As the All Progressives Congress, APC gubernatorial primary election gathers momentum, supporter of of one of the governorship hopeful in Enugu state, Uchenna Nnaji has raised alarm over constant threat to life by men of underworld.
Emmanuel Ugwuagbo, a web designer and ardent supporter of former minister made this known in a release on Tuesday, saying a bounty of N10m has been placed on his head.
The release which was made available to WITHIN NIGERIA reads thus; “My name is Ugwuagbo Emmanuel Chizoba Daniel (Zoba De Great) and my life is in danger.
“On Tuesday evening last 2 weeks (April 21, 2026), I received a phone call from an individual who informed me that a reward of ₦10 Million Naira has been promised to certain men of the underworld to get rid of me, following my recent political activities and my political alignment with the opposition in the state.
Mr. Ugwuagbo: Alleges threat to life
“About 3 weeks ago, I declared my support for Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, after I met and was convinced that his POWER AGENDA was the step forward for Enugu State, and his reassurances that he would serve only one term in obedience to the Zoning Formula.
“I had since then taken it upon myself to push his candidature in a civil, lawful but effective way.
“It was going smoothly until that Tuesday evening when I received that call and the person told me that I had just entered Enugu.
“Ordinarily, no one was supposed to know that I was in Enugu on that Tuesday because I had a week-long engagement in Abuja, but things were delaying and some of my clients that I was supposed to deliver their websites and videos to were on my neck (I am a Web Designer and Video Editor). So I cut my movement short and returned to Enugu immediately.
“I was still at the junction where I was buying fruits when the call came in. I was yet to get to my house. I had to hurriedly turn off the locations on my devices, went off the radar and left the city immediately.”
Explaining further, Mr. Ugwuagbo stated that “over the past few months, I have received various threats in various forms, following my lawful political activities.
“While some of the threats were direct from known and unknown people, online and offline.
“Some of the threats came indirectly in the form of advice from known and unknown people online and offline.
“I took all these with a pinch of salt because anyone who operates in the political space must expect such utterances and threats from overzealous supporters of political opponents.
“Most often than not, the political actors themselves know nothing about these threats and utterances from their supporters. Hence, I don’t take them seriously.
“However, this has gone beyond threats. Tracking my movement and location, and the rumour of a ₦10 million Naira reward, puts me directly in harm’s way.
“While the matter has been reported to the appropriate quarters as required by the law, and the security operatives are doing the needful, I deemed it equally important to make the public aware of what is going on, now that I am still in one piece.
“For there is a saying in our place that the hen shouts when the kite carries her chicks, not so that people can get it back, but so the world would know what happened.
“So, I am bringing this here, not to heat up the polity or solicit pity or help from anyone, but so that if something happens to me, the world will know what happened.
“In my 28 years of existence, I have never been known to cause trouble or be involved in one. I have never been invited or arrested by the police or any agency at all, because I have always conducted my affairs peacefully and legally in line with the laws of the land.
Uche Nnaji: Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
“I am seldom seen in public places, let alone be involved in such matters that may lead to violence.
“So if such matters, out of nowhere, suddenly arise, by state or non-state actors, who may want to label one thing or the other on me to get rid of me, maybe say that I was involved in a street fight or that I went out drinking or that I was quarrelling with someone or that I was involved in one illegal thing or the other, that somehow led to my death, arrest or incarceration.
“I just want to let the whole world know what happened and where it is coming from.”
On Tuesday, the Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo, confirmed the death of elder statesman and co-founder of Newswatch Magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed.
According to the governor, Mohammed died at the age of 75.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Hon. Ismaila Isah, Ododo expressed heartfelt condolences to Mohammed’s immediate family and the Nigerian Union of Journalists.
Describing the late journalist, Gov. Ododo said he lived as “not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State from Dekina Local Government Area whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space.”
“As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch magazine, Alhaji Yakubu Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism and integrity in Nigerian journalism and a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in a democracy,” Ododo said.
Early life
Yakubu Mohammed is a native of Ologba in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State and was born in April 4, 1950.
He attended St Joseph’s Primary School, Ayangba, in 1964; Government Secondary School, Okene, between 1965 and 1969; the University of Lagos from 1972 to 1975 where he studied Mass Communication.
He obtained a postgraduate diploma in management and Public Administration from the Glasgow College of Technology, Scotland, in 1979.
He also attended Glasgow College of Technology in Scotland between 1978 and 1979.
Journalism Career
He had an enviable journalism Career which spanned for over four decades.
Late Yakubu Mohammed
He was the Associate editor at New Nigerian Newspapers from 1976 to 1980.
He also served as managing editor of the same organisation in 1980.
He then became the deputy editor at National Concord between 1980 and 1982.
Mohammed later served as editor of National Concord from 1982 to 1984.
He co-founded Newswatch magazine with Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu in 1984.
He also became executive editor of Newswatch between 1984 and 1986.
He was managing editor of Newswatch from 1986 to 1994 and subsequently served as deputy chief executive officer of Newswatch Communications Limited from 1994.Mohammed was also a director at Yadara Nigeria Limited and Lastop Limited.
Beyond his journalism career, he also served as Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 2005 and 2007.
Tinubu, Gov. Ododo mourn Mohammed
In any case, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Yakubu Mohammed.
He described his passing as a profound loss to Nigerian journalism and nation-building.
In a condolence message released on Wednesday, President Tinubu said Mohammed devoted his life to “telling the truth to power,” often at great personal risk, particularly during the military era when investigative journalism came at a heavy cost.
Tinubu however, recalled that Mohammed founded Newswatch in 1984 alongside Dele Giwa, Dan Agbese and Ray Ekpu, a partnership that redefined investigative reporting in Nigeria.
