African Journalist Obituaries & current Events (2024)

13/10/2024

Gov Radda Attends Funeral of Goggo Dubu and Brothers Wife Pays Condolence to Hassan Makera Family*

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, joins a gathering of sympathizers at the funeral rites of his cousin, Hajiya Halima popularly addressed as Goggo Dubu, in Katsina.

The Governor participated in the funeral prayers and subsequently escorted the body of the deceased to her final resting place at Rimin Badawa graveyard.

The Governor described the late Goggo Dubu as a caring mother and symbol of peace in the community. She was survived by four children and her elderly mother.

Earlier Governor Radda was in his home town to join other relatives and sympathisers perform the funeral prayers of his brothers wife Hajiya Halima Sabiu who passed on this morning.

The deceased was the wife of Malam Sada Umaru Radda.

The rites was performed at the Governor's residence in Radda. He prayed Allah to grant the deceased Aljanatul Firdausi.

In a separate event, Governor Radda after attending the Isah Kaita College of Education convocation ceremony in Dutsin ma, went on a condolence visit to the family of Late Nagoggo Hassan Makera.

The Governor was accompanied by some government functionaries, including the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Usman Abba Jaye, the Executive Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Kabir Magaji Gafiya, and the Chairman of the Teachers Service Board, Mohamed Sada Mohamed.

During his visit, Governor Radda offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive Nagoggo Hassan Makera and grant the bereaved family the strength to bear their loss.

*Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed*
*Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State*

*12th October, 2024*

11/10/2024

VP Shettima Condoles With NNPCL GCEO, Mele Kyari Over Daughter’s Death

Vice President Kashim Shettima has condoled with the family of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Malam Mele Kyari, over the loss of his daughter, Fatima Kyari.

Aged 25, the late Fatima passed away on Friday.

VP Shettima, who prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Fatima, asked God to grant the family the strength to bear the painful exit of their daughter, who was in her prime.

The Vice President led other mourners at the funeral prayers, which were held at the Annur Mosque in Abuja.

Stanley Nkwocha
Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications
(Office of The Vice President)
11th October, 2024

09/10/2024

Authorities in Cameroun have assured that the Country's President, Paul Biya is well and alive.

The Country's Minister of Communications, Rene Emmanuel Sadi in a statement read on state radio said the President is in good health and will be back in the country any moment from now.

Similarly, André Magnus Ekoumou, Cameroun’s ambassador to France, also issued a statement saying that President Paul Biya has never been hospitalised in Clamart or anywhere in France has been speculated expressing his displeasure at the spread of rumours.

The Ambassador said the President is currently in Geneva, Switzerland.

In the meantime Minister of Labour and Social Security, Grégoire Owona said government will go after those who are trying, by various means, to deceive public opinion by announcing the death of the president and head of state, Paul Biya.

He said appropriate institutions must take action against the rumourmongers no matter their origin or location

02/10/2024

SpaceX has commenced its rescue mission to retrieve the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).

Pilot Sunita "Suni" Williams and Commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore were onboard a test flight to the ISS on Boeing's newest spacecraft on 5 June.

They were meant to stay in orbit for eight days - however, issues with Starliner's propulsion system meant they were left stranded in space for months.

NASA confirmed in August that the two will not return to Earth until 2025, with SpaceX now in charge of rescuing the astronauts on a Crew Dragon flight.

The US's Nick Hague and Russia's Alexander Gorbunov are on board the capsule which blasted off on Saturday evening.

Mr Hague and Mr Gorbunov will not return with Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore - who will take two empty seats made clear on Crew Dragon - until February next year.

By then, the two stranded astronauts will have been in space for eight months.

Speaking before take-off, Mr Hague said: "There's always something that is changing [with spaceflight].

"Maybe this time it's been a little more visible to the public."

Arriving in Cape Canaveral last week, he also said: "We've got a dynamic challenge ahead of us.

"We know each other and we're professionals and we step up and do what's asked of us."

NASA deputy program manager Dina Contella said the two astronauts watched the SpaceX launch from the ISS, with Ms Williams cheering "go Dragon!"

Boeing's Starliner undocked from the ISS and flew back to Earth in September without the crew. It suffered multiple thruster failures and propulsion-system helium leaks on its way to the station.

