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FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI PASSES AWAY IN LONDON CLINIC

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has passed away at the age of 82 in a clinic in London, United Kingdom. The news of his demise was announced by his former spokesperson, Garba Shehu, in a statement on Sunday. Former Spokesperson, Garba Shehu said, “The family of the former president has announced the passing on of the former president, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, this afternoon in a clinic in London. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.” Garba Shehu’s statement brought the sad news to Nigerians and the international community. Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, had been battling an undisclosed ailment and was receiving treatment at the London hospital. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming hours, as tributes begin to pour in from across Nigeria. Garba Shehu’s announcement has sparked an outpouring of condolences, with many paying tribute to Buhari’s leadership and legacy. The former president’s passing marks the end of an era in Nigerian politics, and his contributions to the country’s development will be remembered for generations to come. As the nation mourns the loss of this iconic leader, Garba Shehu’s words will continue to resonate, as Nigerians pray for the repose of Buhari’s soul. May Allah grant him Aljannatul Firdaus, Amin.

FORMER SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AGUNWA ANAEKWE, DIES AT 68

Agunwa Anaekwe, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in Nigeria’s Third Republic, has passed away at the age of 68. Anakwe died on Saturday, July 5, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, on Monday. Anaekwe led the House of Representatives at 36 under the interim civilian administration of Chief Ernest Shonekan in 1992. He served until November 17, 1993, when General Sani Abacha dissolved the democratic structures following the annulment of the June 12 presidential election won by MKO Abiola. During his tenure, Anakwe was known for his wisdom, composure, and ability to maintain stability in the House. Former Anambra State Governor, Chris Ngige, who was a close friend and trusted political ally of Anaekwe, paid tribute to the late Speaker. “He steered the House with a lot of dexterity, wisdom, and patience,” Ngige said. “His death has left a very big void, difficult to fill because of the dearth of principled, accountable, and truthful persons in the murky and dirty waters of Nigerian politics.” Ngige also recalled Anaekwe’s support during his tenure as governor, particularly in challenging entrenched political godfathers and restoring civil service functionality in Anambra State. “As Governor, he stood with me in the fight to behead the god-fathers that held Anambra hostage under Gov. Mbadinuju resulting in ‘years of the locusts’ situation with unpaid salaries and gratuities for workers, teachers resulting in closure of schools for one academic session; a situation we quickly reversed with restoration of payment of salaries and gratuities as and when due,” he said. The family has yet to issue an official statement regarding Anaekwe’s passing. However, Ngige’s tribute highlights the impact of Anaekwe’s leadership and legacy on Nigerian politics.

FORMER SUPER EAGLES GOALKEEPER PETER RUFAI REPORTED DEAD AT 61

Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has reportedly passed away at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness. Rufai, fondly known as “Dodomayana,” was a celebrated goalkeeper who played a key role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s. Rufai’s career spanned two decades, during which he played club football across Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain. He represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups and two Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments, earning admiration for his agility, leadership, and passion for the game. Tributes have been pouring in for Rufai from fans, teammates, and football bodies around the world, remembering him not just as a formidable goalkeeper but as a national hero who inspired generations. His passing comes on a particularly tragic day for global football, as news also broke of the death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota, who reportedly died in a car crash in Spain earlier on Thursday, alongside his brother. Rufai’s legacy will live on, and he will be remembered as one of the finest goalkeepers Nigeria has ever produced. His contributions to Nigerian football will never be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed by fans and fellow footballers alike.

LIVERPOOL STAR DIOGO JOTA AND BROTHER DIE IN CAR CRASH JUST DAYS AFTER WEDDING

Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, have tragically passed away in a car accident in Spain. The incident occurred on Thursday morning in the province of Zamora, where the vehicle they were traveling in caught fire after leaving the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking. Jota, 28, had married his long-term girlfriend, Rute Cardoso, just five days ago on June 28 is not confirmed but reports say he got married 2 weeks before the incident, with the exact date being June 22. The Portuguese footballer was known for his exceptional skills on the field, scoring 65 goals and providing 26 assists in 182 appearances for Liverpool. “Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota. Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss,” the club said in a statement. The Portuguese Football Federation also paid tribute to Jota, describing him as “an extraordinary person, respected by all teammates and opponents, someone with a contagious joy and a reference within his own community.” The federation has requested a minute of silence before Portugal’s match against Spain in the Women’s European Championship. FC Porto, where Jota began his career, expressed their shock and sorrow, saying, “É com choque e profundo pesar que enviamos as sentidas condolências à família e amigos do Diogo Jota e irmão André Silva, que também foi nosso atleta nos escalões de formação” (“It is with shock and deep sorrow that we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva, who was also our athlete in the youth ranks”).