He noted that the magazine became a symbol of courage and professionalism, especially after the assassination of Giwa in 1986.
In his words, “Yakubu Mohammed and his colleagues showed uncommon resolve by sustaining the visionary legacy of Newswatch after the tragic death of Dele Giwa,” the President said, starting that their determination “pushed the boundaries of investigative journalism in Nigeria and inspired generations of reporters.”
He described the late journalist as a personal friend, Tinubu commiserated with Mohammed’s family, the government and people of Kogi State, as well as professional bodies including the Nigerian Union of Journalists, the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Commonwealth Journalists’ Association.
In the same vein, Gov Ahmed Ododo of Kogi state has expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran journalist.
The governor in a statement, on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah said the late veteran journalist was not only a pioneer of modern investigative journalism in Nigeria, but also a proud son of Kogi State from Dekina Local Government Area of the state, whose contributions to nation-building transcended the media space.
According to him, “As a co-founder of the iconic Newswatch magazine, Mohammed belonged to a rare generation of journalists who redefined courage, professionalism and integrity in Nigerian journalism and a man whose influence shaped public discourse and strengthened accountability in a democracy,” he said.
Governor Ododo noted that Mohammed’s role in the establishment of Newswatch in the mid-1980s, alongside Dele Giwa, Ray Ekpu and Dan Agbese, marked a turning point in Nigeria’s media history, setting enduring standards for investigative reporting and editorial independence.
“His love for Kogi State was evident in his commitment to its growth and his willingness to serve in different capacities. He was a bridge-builder, a mentor to many and a voice of conscience in national affairs,” he added.
Ododo prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul eternal rest and comforts the family and others who mourn his loss.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Yakubu Mohammed death came about two months after the passing of fellow Newswatch co-founder, Dan Agbese, who died on November 17, 2025, at the age of 81. The late journalist was also said to have made a public book presentation entitled “Great Expectations” in November 2025 in Lagos.
The remains of Yakubu Mohammed has been buried on Wednesday, January 2026 according to Muslim rites.
When Nollywood actress Dayo Amusa announced the birth of her first child on November 18, 2024, she offered more than a celebration, she offered a testimony. For years, she quietly weathered heartbreak, loss, and public scrutiny. Her son, Oluwafirewamiri (fondly known as “Baby Fire”), is not just a milestone in her life; he is the living proof of a long-battled dream.
Early Life and Career: Building a Platform
Dayo Amusa
Born Temidayo Amusa on July 20, 1983, in Lagos, Dayo grew up in a family of five, with her mother from Ogun State and her father from Lagos. She attended Mayflower School in Ikenne and later studied Food Science & Technology at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic.
Her entrance into Nollywood came in 2002, and by 2006 she was producing her own films. While she is best known for her work in Yoruba-language cinema, she has also acted in English-language films, showcasing her versatility. Among her film credits are titles like A Long Night (2015), where she plays “Sec.” She also produced Omoniyun (2019), a socially conscious film about girl child protection.
Beyond acting, Dayo is an entrepreneur. She runs PayDab Schools, with branches in both Ibadan and Lagos. She is also a singer with singles including Blow My Mind, Mama’s Love, and Omodaddy. Her career, spanning more than two decades, has made her a well-known name in Nollywood and beyond.
A Private Struggle: Fertility, Loss, and Resilience
Dayo Amusa
While her public persona has been that of a confident, multi-talented entertainer, Dayo’s private life tells a deeper, more painful story.
In multiple public disclosures, she revealed that she experienced three miscarriages. In 2015, doctors diagnosed her with uterine myomatosis, which are benign tumours in her uterus and, alarmingly, some advised her to remove her womb entirely due to the complications she faced. But she refused. Instead, she sought other medical paths.
On February 14, 2015, she underwent surgery in the UK to remove the tumours through a minimally invasive procedure. Yet her medical battles continued because unfortunately by 2016, she discovered one of her fallopian tubes was damaged, making natural conception extremely difficult.
Her relationship life also suffered. She has spoken about failed serious long-term relationships and in 2019, after a failed in vitro fertilization (IVF) attempt, her partner reportedly suggested she let him impregnate someone else. She refused, and the relationship ended. These traumas, she said, led her into depression, isolation, and a loss of direction in her career.
It was only after her mother encouraged her to relocate, first to the UK and then to the United States, that things sharply changed.
The Arrival of “My Treasure”
Dayo Amusa and Son
On November 18, 2024, Dayo shared joyous news that she gave birth to a baby boy in the United States. In her Instagram post, she wrote, “ALHAMDULILAH, My treasure has arrived. It’s a boy.” Her announcement generated warm responses from fans and industry colleagues alike.
Her son was later named Oluwafirewamiri Abdulrasheed, though she often uses the nickname “Olu Fire” or “Baby Fire” on social media.
A Mother’s Voice: Public Vulnerability and Assertion
Dayo Amusa and Son
Becoming a mother opened a new chapter in Dayo’s life,one she has embraced publicly and unapologetically. Sharing her journey on Instagram and in media interviews, she opened up about the pain she endured and the joy she now holds in her arms.
In a deeply personal Instagram post, she recounted her fertility journey, including the miscarriages, her diagnosis, the tumor-removal surgery, and the emotional toll of being told she might never carry a child. She wrote:
“For as long as I can remember I knew I wanted to be a complete ideal woman (a wife and a mom) … Having had 3 miscarriages … some doctors recommended removing my womb … I decided to fight and reject that option.”
Her vulnerability struck a chord. She shared how her mental health suffered, as she withdrew from friends, family, and even her career.
But she also shared how faith and family anchored her. She credited her mother with intervening, urging a change of environment, and giving her hope.