And in a news conference from space the same month, Ms Williams and Mr Wilmore said the space station had become their "happy place".

"That's how it goes in this business," she said, adding that "you have to turn the page and look at the next opportunity".

Mr Wilmore also added: "It's been quite an evolution over the last three months, we've been involved from the beginning through all the processes of assessing our spacecraft.

"And it was trying at times. There were some tough times all the way through."

Crew Dragon is set to dock with the ISS by 10.30pm on Sunday. A live stream will be available on NASA's website.
Source. African Journalist Mr Ardo -Worldwide

02/10/2024

Kris Kristofferson, the country music legend and A Star Is Born actor, has died at the age of 88.

The singer-songwriter died peacefully at his home in Maui, Hawaii, on Saturday, family spokesperson Ebie McFarland said.

No cause of death was given but the musician had been suffering from memory loss since he was in his 70s.

Born in Brownsville, Texas, Kristofferson started his music career in the mid-1960s.

Despite being a singer himself, many of his songs were best known as performed by others, including Ray Price's US number one hit For the Good Times and Janis Joplin's 1971 single Me And Bobby McGee.

In the mid-1980s he joined forces with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings to create the country supergroup The Highwaymen, releasing three albums before all four returned to their solo careers.

Former bandmate Nelson said there was "no better songwriter alive" when talking about Kristofferson during a 2009 awards ceremony.

"Everything he writes is a standard and we're all just going to have to live with that," Nelson said.

Kristofferson won a Grammy Award for hit Help Me Make It Through The Night and was inducted into the county music hall of fame in 2004.

As an actor, he won the 1976 Golden Globe Award for best actor after his performance in romantic drama A Star Is Born opposite Barbra Streisand.

The film was a remake of the 1937 original with Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, and was later adapted into a musical starring Judy Garland and James Mason - and subsequently again in 2018 starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper.

Kristofferson also appeared opposite Ellen Burstyn in Martin Scorsese's 1974 film Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore and alongside Wesley Snipes in Marvel's Blade in 1998.

From caretaker to hitmaker
Before the stage and screen, Kristofferson was a boxer with US organisation Golden Gloves, he also gained a master's degree in English at the University of Oxford, later turning down an opportunity to teach at a US military academy in New York to pursue songwriting in Nashville.

Hoping for a break into the industry, he worked as a part-time caretaker at Columbia Records' Music Row studio.

In a 2006 interview, Kristofferson said he might not have had a career without Cash, who he said put him on stage for the first time.

Joplin, who he had a close relationship with, changed the lyrics to make Bobby McGee a man and cut her version just days before she died in 1970 from a drug overdose. The song became a posthumous number one hit for Joplin.

In 1973, Kristofferson married fellow songwriter Rita Coolidge who he had a successful duet career with, earning two Grammy Awards. They divorced in 1980.

The singer is survived by his wife Lisa, his eight children and seven grandchildren, Sky News' US partner network NBC reported.
Source. African Journalist Mr Ardo -Worldwide

02/10/2024

Singer Martin Lee, Brotherhood Of Man’s Eurovision winner, dies aged 77

Singer Martin Lee, a member of the group Brotherhood Of Man - who won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1976 - has died aged 77.

The pop group won the contest with the song Save Your Kisses For Me at the final in The Hague, in the Netherlands. The song topped the table with 164 points, more than 70 points ahead of second-placed Switzerland.

Save Your Kisses For Me topped the UK singles chart in the same year, and was also number one in more than 30 different countries.

A statement from the band said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Brotherhood Of Man’s Martin Lee, who slipped peacefully away on the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024, from heart failure after a short illness. Martin was 77.”

Tony Hiller, the group’s manager, put the song’s success down to their TV appearances across France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland the year before the contest - and the record sold six million copies.

Lee was brought into the group as their main vocalist and guitarist in 1972 - along with Lee Sheriden, Sandra Stevens and Nicky Stevens - by Hiller after their initial line-up disbanded.

His group’s Eurovision win came after they had their first European number one with Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby, which led the group’s songwriters to begin composing a song to enter the competition.

