Nigeria News (Standard)
Veteran Actor and Professor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80 in Osun State
Nollywood community mourns legendary performer and academic, with tributes pouring in for his six-decade career
Nollywood community mourns legendary performer and academic, with tributes pouring in for his six-decade career
Renowned Nigerian actor and university professor, Kola Oyewo, has died at the age of 80 in Osun State on Friday night, 12 June. Oyewo, celebrated for his impactful roles on stage and screen as well as his contributions to theatre education, was a respected figure across both Nollywood and academia.
The news of Oyewo’s passing was shared by fellow actor Kunle Afod through an Instagram post late Friday. While Afod did not disclose the cause of death or further details surrounding the incident, he described Oyewo as a ‘true legend’ whose ‘remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten.’
Oyewo’s career spanned over sixty years, during which he became known for his captivating performances that helped define the golden era of Nigerian theatre. Beyond acting, he served as a professor of theatre arts at major institutions including Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Redeemers University in Ede, and Elizade University in Ondo State. His influence extended from performance into shaping new generations of Nigerian actors and dramatists through his teaching.
Industry colleagues and students have continued to pay tribute online, highlighting both his professional achievements and mentorship. As at Saturday morning, fans and practitioners from across Nigeria’s creative sector shared memories of Oyewo’s iconic roles and lauded his dedication to advancing arts education.
With his passing, stakeholders in Nollywood have described it as a significant loss to both the entertainment industry and academia. Plans for official tributes or funeral arrangements were yet to be announced as at press time.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Former Military Spokesperson Dies in Bandits’ Custody in Kaduna State
Security agencies intensify search as family confirms death; incident highlights ongoing abductions in North-West
Security agencies intensify search as family confirms death; incident highlights ongoing abductions in North-West
A former military spokesperson has died while being held by suspected bandits in Kaduna State, his family has confirmed. The tragic incident occurred after the retired officer was abducted from his residence, adding to the growing list of security challenges facing communities in the North-West region.
Sources said the ex-military official was taken captive by armed men who invaded his home and transported him to an undisclosed location. Despite efforts by security agencies and relatives to secure his release, the family announced his death on Saturday, 13 June 2026. Details regarding the precise circumstances of his passing remain unclear as at press time.
The abduction and subsequent death of a high-profile former security official underscores persistent insecurity across Kaduna and neighbouring states, where kidnappings for ransom have become rampant. Residents in affected communities continue to express concern over repeated attacks that target both civilians and public figures.
Efforts to reach police authorities in Kaduna for comment were unsuccessful as at time of filing this report. The family, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, appealed for intensified action from government and security agencies. “We urge authorities not to relent until those responsible are brought to justice,” a relative said.
Security analysts warn that the incident may further erode confidence in protection measures for both ordinary citizens and prominent individuals. Humanitarian groups have also called on government to prioritise intelligence gathering and rapid response operations across the North-West to stem the tide of abductions.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Boko Haram Attacks Niger State Village, Scores Feared Dead in Shiroro LGA
Security agencies deploy personnel as residents flee homes; local officials call for urgent federal intervention
Security agencies deploy personnel as residents flee homes; local officials call for urgent federal intervention
Suspected Boko Haram fighters invaded a community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, leaving many residents feared killed and several others displaced. The attack, which occurred on 13 June, has plunged the area into renewed insecurity as survivors recount scenes of gunfire and destruction.
According to eyewitnesses, the armed group stormed the village in the early hours, shooting sporadically and targeting houses. Multiple sources reported that several people lost their lives, though exact casualty figures remain unclear as at press time. Residents said dozens fled to neighbouring communities for safety while security operatives were later deployed to restore calm.
Niger State has faced persistent attacks by armed groups in recent years, with Shiroro LGA among the hardest hit areas. The latest incident has heightened fears among locals and further strained humanitarian resources in the North-Central state. Many villagers have abandoned their farms and homes amid ongoing threats from insurgents and bandits operating in the region.
A senior official of Niger State government, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the incident, confirmed the attack and said efforts were underway to ascertain the number of casualties. “We are working with security agencies to respond swiftly and ensure affected persons receive help,” the official stated. Community leaders have also appealed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration to increase military presence and deliver relief materials to displaced residents.
As security agencies continue search-and-rescue operations in Shiroro LGA, local authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements. The state government is expected to hold an emergency security meeting in Minna this week as part of measures to address rising insecurity across Niger State.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Elon Musk Becomes World’s First Trillionaire as SpaceX Valuation Hits $2.1trn Mark
Milestone follows SpaceX’s record IPO; Musk’s net worth climbs to $1.1trn, driven by major tech holdings
Milestone follows SpaceX’s record IPO; Musk’s net worth climbs to $1.1trn, driven by major tech holdings
Elon Musk has become the first person in history to reach a net worth of over $1 trillion after SpaceX, his space technology company, completed a record-setting initial public offering (IPO) on Thursday, June 13. The development saw SpaceX’s market valuation soar above $2 trillion on its debut trading day, boosting Musk’s estimated fortune to about $1.1 trillion.
The landmark IPO saw SpaceX shares open strongly and continue their upward trend throughout the session, closing with a total company valuation of more than $2.1 trillion. This historic performance placed Musk—who holds a significant stake in the company—at the top of global wealth rankings and marked the first time any individual has crossed the trillion-dollar threshold.
Musk’s path to this unprecedented milestone began in the late 1990s with his early ventures in software and payments technology, including Zip2 and X.com, which eventually became PayPal. After selling PayPal, he invested heavily in what many considered risky projects at the time—most notably Tesla, the electric car manufacturer, and SpaceX, founded in 2002 with ambitions to reduce space travel costs and make human life multiplanetary.
Despite facing major challenges—including financial difficulties and repeated rocket failures—SpaceX survived several near-collapse moments before securing major contracts and rising as a global leader in aerospace innovation. Today, SpaceX operates Starlink satellite internet services and runs one of the world’s most active launch programmes. In addition to his stake in SpaceX, Musk’s wealth is also tied to investments in Tesla, artificial intelligence start-up xAI, Neuralink and The Boring Company.
Industry analysts say Musk’s achievement cements his position as one of the most influential business figures of this century. The financial milestone is expected to further drive interest in private sector-led innovation globally. No Nigerian or African entrepreneur has yet approached such a valuation benchmark.
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