A pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Jamila Muhammad, has passed away in the holy city of Makkah during the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary of the Plateau State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr. Daiyabu Dauda, confirmed her death.
He expressed deep condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, describing her passing as a sad loss not only to her immediate family but also to the entire contingent from the state.
By Dorcas Jonah
Mr Isaac Aregbesola, a senior editor with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has announced the death of his wife, Mrs Wumi Aregbesola.
Aregbesola in a statement said his wife, 52, died on Friday.
The editor described his late wife as a pillar of strength, support, and a source of inspiration to her family, friends, and colleagues.
“Her kind-hearted nature, compassion, and generosity touched the lives of countless individuals, making her an exceptional woman who will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
”Throughout her life, she demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to humanity service,” he said.
Describing her as a God-fearing woman, a great manager of resources, and a devoted wife, Aregbesola said his late wife’s life was a testament to humility, kindness, and enduring service.
He notes that Wumi was a seasoned accountant and entrepreneur who impacted positively on the lives of everyone who came across her.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)
Edited by Kayode Olaitan
Mrs. Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has died under circumstances that have sparked serious suspicion and controversy.
Popularly known as Madam Sabificate, Shimite allegedly died of poisoning on Easter Sunday. Family sources told SaharaReporters that her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been arrested by the police following allegations that he poisoned her. Witnesses claimed she was foaming at the mouth before her death.
The late adviser reportedly passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was rushed for emergency treatment.
Shimite, who contested the Oshimili North constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly during the 2023 PDP primaries, had previously served as the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency during Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration.
She was also the Group President/CEO of the Quintessential Group—a conglomerate comprising NGOs, social enterprises, and companies operating in agriculture and solid minerals.
A family member, who requested anonymity, told SaharaReporters that Shimite was in good health just a day before her death.
I spoke with her for over an hour on Saturday. She was vibrant and told me about a meeting she had earlier attended. Nothing was wrong with her,” the source said. “On Sunday, I sent her Easter messages, but she didn’t reply—which was unusual.”
According to the source, the family’s alarm was raised when Shimite’s maid called her elder brother, expressing concern that the husband had locked Shimite in the house all day.
“Her brother rushed over and found her inside the house with foam already coming out of her mouth. He took her to the hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. The police were immediately called and arrested her husband.”
Family members allege that Shimite’s husband had isolated her from loved ones and tightly controlled her movements.
“Since he came into her life, he cut everyone off. Her brother couldn’t even visit. He wouldn’t let her go to the office. He was always trailing her. Even the name on all her properties in Abuja and elsewhere was changed to his name. We believe she was manipulated—hypnotised even,” a family source said.
“If she were not hypnotised, which woman with her right senses would do such? What kind of love is that your husband would follow you everywhere you went, and you wouldn’t see anything wrong with that? Your husband would lock you in and not allow you to go to the office?
“Anytime you tell Shimite about certain things, she would tell you, ‘Don’t worry, my husband is a pastor. He’s my spiritual father. He sees everything.’ It’s very unfortunate Shimite had to learn the hard way. How could a special adviser to a governor just die like that?”
Sources close to the family described Pastor David as “overprotective” and “jealous,” and suggested he was intimidated by Shimite’s prominence and beauty.
“The man had nothing before meeting her. He only came to drain her. It’s heartbreaking.”
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful, as his mobile line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Shimite’s body has been deposited in the mortuary as police investigations into her death continue. (SaharaReporters)
By Sylvester Udemezue
1. Admitted to the largest Bar in Africa in 1991, Okey I. Anichebe was the first lawyer to come from Umulokpa Town, just as Christopher Alexander Sapara Williams was the first lawyer in Nigeria. Accordingly, Okey Anichebe was a pioneer of the legal profession in Umulokpa
2. He had opened the door and led the way for Umulokpa’s entry into the law profession; we then followed the path he opened, into the legal profession, a peregrination we do not regret.
3. Learned senior, Okey was a top-notch in Zenith Bank’s Legal Department.
4. I must say that unknown to many, Mr Okey Anichebe had contributed a lot to my growth in one special way: just as our views and opinions are different in the same way our faces are different, we enrich our reservoir of knowledge and wisdom when we are treated to different sides of every arguments and issues. On a great deal of a lot of issues, Mr Anichebe and I held different opinions – i. e., disagreed, yes, we did – which I think was normal because being on different sides of discussions gave me an opportunity to learn a lot; holding different opinions encouraged me to consistently and persistently be on research and objective verification of all information available to me, and of all my positions on every and all such subjects, all towards, in search of, and in promotion of, truth. Such consistent efforts at research and verification increased the horizons of my knowledge and wisdom which wouldn’t have been possible if I did not have someone who never agreed with me nor ever believed in me.