Public Reaction: Support, Scrutiny, and Rumours
Dayo Amusa’s son, Baby Fire
As Dayo’s pregnancy and motherhood journey unfolded, she faced both love and criticism. The child’s father has remained undisclosed, and she has kept the details of her romantic relationships private. These choices have fueled speculation.
Some rumoured her relationships had ended poorly, or questioned paternity, but Dayo has responded on her own terms via emotional posts, firm rebuttals, and outright silence when needed. In one of her testimonies, she called out the misconception of her being barren and used her platform to destigmatize infertility.
The First Birthday: Celebration and Meaning
Baby Fire’s first birthday
When Oluwafirewamiri, fondly known as Baby Fire, turned one on November 18, 2025, Dayo Amusa celebrated not just a birthday, but a miracle. The day marked a year of answered prayers, resilience, and the profound joy of motherhood that she had longed for. Days before the celebration, she shared enchanting photos of her son dressed in full Igbo traditional attire, complete with coral beads and a miniature cap, calling him “Mazi Odogwu Fire.” Every detail, she revealed, was “Styled by Mum,” a gesture that underscored the care, love, and cultural pride she poured into the moment.
On Sunday, November 23, the celebration itself took place at Lekki Bay Water Park, a space that combined the vibrancy of nature with the intimacy she desired. The party’s theme, playful and inspired by the wild, reflected the innocence and wonder of childhood while remaining elegant and heartfelt. Videos and photos captured the atmosphere: Dayo carrying her son, laughter filling the air, children running and playing, and guests joining in spontaneous dancing and singing.
Though private, the gathering became a shared experience online as fans and colleagues flooded her posts with heartfelt messages, prayers, and blessings. Among them were Nollywood friends and industry peers like Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo, Laide Bakare, Sikiratu Sindodo, Seyi Edun, Wumi Ajiboye, Regina Chukwu, Wumi Toriola, Bimpe Akintunde, and Shola Kosoko, all expressing their affection for the little boy. They were also present at the star-studded birthday celebration.
In a deeply personal gesture, Dayo also released a new single titled “Firewamiri,” a musical tribute to her son that doubled as a love letter and celebration of the journey she had endured to hold him. The song, coupled with her tender Instagram caption, “Thank you for the opportunity to be called your mom” captured the depth of her gratitude and the emotional significance of the day.
Oluwafirewamiri’s first birthday was more than a milestone; it was a public affirmation of triumph over hardship, a testament to patience and faith, and a celebration of a mother’s joy finally realized. For Dayo Amusa, the day was a reminder that the journey to motherhood, with all its trials and heartache, had culminated in a life worth cherishing, and a year worth celebrating.
What This Means for Her Image and Her Legacy
Dayo Amusa
Motherhood has deepened Dayo Amusa’s public narrative.
• Authenticity & relatability: By sharing her fertility struggles so openly, Dayo has become a voice for women who battle infertility in silence. Her story normalizes pain, resilience, and healing.
• Brand evolution: Already an established actress, singer, and entrepreneur, she now also embodies the role of “celebrated mother.” This chapter adds emotional weight to her public persona and may inspire new creative projects from films to content she produces or supports.
• Privacy on her own terms: Dayo’s decision not to disclose the father of her child, and to address rumours selectively, shows a careful balance between openness and self-protection. She’s curated what she wants to share, drawing boundaries when needed.
• Mental health advocacy: Her openness about depression, isolation, and the emotional weight of repeated loss contributes to larger conversations around mental health, particularly in African and celebrity contexts.
Conclusion: A Story of Faith, Fight, and Fulfillment
Dayo Amusa and Son
Dayo Amusa’s journey to motherhood is a testament to faith, grit, and hope, even asides from being a celebrity spotlight moment.
She resisted medical advice to give up, reclaimed her narrative after heartbreak, and now holds in her arms what she once feared she might never have.
Her son, Oluwafirewamiri “Baby Fire,” is more than her child; he is a symbol of resilience in the face of loss, of love that surpasses adversity, and of the fierce joy that comes when a deeply held dream finally arrives.
Through her openness, Dayo offers a map for others: that the path to what feels impossible sometimes winds through pain, but with courage and support, it can lead to a profound, life-affirming “yes.”
On November 21, 2025, the Federal High court sitting in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja handed down life jail for the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Trial judge James Omotosho, who convicted Mr Nnamdi Kanu on all seven charges, said Kanu would have received death sentence due to the weight of his offences, but for scriptural persuasion to be merciful.
Mr Omotosho said he drew on chapter 22, verse 23 of the book of Matthew in the Bible to commute Mr Kanu’s punishment to life imprisonment instead of death penalty. He therefore sentenced the convict to life imprisonment for counts 1, 4, 5 and 6, “instead of death sentence”.
Deserted street in Onitsha Anambra state
He added, “With respect to count 3, he is sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment without fine. He is sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for count 7.”
Reading the judgement, he said that “He turned himself into a tyrant who can kill at will. The defendant cannot be allowed to remain in a sane human society,” the judge said.
However, with this development, Kanu was sent to prison to spend the rest of his life.
Nevertheless, it was thought that with the sentencing of the IPOB leader, the long-standing sit-at-home in the southeast zone would come to an end.
In any case, findings by our reporter showed that the opposite was indeed the case in the first Monday following the judgment.
At Ogige main market Nsukka, Enugu state, many traders stayed away from their shop for fear of being attacked.
It was even gathered that even some traders who usually came on Mondays to open their shops told their colleagues that they would not be coming on Monday, November 24, 2025, because of fear of unknown gun men who may avenge the life sentence of Nnamdi Kanu.