PROMINENT KANO BUSINESSMAN AND PHILANTHROPIST ALHAJI AMINU DANTATA PASSES AWAY AT 94

Renowned Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, has passed away at the age of 94. His death was confirmed by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Abdullahi Junaid, in a heartfelt Facebook post on Saturday. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of our beloved father, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata,” Junaid wrote. “May Allah grant him Jannatul Firdaus and forgive his shortcomings. The Janazah details will be shared later, insha Allah.” Born on May 19, 1931, Dantata was a respected industrialist and key player in Nigeria’s private sector growth. He founded Express Petroleum & Gas Company Ltd and played a pivotal role in establishing Jaiz Bank, Nigeria’s first non-interest financial institution. Dantata was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes in education, healthcare, and community development. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the country, with many praising his wisdom, humility, and life of service. As news of his passing spreads, Nigerians are mourning the loss of a true elder statesman who made significant contributions to the nation’s economic and social development.

APC CHIEFTAIN JESUTEGA ONOKPASA DIES AT 49

A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Jesutega Onokpasa, has passed away. He died on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 49. The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained. Onokpasa’s demise was announced by a pro-APC crusader, Okezie Atani, on his X account on Tuesday, June 10. “We lost Barr. Jesutega Onokpasa. May his soul rest in peace,” Atani wrote. Onokpasa was a well-known lawyer, political commentator, and staunch supporter of President Bola Tinubu. He gained national attention for his fiery defenses of the administration on TV. One notable appearance was in October 2023, during a heated on-air exchange with Arise Television presenter Rufai Oseni, where he fiercely defended Tinubu’s policies. However, in a surprising turn, Onokpasa recently declared that he would no longer support Tinubu in the 2027 elections, citing worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and what he described as Tinubu’s disregard for loyal party supporters. Onokpasa served as a member of the APC’s Presidential Campaign Council in 2023 and was also part of the party’s Publicity Committee. He is survived by his wife and children.

NIGERIAN BOXING LEGEND OBISIA NWANKPA DIES AT 75

Obisia Nwankpa, a renowned Nigerian boxer and former national coach, has passed away at the age of 75. He died in the early hours of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, after battling dementia and other health issues. Nwankpa’s illustrious career spanned over four decades, during which he represented Nigeria at the 1972 Munich Olympics and won multiple titles, including gold medals at the 1973 All-Africa Games in Lagos and the 1974 British Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. He was also a Nigerian Lightweight Champion, African Boxing Union Lightweight Champion, and Commonwealth Lightweight Champion. As a professional boxer, Nwankpa had a shot at the World Boxing Council (WBC) light-welterweight title but lost to American champion Saoul Mamby. He fought in 29 professional bouts, winning 23 and losing six. After retiring from boxing, Nwankpa transitioned into coaching and led the Nigerian boxing team to the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. His contributions to Nigerian boxing have been immense, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come. Rafiu Ladipo, President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, described Nwankpa’s death as a “big blow” to the boxing community. “This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” Ladipo said. Nwankpa’s body has been moved to a mortuary, and funeral arrangements are pending. The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control has expressed its willingness to work with the family to ensure a befitting burial. Nwankpa’s death marks another significant loss for Nigerian sports, following the passing of football legend Christian Chukwu and rising boxing star Segun Olarenwaju, who died in the ring in Ghana.

LORETTA SWIT, BELOVED ‘M.A.S.H.’ ACTRESS, DIES AT 87

Loretta Swit, the talented actress who brought to life the iconic character of Maj. Margaret Houlihan in the hit TV series “M.A.S.H.,” has passed away at the age of 87. Swit won two Emmy Awards for her portrayal of the demanding head nurse of a behind-the-lines surgical unit during the Korean War. Swit’s publicist, Harlan Boll, confirmed that she died on Friday at her home in New York City, likely due to natural causes. Swit was best known for her role in “M.A.S.H.,” which aired for 11 seasons from 1972 to 1983 and became a cultural phenomenon. The show was based on Robert Altman’s 1970 film, which was itself based on a novel by Richard Hooker. Swit’s character, Maj. Houlihan, was initially portrayed as a one-dimensional, rules-bound head nurse, but Swit’s influence on the scriptwriters helped to develop the character into a more nuanced and realistic person. “Around the second or third year, I decided to try to play her as a real person, in an intelligent fashion, even if it meant hurting the jokes,” Swit told Suzy Kalter, author of “The Complete Book of ‘M.A.S.H.’” Alan Alda, Swit’s co-star and friend, praised her talent and dedication to the show. “She worked hard in showing the writing staff how they could turn the character from a one-joke sexist stereotype into a real person — with real feelings and ambitions,” Alda said in a post on X. Swit’s legacy extends beyond her iconic role in “M.A.S.H.” She was a vocal animal welfare activist and sold SwitHeart perfume and her memoir through her official website, with proceeds benefiting various animal-related nonprofit groups. “Loretta Swit’s portrayal of Margaret ‘Hot Lips’ Houlihan was groundbreaking — bringing heart, humor, and strength to one of television comedy’s most enduring roles,” National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson said in a statement.