5. Truth is, speaking generally, there’s hardly anything anyone can learn from anyone else who always agrees with one, but from one with whom one always disagree. A philosopher once said that “The greatest learning comes from those who challenge your assumptions”. Thus, he who has learned to disagree without being disagreeable has discovered the most valuable secret of a diplomat. As Linus Pauling put it, “The only way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas….”. Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate. Great leaders are those who can cut through argument, debate and doubt, to offer a solution everybody can understand. Accordingly, as Robert Jones Jr. wrote, _*”We can disagree and still love each other unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and right to exist.”*_ Thank you, learned senior, sir; you’ve played your part according to your convictions. Unfortunately, death struck without notice to cut short a huge voice. Sad!
6. An unfortunate, sudden death! Death is a certainty, an inevitable realization, the only thing that we know will befall us. Indeed, just like birth, aging and sickness, death too is an inescapable reality of life. This emphasizes its certainty and undeniable nature, and encourages people to cherish life by acknowledging that death will eventually end the life we live. However, as Laura Bohannan’s said, _”We all owe life a death, an inevitable death which we can meet. But the unnecessary death that wastes life denies all consolation.”_ In my opinion, the present death is a huge tragedy to us all – tragic to Enugu-na-Uwani, to Akiyi-Umulokpa, to Uzo-Uwani, to Enugu State, and to Nigeria. We have lost a notable figure. Unfortunate!
7. *Dear Mr Okey I. Anichebe, LL.M, Barrister and Solicitor of Supreme Court of Nigeria,* I would miss my elder brother and a great lawyer. Sir, rest in peace in the Lord’s exalted bosom. Amen🙏
Respectfully,
§¢µð𝓮̂𝓶𝓮̂𝔃µ𝓮̂
(Sylvester Udemezue (udems),
Legal Adviser,
Akiyi-Umulokpa Town Union (ATU).
(02 April 2025)
Flowerbudnews
Nigeria’s immediate past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola has commiserated with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako.
The mother of the Minister died on Wednesday night, March 5, 2025 at the age of 95, according to a statement by Dr Salako.
Reacting to the death, Ambassador Isola in a statement titled “The Passing of a devout mother in Ramadan” said, “On behalf of myself and my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to my dear brother, Dr Iziaq Salako (the Minister of State for Health) and the entire family on the death of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Alhaja Fadilat Anike Salako, at the ripe age of 95.
“Coming in the holy month of Ramadan, the timing of her death is a clear proof that Mama was a favoured devotee of Allah.
“This because we Muslims believe that any committed and
sincere Muslim that dies during the holy month of Ramadan will have his or her sins forgiven and granted Aljannah firdaus by Allah.
“A devout Muslim mother, Alhaja Salako lived her life in accordance with the precepts of Islam, her faith and had a positive influence on her family and community in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State.”
By Flowerbudnews
The death toll from the tanker explosion at the Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has increaseed to 23, following the deaths of two additional victims who had been receiving treatment in the hospital.
Franklin Agbakoba, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Enugu State Command, confirmed the latest fatalities on Tuesday in Enugu. He stated that two female victims—one at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, and another at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu—succumbed to their injuries after battling for about a week.
The deadly incident occurred on January 25, at approximately 11:30 a.m., when a fuel-laden tanker suffered a brake failure, overturned, and exploded. The inferno engulfed multiple vehicles, killing 11 people instantly before emergency responders could arrive.
The situation worsened in the days that followed:
January 26: The death toll rose to 18.
January 29: The number of fatalities increased to 21.
February 5: The latest update brings the toll to 23.
Following the explosion, emergency personnel, including FRSC officers and the Enugu State Fire Service, swiftly responded to the scene.
The fire was eventually extinguished, and the bodies of the deceased were evacuated, while injured survivors were rushed to major hospitals in Enugu.
According to Agbakoba, five victims were initially admitted to UNTH:
One succumbed to injuries at the end of January.
Another remains hospitalized.
Three victims from the same family were discharged against medical advice and opted for traditional treatment at home.
At the ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu:
Three female victims remain hospitalized.