According to some traders who spoke under anonymity, “we were just here with eyes and ears wide open. We are equally afraid that the hoodlums may use the opportunity of sentencing Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment to wreak havoc on some shops.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered shops, banks and some filling stations remained shut down despite the fact that the case of the IPOB leader has been decided at Federal High Court, Abuja.
Deserted street in Enugu
At Onitsha, the popular Onitsha-Owerri road was deserted even as so many streets looked like ghost town.
Our reporter gathered that many of the residents were either sitting at home for civil disobedience against the judgment handed down to the IPOB leader or for fear of attacks by supporters of the secessionists group.
According to one resident who spoke to our reporter on phone “sit-at-home in Igbo land has gone beyond the control of IPOB. Everybody is now angry with the federal government over the treatment of the IPOB leader who was later sent to life imprisonment. So, many people are now sitting at home in solidarity with IPOB members.”
According to the new report, the average life expectancy in Africa most populous country is 54.9 years.
This is slightly below 2024 ranking which showed 54.6 years.
The report also showed a far cry from the global threshold of 73.7 years.
While Nigerian men live an average of 54.3 years, their women live slightly longer at 54.9 years.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered the new has placed Nigeria at the bottom of a list of 25 countries with the shortest lifespans.
Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Nigeria President
Details of the report showed that Nigeria is now below Chad which has 55.2 years even as South Sudan, and the Central African Republic 57.7 years respectively.
The UN report further explained that 22 out of the 25 countries with the lowest life expectancy are in sub-Saharan Africa.
It showed that Lesotho has 57.8 years, Somalia 59.0 years, and Mali 60.7 years.
Factors fuelling low life expectancy in Nigeria
According to WITHIN NIGERIA investigations, many Factors are responsible for Nigeria’s low performance in the global life expectancy index record.
Such factors include widespread disease burdens, lack of access to quality healthcare, poverty and economic inequality, poor sanitation and hygiene, and unhealthy lifestyle choices like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
Further checks also showed that environmental factors such like air pollution also contribute, alongside societal issues like banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other security issues.
Not left behind is also, a high burden of chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes, accidents and others.
Health-related factors
In Nigeria with a population of over two hundred million persons, virtually seventy percent of the citizens has one health challenge or the other.
What worsens the matter is that about 80% of the population is living in poverty with no access to basic health care.
Many of whom are at the mercy of patent medicine dealers, herbal doctors and other medically illiterate health care givers when faced with medical challenge.
A damning report recently released by the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS showed that only 5% of Nigerians are enrolled in the scheme.
In Nigeria, it was also revealed that significant number of deaths are linked to preventable or treatable diseases, including malaria, pneumonia, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
In the face of such ugly situation, the country is also bedeviled with lack of functional, well-equipped hospitals and healthcare facilities which has hindered timely diagnosis and treatment.
Crawling behind this is the high rates of maternal mortality.
A country like Nigeria which falls among the highest child mortality rates significantly reduce life expectancy in affected regions.
Diabetes, hypertension:
In Nigeria, like in any other countries with low life expectancy, many people “after a brief illness”. This, no doubt is linked to heart disease. Again, diabetes, and obesity are also linked to higher mortality rates and lower life expectancy.
Socioeconomic & Environmental Factors
In the face of Low income, coupled with poverty, limits access to nutritious food, clean water, sanitation, and adequate housing, there is bound to be low life expectancy in such a country.
Poor Sanitation and Unclean Environments:
In many so-called cities and towns in Nigeria, there is virtually no potable water. The Nigerian populace relies heavily on borehole and sachet water for their daily water usage. Many of such borehole are not checked hygienically by the authorities concerned. This contributes to some water-borne diseases.
Mr. Peter Obi: berates President Tinubu
Societal Issues:
In Nigeria, there is no day that passes without reported case of terrorism, banditry and kidnapping in virtually all the geopolitical zones of the country.
As this happens, many young and old lives are lost to it. In fact, countless lives are being lost on daily basis on account of growing incidence of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other acts of insecurity across the country.
Added to this also is the fact that many communities are at war with their boundary communities over a piece of land.
These acts of insecurity, no doubt, reduces life expectancy of affected countries.
Unhealthy Habits: For lack of adequate knowledge of health implications, many Nigerians especially the youths engage in high alcohol consumption. This no doubt, contributes to low life expectancy.
Again, lack of regular physical activity contributes to increased mortality from chronic diseases which in turn leads to low life expectancy.
A diet lacking fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and high in unhealthy fats, increases the risk of chronic diseases.
High maternal and infant deaths, poor healthcare access, and insecurity in some regions continue to affect life expectancy in Nigeria.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the main causes of death globally include cancer, heart disease, diabetes, lung disease, and mental health conditions.
Peter Obi on Life Expectancy
Reacting to the development, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has described the situation as alarming.
According to Mr. Obi, “when you want to measure this Human Development Index, the most critical measure number one is Health – life expectancy.
“Life expectancy as we know today in Nigeria is among the lowest in the world. We are about 65 years, compared to India at about 70, Bangladesh at about 72, Egypt at about 71, and the Philippines at about 70,” Obi stated.
He enumerated a lot of issues bedeviling Nigeria’s healthcare system, to include the country’s near nonfunctioning primary healthcare facilities, alarmingly high infant mortality rates.
He also lamented that the majority of drugs are imported, and this made the cost of such drugs so high and out of reach for majority of the citizens.
“Many people with many illnesses can no longer be able to afford treatment. Nigerians now spend more than their income on food because everything has tripled.”
In its defence, the Federal Ministry of Health has promised to improve public health facilities and at the same time expand universal health coverage, but progress has been slow.
