Personality in Focus
Former Petroleum Minister Jibril Aminu Dies @85
A former Minister of Education and Petroleum Resources, Professor Jibril Aminu, is dead.
He died in Abuja on Thursday at the age of 85.
The death was confirmed by House of Representatives member, representing Fufore/Song Federal Constituency, Aloyu Boya Wakili, on Thursday.
The lawmaker wrote in a Facebook post thus: “Innalillahi Wa Innah Ilaihirraji’un, today, we’ve lost a shining light. I’m deeply saddened by the passing of our father figure, uncle, and our mentor who left an indelible mark on our lives, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. May Professor Jibril Aminu’s soul rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
His funeral prayers will hold at the National Mosque, Abuja on Thursday.
He would be buried in his home town Song, Song Local Government Area of Adamawa State.
Prof. Jibrin Aminu was born in August 1939 in Adamawa State, Northeast Nigeria.
He graduated in medicine from the University of Ibadan in 1965, and holds a PhD in Medicine from the Royal Post-Graduate Medical School.
He was appointed a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science in 1972, a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians , London in 1980 and a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians also in 1980.
He was made a Distinguished Fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College in 2004.
He was a consultant, senior lecturer and sub-dean of Clinical Studies at the University of Ibadan Medical School from 1973 -1975.
He served as the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, NUC from 1975–1979, visiting Professor of Medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington DC from1979–1980, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, 1980-1985.
He was also Professor of Medicine at the University of Maiduguri from1979–1995.
Professor Aminu held office as Minister of Education and later Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources (1989–1992).
He was Nigerian Ambassador to the USA from 1999–2003; and was elected Senator for the Adamawa Central constituency in May 2003 and re-elected in 2007.
On January 2, 2010, Aminu was installed as the “Bobaselu of The Source” by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade.
A popular Nigerian highlife musician, Mike Ejeagha, has died at the age of 95.
Popularly known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha,” the music legend died on Friday night.
The musician’s eldest son, Emma, who confirmed his passing on Saturday to journalists in Enugu said he died on Friday evening at approximately 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” said Emma.
Ejeagha’s legacy is marked by his distinctive style of Igbo folk music, which resonated across multiple generations.
Born on April 4, 1930, in Imezi Owa, Enugu State, Ejeagha rose to prominence during the 1960s and 1980s with timeless hits like Omekagu, Uwa Mgbede Ka Mma, and Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche (Gwogwogwongwo).
Ejeagha’s contributions to preserving and promoting Igbo culture through music are monumental, with over 300 recordings archived in the National Archives of Nigeria.
His recent resurgence in popularity, sparked by the viral dance challenge of his 1983 track Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche in 2024, introduced his music to a younger audience.
Ejeagha’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian highlife music, but his legacy endures through his extensive discography and the impact he left on Igbo folklore and music.
The Punch
A former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mohammed Uwais, has died at the age of 89.
The former CJN died in the early hours of Friday, according to the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Ondo State, Dr Kayode Ajulo.
Uwais served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 until his retirement in 2006.
Following his retirement, he chaired the Presidential Electoral Reform Committee inaugurated by late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
The committee included prominent figures such as Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah and human rights lawyer, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Tributes from legal, political, and civic leaders are expected to pour in over the coming days.
Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Conferred with First-Ever “Knight of Faith” Title by CAN South West Nigeria
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Nigeria, on Thursday, 22nd May 2025, officially conferred its first-ever “Knight of Faith” title upon renowned business mogul and philanthropist, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, in recognition of his dedication to the Christian faith, nation-building, and exemplary leadership in business and community development.
The historic investiture, themed “Celebrating Distinction and Faithful Stewardship,” was held at the Garden of Faith, Abeokuta. The occasion also featured the induction of several eminent Nigerians as Distinguished Patrons of the association, including the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; the Deputy Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, Barr. Olaniyi Alajogun; and legendary gospel music icon, Sir Evangelist Prof. Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi (MFR).
The event was chaired by the CAN South West Chairman, Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya, and graced by His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, Executive Governor of Ogun State, who serves as the Grand Patron of the association. The Governor was ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tokunbo Talabi.
Also present were top dignitaries, including the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Ola Oresanya; Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Olanrewaju Ogunlowo; Royal Fathers, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, His Grace Most Rev’d (Dr.) Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh; several CAN State Chairmen, and other influential figures from across the country.
The spiritually charged event featured soul-lifting gospel music performances, intercessory prayers, official decoration of all awardees, and a special empowerment program. In a remarkable gesture of generosity, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking donated a plot of land in one of Adron Homes’ prestigious estates to the winner of the empowerment program, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to economic empowerment and community transformation.
In his acceptance speech, Aare Emmanuelking expressed profound humility and gratitude for the honour, dedicating it to God and the entire body of Christ. He emphasized that the conferment was a divine mandate to do more.
“This is a divine call, not just to me but to every Christian in leadership,” he said. “I charge every believer to uphold the values of our faith, integrity, love, excellence, and service. In these trying times, the world needs more light-bearers. Let us not shrink our influence, but shine boldly for Christ.”
He further urged fellow Christian brethren to remain unshaken in their commitment to godly principles and to be intentional in advancing the cause of the Kingdom in every sector of society.
The “Knight of Faith” sash, unveiled during the ceremony, now stands as a lasting symbol of spiritual distinction and kingdom stewardship. This momentous event marks a significant chapter in faith-based leadership recognition and affirms CAN South West’s mission to celebrate lives that embody Christ-like values and contribute meaningfully to national development.
