General News
PANDEF Mourns Former Delta Deputy Governor Benjamin Elue at 85
The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Deputy Governor of Delta State, Benjamin Elue, who died at the age of 85.
In a condolence message addressed to Delta State Governor, Sherrif Oborevwori, PANDEF’s National Chairman, Godknows Boladei Igali, described the late Elue as a distinguished statesman whose life was marked by integrity, humility, and unwavering dedication to public service.
Elue served as Deputy Governor of Delta State during the administration of James Ibori, a period PANDEF noted was pivotal in shaping political stability and advancing socio-economic development in the state and the wider Niger Delta region.
In the letter, Igali reflected on Elue’s enduring legacy, emphasizing his commitment to the growth and unity of Delta State. “Although we mourn his irreplaceable exit at this material time, we are comforted by the assurance that ‘to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord,’” he stated, offering words of faith and consolation.
The forum said Elue’s contributions to governance and community development left an indelible mark, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone. His leadership style, PANDEF added, exemplified the values of discipline, accountability, and service.
The organization extended its heartfelt condolences to Elue’s family, the people of Aniocha North Local Government Area, and the entire Delta State community, noting that his passing represents a significant loss not only to the state but to the Niger Delta at large.
As tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, associates, and community members, Benjamin Elue is being remembered as a devoted public servant whose legacy of integrity and commitment will continue to inspire future generations.
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President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former president and elder statesman Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as he celebrates his 89th birthday on March 5.
In a statement conveyed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu highlighted Obasanjo’s enduring influence in Nigeria, across Africa, and beyond. He praised the former leader for his courage and sacrifices, noting Obasanjo’s tenure as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979, when he handed over power to a civilian government, and later as the first civilian president of the Fourth Republic from 1999 to 2007.
President Tinubu also acknowledged Obasanjo’s historic contributions, including leading troops to preserve Nigeria’s unity during wartime, enduring imprisonment for speaking out against tyranny, and championing Africa’s political and economic interests.
“As Chief Obasanjo turns 89, we celebrate the zeal and wisdom he has brought to Nigeria’s development through his writings and interventions, reflecting a deep patriotism and commitment to nation-building,” the statement said.
The President prayed for continued good health, strength, and wisdom for the former president as he continues to serve the nation and humanity.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a five-member delegation to represent Nigeria at the funeral of Rev. Jesse Jackson, the renowned American civil rights leader, activist, and former presidential candidate, who passed away on February 17, 2026, in Chicago at the age of 84.
The delegation is led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and includes the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the Minister of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, the Special Presidential Envoy for Global and Pan-African Affairs, Brian Browne, and the Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
The team will deliver President Tinubu’s condolences to the Jackson family and honour the late leader’s enduring contributions to global justice and African liberation.
In a prior tribute, President Tinubu hailed Rev. Jackson “a great friend of Nigeria and Africa,” emphasizing his role as a moral voice and a formidable opponent of apartheid in South Africa. “He played a leading role in the campaign for the release of Nelson Mandela and other African National Congress leaders and was instrumental in securing international support for sanctions against the apartheid regime,” the president wrote.
The burial proceedings began on February 26 with a lying-in-state at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition in Chicago. Additional services were held in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., including a lying-in-state at the South Carolina Statehouse from March 1-5.
The events will conclude with a “People’s Celebration” at the House of Hope in Chicago on March 6, followed by a private homegoing ceremony on March 7 at the Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Iran is set to hold a multi-day farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beginning Wednesday night in the capital, Tehran, according to state media.
Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of the Islamic Propagation Council, announced that the public memorial will last three days, while details of the funeral procession will be disclosed at a later time.
Citizens will be allowed to pay their respects at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, also known as the Mosalla, starting from 10 p.m. (1830 GMT). Officials encouraged large public participation, describing the ceremony as an opportunity for Iranians to once again demonstrate unity and national presence.
Khamenei, who led Iran for decades and anchored his leadership on strong opposition to the United States and Israel, was reportedly killed on Saturday at the age of 86 in airstrikes carried out by Israeli and U.S. forces, according to Iranian state media.
His death marks a significant turning point in Iran’s political and religious leadership, with authorities yet to formally announce further details regarding succession and burial arrangements.