The minister of Health, Mr. Muhammad Ali Pate said the administration of Mr. Bola Tinubu is poised towards restoring health care facilities in the country in a bid towards boosting the health of the citizens.
On June 7, news broke out of the death of legendary Igbo musician, Mike Ejeagha at 95 years old
Ejeagha was born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu, Enugu State
Tinubu, Gov. Mbah, Obi, Atiku, Others pay tribute to the legendary musician
On June 7, news broke out of the death of legendary Igbo musician, Mike Ejeagha. The death of the iconic musician was coming after few years of protracted illness and seemed like a rejuvenation of his music by some good spirited Nigerians.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that the death of Mike Ejeagha also known as “Gentleman Mike Ejiagha” sent a shock wave in the South East region, nay entire Nigeria given the popularity of his music.
Mike Ejeagha: Died at 95 years old
Mike Ejeagha 4 April 1930 – 6 June 2025 was a Nigerian folklorist, songwriter, and musician. Also known as “Gentleman Mike Ejeagha”, Ejeagha started his music career in the mid-20th century. He was an influential figure in the evolution of Igbo music genre.
Early life and career
Ejeagha was born on 4 April 1930 in Imezi Owa, Ezeagu, Enugu State. His father was a civil servant who worked with the Ministry of Health in Enugu. Ejeagha attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Ogbete, Enugu.
At a young age, he played ogene with his friends. In 1945, he joined Coal Camp Boys, a local music group in Enugu. After completing his primary education in 1948, he continued to pursue his passion for music. In 1949 at the age of 20, he became an apprentice, learning hairdressing with his friend Cyprain Ozochiawa, who was a barber and musician. He also learnt how to play guitar.
Music career
Ejeagha was invited by Joseph Ogbu to join his band as a guitarist in 1950. Following his performance, he was called for an audition by Atu Ona who was the controller of the Nigerian Broadcasting Service, and was later offered a radio program Guitar Playtime, where he performed on radio and produced musical programs. During this time, he formed Premier Dance Band.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that during the Biafran War, Ejeagha disbanded his music group but continued to perform a radio program Igbo paly on Radio Nigeria. Because of the war, he left Enugu for Umuahia, where he stayed until the war ended. Prior to the war, Ejeagha had released several singles in collaboration with CT Onyekwelu, including: “The unfortunate lady” (1957), “colliery massacre” (1959), and “Ofu nwanne” (1959).
After the war, he was invited by the Nigerian Television Authority as a guest presenter for an Igbo program akuko N egwu in 1972; the program featured folksong lyrically composed by Ejeagha and his group. The program was a success and gave rise to the Igbo expression “Akuko Mike Ejeagha”.
Ejeagha with Brainjotter
Ejeagha plays his music with guitar and his lyrics were written in Igbo language. He has contributed over three hundred recordings to the National Archives of Nigeria.
In 2018, Nigerian singer Kcee visited him inorder to be permitted to use some of his songs, including: “Ome ka agu” and “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”. On 12 September 2022, Pulse NG reported that a documentary film about Ejeagha titled Gentleman was under production.
In July 2024, his 1983 song, “Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche”, gained widespread recognition due to a viral dance challenge inspired by comedian Brain Jotter. On September 2, 2024, Peter Mbah renamed the Abakpa Road after Ejeagha.
Controversies
Ejeagha had a court case which was finalised in 2013 with his record label Premier Records, as a result of producing a music video without the label’s approval. The case was withdrawn when Enugu State Government intervened in the matter.
Ejeagha with Ex-Gov. Ugwuanyi
Personal life and death
Ejeagha married his first wife in 1959, having three children before her death in 1963. He remarried in 1965 and had seven more children.
Ejeagha died on 6 June 2025 in Enugu, Nigeria after a long illness, at the age of 95.
Discography
Akanchawa, Uwa Ngbede Ka Mma, Elulube Lube, Ezi Nwa Mgbeke, Enyi Ga Achi, Onye Uri Utaba, Ife Nji M’Ogo, Atualu Omalu, Ebini New Ude, Mgba Enwude, Udeze nwa nnem,O di ka adi eme,Udo ka nma, Ome ka agu, Elulubelube, Makojo, Anene otulukpa, Onye nwee o na-ebe onye enwero o na- eb, amongst others.
Obi, Tinubu, Mbah pay tribute to the legend
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sorrow over the death of renowned highlife musician and folklorist, Mike Ejeagha, describing his passing as a significant loss to Nigeria’s cultural landscape.
In a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged Ejeagha’s enduring impact on Nigerian music, particularly his role in preserving Igbo folklore through his distinct lyrical style and narrative-rich compositions.
“Mike Ejeagha was one of Nigeria’s greatest folklorists, songwriters, and musicians in the Igbo language,” Tinubu said, noting that the artist’s work served as both entertainment and cultural documentation.
“His songs, built on proverbial wisdom and oral tradition, inspired generations and upheld our heritage.”
Continuing, further said that “May the spirit and values of Gentleman Mike Ejeagha’s music continue to remind us that music has the power to revive, heal, and redirect energy towards worthy causes that help build our nation,” the President stated.
Tinubu also commended the Enugu State Government for honouring Ejeagha during his lifetime. He acknowledged the efforts of Governor Peter Mbah in recognising the contributions of the musician and ensuring that his legacy did not go unnoticed.
“I appreciate the steps taken by the Enugu State Government to celebrate this icon while he was still alive,” Tinubu noted, adding that such gestures reinforce the importance of valuing cultural figures.
The President concluded his message with a prayer for Ejeagha’s peaceful rest and for comfort to those grieving his death. “May God Almighty grant repose to his soul and console his family, friends, and fans who mourn this loss.”