Prior to joining Brotherhood Of Man, Lee had already released a solo single called Cry Jose, and had also played in the Johnny Howard Band.

Lee was born Martin Barnes, on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, but had spent five years of his youth living in Australia. He was married to Brotherhood Of Man bandmate Sandra Stevens for 45 years, and also had a daughter from his first marriage, who was born in 1973.

Alongside Sheriden, Lee also wrote most of the group’s hits including their three number one singles Angelo, Figaro and Save Your Kisses For Me.

The group had eight UK top 75 singles with their second line-up and also had a UK top 10 album in 1978 compilation Twenty Greatest. With Lee, they amassed 26 platinum, gold and silver discs along with three Ivor Novello Awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the US.

In 2020, the band retired from performing having kept the same line-up which won Eurovision more than 40 years previously.

In the band’s statement about Lee, they added: “He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.

“Over the past 50 years the four of us have toured the world together in harmony and have so many happy memories, but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee RIP.”
African Journalist Mr Ardo -Worldwide

02/10/2024

Sad News From American:John Amos, who was best known for his roles Good Times, The Roots, and Coming to America, has died. He was 84.

27/09/2024

Gov Radda Mourns Passing of Akwa Ibom First Lady

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the beloved wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno.

Governor Radda, on behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, extends his sincere sympathies to Governor Umo Eno, the entire Eno family, and the people of Akwa Ibom State during this trying time.

In his condolence message, Governor Radda stated, "The news of the passing of Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, has deeply saddened us. Her departure is not just a loss to her family and Akwa Ibom State, but to the entire nation. Her contributions to the development of Akwa Ibom State especially in the area of providing shelter, food and education to the poor is commendable. I recognized the deceased role as a pillar of support to her husband in service to the people and this will forever be rememberd."

The Governor further added, "In this moment of grief, we stand in solidarity with Governor Umo Eno and the people of Akwa Ibom State. We pray that the Almighty God grants them the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss and may He grant eternal rest to the departed soul."

Governor Radda calls on all Nigerians to keep the Eno family and the people of Akwa Ibom State in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging period.

Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State

27th September, 2024

27/09/2024

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE: IGP MOURNS DEATH OF AKWA-IBOM FIRST LADY

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM, extends his heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Governor Umo Bassey Eno, on the passing of his beloved wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the First Lady of Akwa-Ibom State, who sadly departed on September 26, 2024.

Her gracious legacy, compassion, and dedication have left an indelible mark on the lives of many in Nigeria, especially in Akwa-Ibom State. This profound loss is deeply felt by her family, the entire Nigerian state particularly the people of Akwa-Ibom state

In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with Governor Umo and his family. May Almighty God grant them solace and strength to bear this irreparable loss.

IGP Egbetokun deeply sympathizes with Governor Umo and prays for the peaceful repose of Mrs. Eno's soul. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her, and may her soul rest in perfect peace.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FOR: THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE

27TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

27/09/2024

PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISERATES WITH AKWA IBOM GOVERNOR OVER PASSING OF WIFE

President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolence to Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom state on the shocking passing of his beloved wife, Pastor Patience Umo Eno.

On behalf of the Federal Government, the President commiserates with the Eno family, the government, and the people of Akwa Ibom state during this grim time.

The President joins them in mourning the painful and profound loss of the state's First Lady, who has supported Governor Eno's administration.

The President affirms that Patience Eno, as the wife to a visionary governor and an ordained gospel minister, embodied humility, resilience, and loyalty.

President Tinubu acknowledges that through her 'Golden Initiative for All,' she demonstrated her passion for serving the people and residents of Akwa Ibom state with love, honesty, and dedication, leaving a positive impact that will continue to inspire future generations.

He trusts that her selfless service to improve the lives of women, children, and the vulnerable will forever remain an important part of Akwa Ibom’s history, a legacy that will continue to inspire and be appreciated by future generations.

President Tinubu commits the grieving family, friends, and relatives to the comfort of the eternal God, who is the source of life and holds the future of all creation in his hands. He expresses his trust in their resilience and strength during this challenging time, offering reassurance and support.