Two patients were referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital due to severe burns.
At the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu:
One of the three victims admitted six days ago has died.
Two remain in critical condition.
They were later joined by another victim referred from ESUTH.
Agbakoba had previously disclosed that the tragic accident involved 44 individuals, as well as 16 vehicles (both commercial and private) and a commercial tricycle.
In total: 23 people have now lost their lives (8 males and 15 females).
Another 23 sustained injuries and were treated across three major government hospitals:
UNTH Ituku-Ozalla
ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane
National Orthopaedic Hospital, Enugu.
The rising death toll underscores the severity of burn injuries and the urgent need for improved emergency response and medical facilities in Nigeria. Authorities have continued investigations into the accident, with calls for stricter safety regulations for fuel tankers to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
By Flowerbudnews
The death toll in the tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen from 18 to 21 people as recently confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, told newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday that an additional two males and one female died in the hospital.
It would be recalled that the incident, which happened on Saturday, Jan.25, at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded, left 11 road users dead before emergency responders came to the scene.
The deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service extinguished the inferno while the injured were taken to hospitals in Enugu for treatment.
The sector commander said the additional three people could not make it due to the severe body and burn injuries they sustained.
Agbakoba disclosed that recent harmonised statistics revealed that the incident involved 44 people as well as 16 vehicles (both commercial and private) and a commercial tricycle.
He said that 23 persons, which included eight males and 15 females, were injured.
The sector commander noted that the injured victims were taken to ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu and UNTH Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla in the outskirt of Enugu metropolis.
He said that nine victims of the incident, which included three males and six females, admitted had been discharged, while 11 victims, which included three males and eight females, are still on admission.
Agbakoba, who is also a Corps Commander, said: “For now, traffic have been diverted to the inward Enugu-bound lane of the ever busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.
“We have continued evacuation of burnt vehicles in the scene of the accident,” he said.
The Nigerian immediate-past High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji-Isola, has lamented the recent death of Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, saying it has left a void that would be difficult to fill.
Hon. Onanuga, alias “Ijaya” who died on Wednesday, 15 January, 2025, was the Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives and Member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency of Ogun State.
Ambassador Isola, in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday, said her “sudden passing at the age of 59 has sent shockwaves throughout the political community of Ogun State.
He said it had left a void that would be difficult to fill.
“Her demise is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
“As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman, we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the many initiatives she championed.
“Death is an inevitable and universal human experience that marks the end of a person’s life. It’s a profound and complex phenomenon that can evoke a wide range of emotions, from sadness and grief to reflection and celebration.
“Death can also be a transformative experience that shapes the lives of those who are left behind, often prompting us to re-evaluate our priorities, values, and relationships.
“Rt. Hon. (Otunba) Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, affectionately known as Ijaya, was a trailblazing politician who left an indelible mark on the lives of her family, constituents, and the Nigerian political landscape.
“As the Deputy Chief Whip of the 10th Nigerian House of Representatives and Member representing Ikenne/Sagamu/Remo North Federal Constituency, Ijaya demonstrated unwavering dedication, passion, and commitment to public service.
“Throughout her illustrious career, Ijaya championed the causes of her constituents, advocating for their rights, interests, and well-being. Her leadership, vision, and collaborative spirit earned her the respect and admiration of her peers, colleagues, and the community at large.
“Ijaya’s sudden passing at the age of 59 has sent shockwaves throughout the political community of Ogun State, leaving a void that would be difficult to fill. Her demise is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
“As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary woman, we take comfort in the knowledge that her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched and the many initiatives she championed.
“My family and I extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, colleagues, and constituents. May her remarkable legacy continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for excellence in public service. Rest in peace, Ijaya,” he said.
Former First Lady of Delta State, Edna Ibru, nee Park, has died in London, UK.
Edna was the wife of Chief Felix Ibru, who was the first civilian governor of Delta State.
Her death was confirmed in a statement released by her son, Paul.
“Our amazing mother passed into glory on Wednesday 15, January, 2025 after a brief illness.
“Until her death, she was full of life and we never expected her to leave us so soon but we cannot question the will of God in her precious life.
“She was a lover of people, a mediator, a mother to many, outrageously humorous, deeply caring, down to earth, full of stories all of the time, and we will miss her very dearly,” the statement read.
Ibru won the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant in 1964 and became the first Nigerian/African to represent Nigeria at Miss Universe.
Her burial arrangement would be confirmed by the family at a later date.