Ejeagha passed away on Friday evening at the age of 95 after a prolonged illness. His eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, confirmed to journalists in Enugu that his father died around 8 pm at the 32 Garrison Hospital.
“My father passed away due to a long-standing ailment,” he said, adding that the family is still coming to terms with the loss.
The late musician, often referred to as “Gentleman,” was a household name in Nigeria’s highlife and folk music scenes for several decades, with a career that blended music and oral tradition to shape public consciousness.
At the same time, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigerian highlife legend and folklorist, describing his death as an immense loss to Enugu State, the music industry, and Nigerian cultural heritage.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on his verified social media handles, Governor Mbah said Ejeagha’s death leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, praising him as a humble, iconic figure whose influence transcended borders.
“I’m profoundly saddened by the death of music icon, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha. He was a legend, a cultural ambassador, and a revered son of Enugu State,” the governor wrote. “Mike Ejeagha was one of the finest musicians of his generation , with an easygoing personality and humility that belied his towering celebrity status. I will always cherish fond memories of our time together , the warmth and wisdom he radiated, and the joy he found in life’s simplicity.”
He noted that Ejeagha’s genius lay in his ability to transform indigenous Igbo folktales into timeless, melodious highlife songs that continue to resonate across cultures.
“This is not only a personal loss but a significant blow to Enugu State, the music community, and the entire nation. His music educated, inspired, and entertained generations. His distinctive voice and storytelling were unmatched,” Mbah added.
The governor also recounted efforts made by his administration to honour Ejeagha during his lifetime, including the reconstruction of Obinagu Road and the adjoining Chief Mike Ejeagha Crescent leading to the musician’s residence in Abakpa Nike — a long-standing dream unfulfilled by past governments. The road was subsequently renamed Chief Mike Ejeagha Road in his honour.
He assured that the state government will further immortalise the late musician.
Ejeagha with Gov. Mbah
“His death leaves a huge void, but his legacy will endure. On behalf of the government and people of Enugu State, I extend heartfelt condolences to the Ejeagha family and assure them of our continued support. Above all, I pray that they experience God’s comfort and the strength to bear this loss,” the governor said.
Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I just read the sad news of the passing of the legendary highlife musician, songwriter, folklorist, and cultural custodian, Pa Mike Ejeagha.
“His transition marks the end of an era, but not the end of his voice — his songs will continue to echo through generations as testaments to wisdom, culture, and truth, “he said.
He praised Ejeagha for using music as a tool for teaching, healing, and preserving the philosophical depth of Igbo culture.
“For over six decades, Pa Ejeagha, popularly known as Gentleman Mike Ejeagha, used music not merely as art, but as a medium for teaching, healing, and preserving the moral and philosophical wealth of the people.
“His lyrics, rich with proverbs and folk wisdom, were moral compasses for both young and old… He immortalised the essence of life—its humour, discipline, spirituality, and resilience,” he said.
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar reflected on the resurgence of Ejeagha’s music, thanks to Brain jotter: “It is heartwarming to note that thanks to Brain Jotter, highlife maestro Mike Ejeagha had his ‘Gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ encore dance before the curtain was drawn.
“Rest in music, Gentleman Mike Ejeagha.”
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that Late Mike Ejeagha was buried on Saturday evening following his earlier directives that he should not be taken to mortuary.
His funeral date is yet to be announced by the family.
Riotous celebration claims life of varsity student in IMT, Enugu
Rector, Mr. Etim bans wild celebrations, postpones exams
IMT declares 3 days mourning, advises students on unguided behaviour
It is indeed a black Monday at Institute of Management and Technology, IMT, Enugu as a female student, Chiamaka Ozoigbondu has died in a car crash during riotous celebration on Monday, September 30, 2024.
WITHIN NIGERIA source, Uche Asogwa, told our reporter that “we were in our classroom, waiting for lecture when we heard loud noise. We rushed outside only to see a car already rammed onto a container inside the campus.
“The driver of the car is said to have taken some alcohol given the speed and manner she was driving.”
Further checks reveal that the incident occurred on campus as students marked the conclusion of their final year examinations.
Other witnesses reported that the driver, a graduating student, was driving recklessly amid the festivities when the vehicle suffered a suspected brake failure. The car veered off course, plowing into a crowd of students before tragically running over the victim.
The destroyed car
The victim, reportedly not an IMT student, was a student of Peaceland University, Enugu who had come to check on a friend.
In addition to the deceased, two other female students from IMT’s public administration department sustained injuries in the incident. They are currently receiving treatment at Posh Hospital in New Haven, with one student facing a potential transfer to the Orthopaedic Hospital for a fractured leg.
IMT Management reacts to the incident
Nevertheless, the IMT’s Acting Rector, Emeka Ejim, confirmed the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss.
In his words, “this tragic event serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of riotous and excessive celebration,” he stated. “We had repeatedly cautioned students against such behavior.
“The girl that died is not an IMT student, but (she is of) Peaceland. She came to sign off one of the injured students,” Mr Ejim said.
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that Peaceland is a private university located a few miles away from the IMT.
In response to the tragedy, IMT management indefinitely suspended all final year examinations. Ejim announced an emergency meeting scheduled for Wednesday to assess the situation and determine next steps.
According to him “we need to investigate what led to this incident and ensure it never happens again.”
As the institution mourns, calls for accountability and a reevaluation of campus celebration policies are growing louder. The tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the need for responsible conduct, especially during pivotal moments in students’ lives.
Suspension of the examination
Mr Ejim announced the indefinite suspension of the final year examinations in the institution.
“The AB and the management will be having an emergency meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 2 October 2024, at 9 00 a.m. to deliberate further,” he said.
The institution’s spokesperson, told newsmen on Tuesday that the examination was suspended so that management could investigate the incident.
