Friday.

    He was taken to a hospital in Ikeja from where he was referred to Lagoon Hospital.

    “He was in the Intensive Care Unit on Friday because he said he could not breath well.

    “But on Saturday, he was receiving visitors and friends; we were all with him. And they all joked and left.

    “This morning (Sunday), suddenly between 11am and 12pm, I think he went into some kind of situation. By 12:30pm he was pronounced dead. The post-mortem is not issued yet.”

    Famous for his rub-a-dub style, Ras Kimono was born Okeleke Elumelu Onwubuya, on May 9, 1958. He hailed from Delta State.

    Kimono released his debut album with his Massive Dread Reggae Band, ‘Under Pressure’ on Premier Music label in 1989. It was a hit.

    He started his musical career as a student of Gbenoba Secondary School, Agbor, Delta State and joined a group cJastix Reggae Ital along with Majek Fashek, Amos McRoy and Black Rice Osagie.

    Known not to shy away from political activism, Ras Kimono who said he lived as a vegetarian for 37 years, used his songs to address socio-political situations in the country.

    He released among other albums, ‘Rasta get jail’ and ‘Rhumba style’, He won many  awards including the Nigerian Music Awards, and Fame Music Awards.

    In a tribute, Copyright Society of Nigeria (COSON) “deeply regrets” the death  of a front-line member of our board, great African and great musician, the reggae toaster, the great Ras Kimono Onwubuya.”

    Senator Ben Murray Bruce, tweeted: ‘I feel so sad hearing about the death of reggae legend, Ras Kimono. He redefined the face of music and there will be none like him. He will be dearly missed.’

    Senator Dino Malaye too tweeted: ‘Death why! Why! My brother and my friend. Legend Ras Kimono rest in Peace. What a black day! What an unceremonious exit. I love you and will miss you. Sad sad sad,’ he said.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Steve Ayorinde also posted Ras Kimono’s picture on his Instagram handle, with the caption, ‘RIP Ras Kimono.’

    Media guru Taiwo Obe tweeted: ‘On Sunday, February 3, a bubbly Ras Kimono, accompanied by his first cousin, Austin, visited me to discuss a show he was going to have at the Freedom Park towards his 60th b’day later in April. We had an engaging evening. Some mins ago, @qedng broke the news of his death.’

    At the deceased 60th birthday party which took place at Times Square, Ikeja, Lagos were celebrities like Sir Shina Peters, Chief Tony Okoroji, Eddy Lawani, Daddy Showkey, Eddy Remedies, Kenny Saint Brown, Oritz Wiliki, Alariwo of Africa, Righteous Man, Bisi Olatilo and others.

    At the party, Daddy Showkey revealed how Ras Kimono made him a successful musician by giving him the chance to perform at Floating Buka and blessing his first CD at the late musician’s Omole, Lagos residence.

    After a hiatus, Kimono in 2017, returned to the music scene with a single, ‘Blessed Africa’ which critiqued the continent’s ironic poverty, despite its rich deposit of human and natural resources.

    He said: “We are in a situation where Africans are poor even though we have plenty in terms of good soil, crude oil that has become a curse to the nation,” Ras Kimono said in an interview.

    “We also have intellectuals that would prefer to take their intellects elsewhere other than Nigeria. We have musical talents that are being exploited and left in penury, our pensioners cannot eat the fruit of their labour, our schools are in horrible conditions, we have half-baked graduates who cannot complete a statement. What is really wrong with a continent that is really Blessed by God?”

  • Colleagues mourn actress Nkiruka Ugo

    Colleagues mourn actress Nkiruka Ugo

    Nollywood actress Nora Nkiruka Ugo who died at the weekend has been described by a close associate, Kabat Esosa, as “a calm, quiet girl who did her best for her craft.”

    Esosa who is obviously heartbroken by the actress’ demise recalled: “She was an actor on my set of “HUSBANDS OF LAGOS” and a friend of over a decade.”

    Esosa who broke the news on a social media forum made up of top film industry stakeholders said the late actress had battled an unknown ailment for a while.

    This was just as fellow actress Ruth Kadri recalled that the Ugo was an amiable personality.

    According to Kadri who poured out her thoughts on Instagram: “…You were that girl that made my life change. You were that girl that made me laugh a lot you where that girl that I got so mad at. You where that girl that was friend to all.”

    Although Nkiruka had been ill, Kadri said she had remained strong towards her last moments.

    “I spoke to you last week. You were the strongest sick person I know. I’m hurt by your death. My head still aches. Wish death was a thing that could be undone.” Kadri said.