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
September 27, 2024

27/09/2024

Sad News ;Akwa Ibom State First Lady, Patience Umo Eno Is Dead

The Government of Akwa Ibom State has announced the passing of Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, the Wife of the Executive Governor, Pastor Umo Eno.

In a statement released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the family expressed their deep grief but affirmed their submission to the will of God.

The family also called on the public for prayers and support during this challenging period and requested privacy as they mourn the loss of a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

Governor Umo Eno, while appreciating the support and solidarity shown by citizens, assured the people of Akwa Ibom State that his commitment to the service of the state remains steadfast despite the profound personal loss.

Further details regarding burial arrangements and other formal announcements will be communicated by the family in due course.

Read press statement below:

UNEXPECTED SUNSET

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of the Wife of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Her Excellency, Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno, following an illness. She passed away peacefully at the hospital, on 26th September, 2024, in the presence of her family.

The family submits to the will of the Almighty and asks for the prayers and support of kind-hearted individuals during this difficult time. Further details will be provided by the family as necessary. In the meantime, the family kindly requests privacy as they mourn their beloved wife, mother and grandmother.

His Excellency, the Governor, Pastor Umo Eno appreciates all who have stood by the first family in this period and assures all the citizens that despite this huge personal loss, his commitment to the service of the state is unwavering.

Signed:

Comrade Ini Ememobong
Honourable Commissioner for Information
27092024

24/09/2024

Islamic Singer Rukayat Gawat Passes Away

Renowned Nigerian Islamic singer, Rukayat Gawat Oyefeso, has passed away. She was celebrated for her captivating voice and religious songs that resonated deeply within the Muslim community.

The news of her passing was announced by popular Ilorin-based cleric, Alfa Aribidesi At-Tawdeeh Islamic Da’awah, on his official page on Tuesday morning.

20/09/2024

Photonews:Gov Radda Attends Late Aminu Custom Burial in Malumfashi

The Executive Governor of Katsina State, His Excellency, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD CON, joined a large gathering of Muslim sympathizers at the funeral rites of Alhaji Aminu Lawal, the APC chairmanship candidate and former Special Adviser on Youth.

The last respect held in Malumfashi, saw the Governor and his personal aides accompanying the deceased's body to its final resting place at Jan-titi cemetery.

In a heartfelt condolence message earlier released through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda expressed deep sadness over the untimely demise of the young politician. He praised Alhaji Lawal's significant contributions to political development, stating that his legacy would be remembered. The Governor offered prayers for Allah to forgive the deceased's shortcomings and grant strength to the bereaved family.

17/09/2024

Tito Jackson, an original member of The Jackson 5 and brother of Michael Jackson, has died aged 70.

Tito performed with his siblings Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael - who went on to become one of the world's biggest stars before his death in 2009.

With The Jackson 5, Tito had hits in the 1970s including ABC, I Want You Back and I'll Be There, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.

His death was announced "with heavy hearts" by his sons, Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson, who found fame themselves as R'n'B/pop trio 3T in the 1990s.

"We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken," they wrote on Instagram, as they shared family pictures. "Our father was an incredible man who cared about everyone and their wellbeing

They continued: "He will be missed tremendously. It will forever be 'Tito Time" for us. Please remember to do what our father always preached and that is 'Love One Another.' We love you Pops."

There were nine Jackson siblings altogether, also including Janet and LaToya Jackson.
African Journalist Obituaries & current Events

17/09/2024

Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw dies aged 63

Aston Villa legend Gary Shaw has died aged 63, the club has confirmed.

It comes after it was reported he was in a serious condition in hospital after falling and sustaining a head injury.

In a statement, the football club said it is "deeply shocked and profoundly saddened" to learn of his death.

He is best known for winning the European Cup with Aston Villa in 1982, and the First Division the year before.

Aston Villa said: "Gary was one of our own, a talented striker who delighted supporters with his goalscoring exploits which helped fire Villa to success in the 1980s.

"Individual accolades would also follow for a player who was idolised by many on the terraces.

"He passed away peacefully earlier today surrounded by his family, who asked Aston Villa to release a statement on their behalf.

"The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Gary’s family and loved ones at this extremely difficult time."

Tributes are starting to pour in after Shaw's passing was confirmed by Villa.