Mr. Etim: Banned riotous celebration in IMT
“We want to find out what happened and how it happened.
“Despite all our warnings, these students still went ahead to do the type of celebrations that led to this incident,” Mr Eze, a lawyer, said.
WITHIN NIGERIA gathered that such celebration has become a common feature in tertiary institutions especially in the south East zone.
However, with the latest incident in IMT, there has been call to ban such wild celebration as many of which had led to sad end.
Two years ago, three University of Nigeria, Nsukka graduating students escaped death by whiskers when their car somersaulted two times at Nru junction during signing out celebration.
Ayogu Eze was a reporter with The Guardian Newspaper
He rose from pioneer PDP State Secretary to Senate Spokesperson after winning Enugu North Senatorial District seat in 2007
Eze was confirmed dead by his first son Kenechukwu on April 25, 2024
For the people of Enugu North Senatorial zone of Enugu state, the Senator Ayogu Eze remained the most vocal, outspoken and visible senator of the senatorial district since its creation in 1999.
In any case, his death has arguably created a big vacuum in the political spectrum in the state at large and Enugu North zone in particular.
For only Senator who has attracted a working federal presence in the zone, Senator Ayogu Eze is a towering political figure in the zone by all its and purposes.
Early life
Ayogu Eze (23 November 1958 – 25 April 2024) was born on November 23, 1958 to the family of….in Umuida community, Igbo-Eze North local government area of Enugu state. Arising from a humble background,
Education
In his desire to acquire formal education, Senator Ayogu Eze attended the Institute of Management and Technology, IMT Enugu, where he obtained Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication.
Late Sen. Ayogu Eze: A towering political figure in his state
He, however, proceeded to International Institute for Journalism, IIJ Berlin, Germany, where he graduated on top of the G55 student stream, comprising working journalists from about 14 African countries.
His unquenchable and unbridled hunger for education led him to also studied for a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos, after which he successfully attended the executive education programmes of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, where he studied “Leadership for the 21st Century: chaos, conflict and courage”.
Ayogu Eze also attended Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford, where he studied “The Oxford Programme on Negotiation” as well as the Judge Business School at the University of Cambridge, where the focus of study was “Leadership in Parliamentary Oversight Programme”.
Marital life
Senator Eze is married to his beautiful wife, Nkechi Ayogu and were blessed with children including his first son Kenechkwu and his daughter Lotachukwu ( a Uk-trained Law graduate).
Journalism Career
Having acquired journalism education, Eze had a very active journalism career, working as a reporter and staff writer with the prestigious Team of the newspaper’s features desk before being deployed to head the Guardian Express, an evening paper from the stable, where he broke the news of the deportation of an intellectual and a critic of the military government, Patrick Wilmot, by the then Nigerian military government of General Ibrahim Babangida.
Eze later headed the Advance Desk of the newspaper, charged with producing the first edition of The Guardian newspaper, circulated mainly in the eastern and northern parts of the country.
By and large, in 1989, he moved to editorial department of the Platform Magazine, published by late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo in Lagos which he left in 1991 to join yet another flagship of the journalism profession, this time in the magazine sector.
Nevertheless, he joined the Newswatch magazine, the then Nigeria most prestigious magazine, as Associate Editor in 1991.
He finally left there in 1992 to join the Enugu State government as Special Adviser in General Duties to Governor Okwesilieze Nwodo. After that government was overthrown by General Sani Abacha in November 1992, Sen. Eze went into the private sector, trying his hand at the produce trade and the real estate business.
Political career
Senator Ayogu Eze had a successful and uneventful political career. In a career that spanned for more than a quarter of a century, Senator Eze could be safely be referred to a successful political juggernaut.
In any case, at the threshold of the return of politics in 1998, he became a pioneer national ex officio member of the then newly born political party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. When the new party began to form her state structures, Sen. Eze moved down to his home state of Enugu, in Nigeria’s south eastern area, to join hands in midwifing the party in the state.
Eze contested and won the position of state secretary, becoming the party’s pioneer state secretary. The PDP won the election in Enugu as in many other states in the country in the 1999 general election. The new governor, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani appointed Sen. Eze into his cabinet in 1999, making him the commissioner for Information and Culture.
In 2001, he was redeployed to the newly created Ministry of Culture and Tourism but after his heroic effort in the governor’s successful reelection bid in 2003, the new ministry was remerged with the Information ministry to create yet a new Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism.
Nevertheless, in another cabinet shakeup in 2006, he was dropped from the cabinet but was called back in 2007 to serve as Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Affairs, a position he held till he was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 2007.
In the Senate, he was appointed chairman of the senate committee on Information and Media, making him the official spokesman of the senate. For the eight years he spent in the senate, he was a member of the Constitution Drafting and Amendment Committee that made some novel changes to Nigeria’s 1999 constitution.
In 2011, against all odds, he re-contested for the Senate seat of his district and recorded a landslide victory against his opponents in the race. After his reelection to the senate in 2011, he was appointed chairman of the committee on works.
Eze also served as a member of committees on Police Affairs, National Planning, Marine Transport and Federal Character & Inter-Government Affairs.
It has been said that Sen. Eze was one of the visible figures in the Senate, making comments, explaining issues and presenting certain critical matters during Senate sessions.
Senator Eze during presentation of his APC membership card
Records showed that Eze competed successfully to be reelected Senator for Enugu North Senatorial District on the PDP platform in the April 2011 elections. He polled 86,220 votes, beating Mike Ajogwu of the Labour Party who got 27,139 votes.