    Apart from featuring in Esosa’s films, the deceased was also a regular face in the television series produced by Emeka Osai, she had featured in Chris Ekejimbe-directed musical video entitled Heavy Weight Champion by Dr. Fresh, featuring 2Face. Nkiruka is seen in the video in a red top and camouflage mini skirt.

    “OMG! @ Kris…I sent her to you,” recalled another filmmaker, Madu Chikwendu. “I know she got married few years back…She could not have died of natural causes…She should be in her mid 30s,” he said.

    Corroborating his colleagues fond memories of Nkiruka, director Kingsley Omoefe said: “Ha! Ever reliable Nora! Easy going and very friendly. Rest in peace my friend and colleague.”

    The deceased last birthday was May 24, 2017 as recorded on her Facebook account. In a ‘Feeling thankful’ mood, she shared a sultry photo, saying “a very big thanks to God Almighty for making me add yet another year to my age. Many people started the race with me but got knocked off half way…but God Almighty made me see this wonderful special day in good health and peace. What more can l say than to ascribe all honour glory and adoration to his holy name. Through Christ our Lord…..Amen…Happy Birthday SupaDupaNora……”

    Three months later, Nkiruka who may have been hit by an ailment said on August 10, 2017: “Thinking of resurrecting dat SupaDupa Nora.”

    A source told The Nation that the actress may have died of blood clot and severe fibroid.

  • Buhari, Onoghen, others mourn ex-CJN Musdapher   

    Buhari, Onoghen, others mourn ex-CJN Musdapher   

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday sent his condolences to the government and people of Jigawa State following the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Justice Dahiru Musdapher.

    Justice Musdapher died in London on Monday. He was 75.

    Buhari also commiserated with the Kano and Ringim Emirate Council, professional colleagues, family members and friends of the eminent jurist whose contributions to the structure, letter and spirit of the nation’s constitution and legal practice “will always be remembered and greatly appreciated by generations.”

    A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Femi Adesina, praised the mediatory and conciliatory leadership roles the former CJN played, serving as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State, Chief Judge, Kano State Judiciary, Justice, Court of Appeal and Justice, Supreme Court of Nigeria.

    Chief Justice of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen said  Justice Musdapher died in a London Hospital on Monday and directed that the national flag at the Supreme Court and his (CJN’s) official residence in the Three Arms Zone of Abuja be flown at half-mast immediately

    Justice Musdapher was the CJN from August 29, 2011 – July 16, 2012.

    The CJN’s Media aide, Awassam Bassey, in a statement, said Justice Onnoghen directed that flags in all judicial institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC) and all courts of records, be flown at half-mast.

    ”The National Judicial Service Council (NJSC) was directed to send memos to all heads of courts to ensure compliance by all jurisdictions across the country.

    “The Hon. Chief Justice prays for the peaceful repose of Justice Musdapher and urges God to grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) also mourned Justice Musdapher.

    It said: “While the death of the late Justice Musdapher is a sad and painful loss to the family; his home state, Jigawa; the country’s judicial community and indeed the entire nation, we should take solace in the fact that he lived impactful life.

    “Many who were close to the erudite jurist fondly described him as an avid reader who loved Nigeria and had a passion for the job.

    “Aside his distinguished service to the country as the 13th CJN, the Party recall his exemplary service as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Kaduna State; Chief Judge of Kano State Judiciary and Justice, Court of Appeal, among other important appointments.

    “A staunch proponent for judicial reforms in the country, the late Musdapher was a frontline bastion for the entrenchment of constitutional democracy in the country. Indeed, his transition marks the exit of a great legal icon and an astute adjudicator.

    “The APC offers deep condolences and pray the Almighty Allah grant his deserving soul eternal rest and the family the strength to bear the loss.”

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal also condoled with Justice Musdapher’s family.

    In a message by his spokesman Imam Imam, the governor said the deceased made invaluable contributions to the development of the legal profession.

    Tambuwal said: “He was jurist’s jurist. He was a man of distinction and impeccable character. His life is an example in dedication and commitment to legal ethos, norms and values.

    “In work or in retirement, Justice Musdapher exemplified all that was good and commendable about the legal profession. In the service of truth, justice and fairness, he made his mark.

    ”The thoughts and prayers of the people of Sokoto State are with the Musdapher family especially at this very difficult moment of grief.

    “While we join you to mourn his painful departure, we are certain that you will find consolation in the fact that he had lived a worthy life, and stood as beacon of service, religious devotion and community leadership.

    “Nigeria will remember him as a man who gave his best towards the development of the country. His contributions have enriched legal jurisprudence. He has played his part well, and we pray to Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest.”

    Justice Musdapher was born a member of the Bani Ya’muusa clan in Babura Town in Babura Local Government Area of Jigawa State.