Follow Villa icon Brian Little wrote on X: "Gave Shawsy my number 8 shirt when I retired.. he took it to another level….R.I.P. xx"

Ex player David Speedie said: "Really sad to hear Villa legend Gary Shaw has passed away.

"He was a fantastic footballer who was a worthy winner of club footballs greatest prize. My thoughts go out to the family and friends of Gary at this difficult time."

A Villa fan posted: "RIP to a true club legend and one of our own, the great Gary Shaw. It won’t be the same against Bayern Munich without you. RIP HEITS."

Another added: "RIP Gary Shaw. A true Villa legend and one of my childhood heroes." A third posted: "Immensely sad news for all Villa supporters and every football fan who remembers the magical era he played in. He was some player."

Who is Gary Shaw?
His name is well-known to Villa fans, as it hangs on a banner at Villa Park immortalising the goal that won Aston Villa the Champions League.

Born in the Kingshurst area of Birmingham, Shaw registered 165 games for Aston Villa, scoring 59 goals between 1978 and 1988.

He was voted PFA Young Player of the Year in 1981 after netting 18 goals en route to Villa's League Championship triumph.

Another accolade followed a year later as he was awarded the Bravo Award - given to the best under-23 player in European Competitions.

His Villa career was hindered after a knee injury but he would go on to play for Walsall and Shrewsbury Town.

He also had seven appearances for England Under 21s, but never registered a senior cap for the three lions.

Shaw left Aston Villa on a free transfer in 1988 after 213 games and 79 goals.

He would later play in Denmark, Austria and Hong Kong before working for Villa as a youth team coach.

After retiring from the sport in 1992, Shaw worked as a statistical analyst.

He became a regular visitor to Villa Park in recent years, doing Q&A sessions with guests at the stadium.

African Journalist Mr Ardo - Sports News

16/09/2024

Veteran Nollywood Actor Emmanuel France Is Dead

A veteran Nigerian actor Emmanuel France has passed away.

Femi Ogedengbe, a popular filmmaker, confirmed France's death on his Instagram page, expressing sadness and fond memories of their time together.

Ogedengbe recalled their collaboration on three movies shot in Tanzania in 2006, including "She Is My Sister," "The Director," and "Cross My Sin."

The cause of France's death has not been disclosed.

His passing comes shortly after the death of another Nollywood actor, Big Larry, and marks the latest in a string of losses for the industry since January 2024.

Other notable Nollywood practitioners who have passed away this year include Mr. Ibu, Junior Pope, Sisi Quadri, Ganiyu 'Ogunjimi' Oyeyemi, and Amaechi Muonagor, among others.

The news of France's death has sent shockwaves through the Nollywood community, with fans and colleagues
mourning the loss of a legendary actor.

African Journalist Celebrity News

13/09/2024

David Beckham to join hundreds of mourners at Sven-Göran Eriksson's funeral

Hundreds of mourners are expected to attend the funeral of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson in his hometown of Torsby, Sweden on Friday.

Eriksson died "peacefully" aged 76 on August 26 months after he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer.

The service, due to be broadcast on live television, will be attended by former England players, including David Beckham and his wife Victoria Beckham.

Beckham was a key figure in England's golden generation, alongside Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, John Terry, and Rio Ferdinand.

Eriksson became the first foreign England manager when he was appointed in 2001 and subsequently led the team to the quarter-finals of two World Cups and one European Championship.

He was in charge of England for five years before leaving after the 2006 World Cup.

Eriksson's son Johan Eriksson told The Mirror that preparing for his father's funeral "felt surreal".

He said: "I don’t have a script for this. But tomorrow we celebrate Dad and that’s what he wanted."

Speaking to journalists in Sweden, Former England boss Roy Hodgson said: "He was a very good man (Eriksson) above all and I think a man who has meant a lot to football and Swedish football.

"It is a blessing to be able to come to his funeral, even if it is a very cloudy day."

Eriksson's agent Bo Gustavsson told the Mirror: "It was Sven's will that the church should be open to the public.

"He lived the last part of his life in Sunne, some 30 minutes from Torsby, where he was treated like a regular citizen.

"Sven was a VIP out in the world, but lived very humble at home in Sunne. He was very warm and caring to everybody and though he was sick the last year, he still cared for other people and did not want to talk about his illness.