The former senator nursed the ambition of running for the governor of Enugu State in the 2015 general elections under the umbrella of the PDP. However, he lost the primary election to the incumbent governor of the state Rt Hon Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The primary election which was riddled with controversies ended in series of legal actions. However, he lost both at the Appeal Court and at the Supreme Court.
Defection to All Progressives Congress
In August, 2018 preparatory for the 2019 general elections, Sen. Ayogu decamped to All Progressives Congress, APC.
In the 2019 general elections, Sen. Eze contested the 2019 governorship election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC but withdrew from the election when the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, omitted his name from the final list of candidates for the election, in the aftermath of intractable contrived intra-party legal tussle.
Again, Sen. Eze headed to the electoral tribunal to contest his exclusion from the election even after the court had restored his name as the party’s Bona Fide candidate but was prevailed upon to stay the matter by traditional rulers and political leaders from Enugu State. He once again lost the guber election to Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who was running for his second tenure.
Senator Eze with wife during graduation of his daughter Lotachukwu in UK
Titles and Honours
In 2012, he was decorated with one of Nigeria’s most prestigious national honours, the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.
Senator Eze also held the following chieftaincy titles:
Ebube Dike of Ogruteland, conferred on him by his Ogrute clan in April 1993 in his home local government area of Igbo Eze North.
Okwulora of Umuozzi, bestowed on him by late Igwe J. O. Mamah, Ohabuenyi of Umuozzi in April 1993, also in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area.
Eze Chinaza Ekpere of Umumba Ndi Agu, conferred on him by late Igwe Joseph Chibuko of Umumba Ndi Agu, Ezeagu Local Government Area, Enugu State in 2009.
Odezulu Igbo of Unadu, conferred on him by Igwe Barnabas Okechukwu Agbaji, Enyi 1 of Unadu Kingdom of Igbo Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State in 2014.
Others confirmed as Federal Commissioners of RMAFC included; Peter Opara, Hauwa Umar Aliyu, Rakiya Tanko Haruna, Ismail Mohammed and Kolade Abimbola.
Health challenges
WITHIN NIGERIA findings showed that Sen. Ayogu Eze has been bedridden for quite some time now. During his daughter’s marriage some months ago, he was said to be absent due to his ill-health.
Death
Eze died at a hospital in Abuja, on 25 April 2024, at the age of 65. Since death, he has received many tributes from various political allies including the governor of the state, Peter Mbah, among others.
Former Big Brother Naija housemate Abiri Oluwabusayomi, popularly known as Khloe has said that fellow reality star Alex Asogwa saved her life on countless occasions.
The 26-year-old shared a picture of Alex to wish her a happy birthday on Instagram on Monday.
She also shared the story of the time she was sick and Alex took her to the hospital.
“Yay my baby is half of 50 i’m not the type to write long messages like you but let me tell you somethings @alex_unusual … Don’t stop being the Alex i know now , not for any single soul cos the woman you are is amazing and special.
“For all that you do , i’m grateful … Thanks a lot. which friend wud run half dressed in middle of the night , banging on a hospital doors to open , crying and praying with my lifeless body in their hands … All i could hear was “ koko you ll not die and drop of you and kenny’s @ctihanah tears all over me.
“You might think that’s normal cos you are ‘good peoples’ but that is courage to me .. And till i die i ll always seat on a table to praise u and tell people how amazing you are ….
“Countless times you and @antolecky saved my life … listened to me nag , cry , complain and want to give UP… But you keep saying “Koko you ve been through a lot to give up now “ you give me strength Amuche,” she wrote.
The ladies were housemates on the season three edition of the show titled ‘Double Wahala’.
Nigerian man, Mike Nwankwo, who is a clothing retailer in Abuja, Nigeria, has been jailed for life in Tanzania after he was found guilty of drug trafficking.
According to TheCitizen, he was sentenced by Judge Mohamed Gwae, of the High Court of Tanzania, who heard the case and acquitted the first accused, Ms Mastura Makongoro, Nwankwo’s girlfriend, due to lack of evidence against her.
The prosecution claimed that on February 12, 2014 at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), the defendants who were lovers at that time, were found transporting 5,126 grams of heroin to Freetown, Sierra Leone.
The first defendant, Ms Mastura, had asked his boyfriend Sh15 million for the construction of a house, and the latter replied that he would find her a job that would provide her with the money. Then, the second defendant assigned his girlfriend to transport a bag containing the drugs to Sierra Leone.
On the day of their arrest, the Nigerian national escorted his girlfriend to KIA where she entered and underwent inspections and was given a boarding pass by Ethiopian Airline.
Upon completion, the defendant, who was a student at Bandari College, went to sit in the waiting room and her bag was sent to an Xray machine for inspection.
However, security officers became suspicious and called the accused to reduce some of her belongings. It still was heavier than the allowable luggage weight and the officers suspected something was hidden.
Police officers decided to tear up the bag and thus they came across four envelopes that contained the drugs and in an initial questioning, the accused claimed the bag had been given to her by her boyfriend.
The suspect was taken to the KIA Police Station, and while she was being held there, the second accused returned to the scene searching for his girlfriend after he suspected something was wrong. While at the scene, the police suspected that he was the one mentioned as the bag owner and arrested him.
The verdict against Nwankwo and his girlfriend was handed down on Friday where Judge Gwae said the testimony of nine witnesses to the prosecution and 18 exhibits, confirmed the indictment against the Nigerian citizen beyond any reasonable doubt.
The prosecution in the case was led by state advocates from the National Prosecution Service (NPS), Ignas Mwinuka. At the same time, Nwankwo was defended by advocate Diana Solomoni and Mastura who was cleared was defended by advocate Modestus Njau.
Judge Gwae said he acquitted the first defendant because in the way the drugs were stored in the bag, she would not have been aware that there was anything extra in the bag.