RENOWNED KENYAN WRITER NGŨGĨ WA THIONG’O PASSES AWAY AT 87

Acclaimed Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o has died at the age of 87. His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ, announced his passing on Facebook, writing, “It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dad, Ngugi wa Thiong’o, this Wednesday morning. He lived a full life, fought a good fight.” Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o was a celebrated author, playwright, and academic known for exploring the troubled legacy of colonialism in his works. Born in 1938 while Kenya was under British colonial rule, Ngũgĩ was one of 28 children born to a father with four wives. His experiences during the Mau Mau uprising, which saw tens of thousands of people imprisoned, abused, and tortured, heavily influenced his writing. One of his most notable works is the novel “Weep Not, Child,” published in 1964, just a year after Kenya gained independence. The book tells the story of Njoroge, the first in his family to attend school, and how his life is affected by the turmoil surrounding him. Ngũgĩ’s writing often dealt with themes of resistance, identity, and social justice. As a lecturer at Nairobi University, Ngũgĩ advocated for a shift in focus towards African literature, questioning why African literature couldn’t be at the center of studies. His activism and writing led to his arrest and imprisonment in 1977 for co-authoring a play written in Gikuyu, “I Will Marry When I Want.” This experience led him to decide to write in his native language, Gikuyu, from then on. Ngũgĩ’s son, Mukoma Wa Ngũgĩ, paid tribute to his father, saying, “I am me because of him in so many ways, as his child, scholar, and writer. I love him – I am not sure what tomorrow will bring without him here. I think that is all I have to say for now.” Throughout his life, Ngũgĩ received numerous accolades and nominations, including being a perennial contender for the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was also nominated for the International Booker Prize in 2021 for his novel-in-verse, “The Perfect Nine,” making him the first author to be nominated for their own translation. Ngũgĩ’s legacy extends beyond his writing. He leaves behind nine children, four of whom are authors: Tee Ngũgĩ, Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ, Nducu wa Ngũgĩ, and Wanjiku wa Ngũgĩ. His daughter’s post hints at the profound impact he had on those who knew him, and his body of work will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations. “Resistance is the best way of keeping alive,” Ngũgĩ said in an interview with the Guardian in 2018. “It can take even the smallest form of saying no to injustice. If you really think you’re right, you stick to your beliefs, and they help you to survive.”

SEBASTIÃO SALGADO, RENOWNED BRAZILIAN PHOTOGRAPHER, DIES AT 81

Sebastião Salgado, the acclaimed Brazilian photographer and environmentalist, has passed away at the age of 81. The news was confirmed by Instituto Terra, the organization founded by Salgado and his wife, Lélia Wanick Salgado. While the exact circumstances and location of his death are unclear, it is known that Salgado had been battling various health issues for many years after contracting malaria in the 1990s. “Sebastião was more than one of the best photographers of our time,” Instituto Terra said in a statement. “His lens revealed the world and its contradictions; his life, the power of transformative action.” The organization pledged to continue honoring his legacy, “cultivating the land, the justice, and the beauty that he so deeply believed could be restored.” Salgado’s remarkable career spanned decades, with notable works including “Amazonia,” “Workers,” and “Exodus” (also known as “Migrations” or “Sahel”). His photography style, marked by striking black-and-white imagery and emotionally charged scenarios, often highlighted the plight of impoverished communities. The French Academy of Fine Arts, of which Salgado was a member, also confirmed his passing. Salgado’s life and work were featured in the documentary film “The Salt of the Earth” (2014), co-directed by Wim Wenders and his son, Juliano Ribeiro Salgado. Throughout his career, Salgado received numerous awards and honors, including being elected an honorary member of the Academy of Arts and Sciences in the United States in 1992 and the French Academy of Fine Arts in 2016. He is survived by his wife, Lélia, and their sons, Juliano and Rodrigo.