"If I should say one word about Sven I would say that he was a real gentleman."

Beckham had a close relationship with Eriksson after the Swede appointed him as England captain.

Earlier this summer, Beckham visited Eriksson at his home before his death.

In a tribute message on his Instagram profile, Beckham wrote: "We laughed, we cried & we knew we were saying goodbye... Sven thank you for always being the person you have always been, passionate, caring, calm & a true gentleman.

"I will be forever grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family... Thank you Sven and in your last words to me. 'It will be ok'."

Eriksson bid a final farewell to fans in a new film about his life released on Amazon Prime last month, saying "don't be sorry, smile".

"I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do," he said in the documentary.

"Don't be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything, coaches, players, the crowds, it's been fantastic. Take care of yourself and take care of your life. And live it. Bye.!"

Ardo -Journalist based in London , United kingdom

12/09/2024

Nigerian Filmmaker Shina Sanyaolu Passes Away

Renowned producer and director Shina Sanyaolu, a pillar of the Yoruba film industry, has sadly passed away.

The news was confirmed by Bolaji Amusan, president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), who bid farewell to Sanyaolu, saying, "Sleep well uncle Shina Sanyaolu."

Although the exact date and cause of his death remain undisclosed, Sanyaolu's colleagues and peers have taken to social media to express their condolences and pay their last respects to the late filmmaker.

His passing has undoubtedly left a void in the industry, and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him and admired his work.

Veteran actor Jide Kosoko paid a heartfelt tribute to Sanyaolu, describing him as a "beacon of kindness and warmth".

Kosoko remembered Sanyaolu as a remarkable man who showed unwavering support for the film industry and its practitioners.

He praised Sanyaolu's generosity, saying it knew no bounds, and his spirit touched countless lives.

"Shina your generosity knew no bounds and your spirit touched countless lives. You were truly a rare gem. The world feels emptier without you but we take solace in knowing that your legacy lives in the hearts you have touched," he wrote.

Doyin Amodu, President of TAMPAN UK, also mourned Sanyaolu's passing, acknowledging his exceptional directing skills and unmatched love for the arts.

She described him as a brother and director who will be deeply missed.

Sanyaolu's contributions to the film industry include directing notable movies like "The Honourable", "Two Wives", and "Omo Olosan".

12/09/2024

James Earl Jones, voice of Darth Vader and Mufasa, dies aged 93

Actor James Earl Jones has died at the age of 93, his agent has said.

The Hollywood star is known best for his roles as Darth Vader in Star Wars and the voice of Mufasa in the Lion King.

Mr Jones' representative confirmed he died at his home in New York, with his family by his side.

He had a distinguished career that spanned some 60 years and took him from a small-town theatre in Michigan to the highest reaches of Hollywood, where he appeared in dozens of movies and TV series.

In the mid-1970s, Star Wars creator George Lucas cast British actor David Prowse as the man inside Darth Vader’s black suit, but decided he wanted someone else to voice the character.

“George thought he wanted a - pardon the expression - darker voice,” Jones once told the American Film Institute. “I lucked out.”

The US actor’s voice was also lent to the likes of Mufasa in Disney’s 1994 film The Lion King, various audiobooks and to CNN for its “This is CNN” tagline.

During his career he won a host of awards including Emmys, Tony Awards, a Grammy and he was given an honorary Oscar.

Tributes have begun for the pioneering actor, led by Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, posted “ Dad” with a broken heart emoji as he shared a news report of Jones’ death.

Jones was already an award-winning star of stage and screen when Star Wars was being developed.

He had wowed critics with his Tony Award-winning performance as a boxer in 1968 play The Great White Hope, later taking on the lead in the 1970 movie adaptation, for which he picked up a Golden Globe.

The actor demonstrated his versatility in everything from Shakespearean epics to television dramas and comedies.

He played memorable film roles including reclusive writer Terence Mann in 1989’s Field Of Dreams and a South African minister in Cry, The Beloved Country.

In 2005, the veteran star reprised Vader for Revenge Of The Sith and he returned to the role nine years later in the first episode of Star Wars Rebels, and in 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
Source: ITV News

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