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BREAKING: Popular Nigerian Live Band Singer, Akin Shuga Is Dead

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The founder of one of Nigeria’s most renowned live bands, Akin Shuga, Akinloye Tofowomo, has passed away.

Information obtained by The Eagle Online indicates that Tofowomo died in New Brunswick, Canada after undergoing surgery.

The family confirmed his death in a statement issued on Monday. The statement, signed by Femi Dare on behalf of the family, noted that Tofowomo was born on January 6, 1975.

According to the statement, “It is with profound solemnity and total submission to the will of God, that the family of Akinloye Tofowomo (Akiin Shuga) — revered music icon, Grandmaster, and Managing Director of Shuga Limb Foundation and Shuga Entertainment, Nigeria’s most prestigious live band — announces his passing in New Brunswick, Canada.”

The tribute described him as a cultural pillar in the music industry, adding, “Akinloye Tofowomo was more than a musician; he was a custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance. Across more than three decades of excellence — on stage and in mentorship — he redefined what it meant to lead a band with grace, mastery, and purpose. To countless admirers at home and abroad, he was both an inspiration and an institution: a true king in his art.”

The family appealed for privacy as they mourn, stating, “As the family comes to terms with this immeasurable loss, they humbly request privacy and quiet reflection at this deeply difficult time. They wish for the space to find closure and to honour his life in the intimacy of loved ones and cherished memories.”

They added that memorial arrangements will be announced later, saying, “Further details, including dates and arrangements for memorial observances, will be communicated in due course.”

Expressing gratitude to the public, the family stated, “The family extends heartfelt appreciation to all who have reached out with prayers, tributes, and kind words. Akinloye Tofowomo’s legacy — through the Shuga Band and Shuga Entertainment — will continue to live on.”

Tofowomo is survived by his wife, children, siblings, and mother. “May his noble soul find eternal rest,” the statement concluded.

Tofowomo, popularly known as Akiin Shuga, was a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music entrepreneur. He founded the celebrated Shuga Band in 1998 and also established the Shuga Limb Foundation, which supports individuals living with polio.

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Firm Seeks ‘Remote Prayer Warrior’ For N500k A Month

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A company has advertised a job vacancy for a “dedicated and spiritually grounded” prayer warrior who will serve as a corporate intercessor for its executive leadership and business operations.

The listing was posted on the recruitment platform Indeed by Betafans NG, which is identified on the website as a firm operating in the broadcast media sector.

According to the advert, the ideal applicant must be a Christian prayer warrior who will offer consistent prayer support, spiritual guidance and prophetic covering to help ensure “divine alignment, peace, and progress” across multiple business ventures.

The responsibilities outlined in the posting include leading daily and weekly intercessory prayers for the leadership team and ongoing projects; preparing and observing a structured prayer calendar with themes such as growth, protection, wisdom, partnerships and expansion; and hosting remote prayer meetings or vigils via Zoom or other virtual platforms.

The successful candidate will also be required to maintain a private prayer journal documenting topics, scriptures, insights and testimonies; provide periodic spiritual briefings on prayer focus areas; uphold confidentiality and discretion in all company-related issues; and offer spiritual support during special moments such as new product launches, crisis periods or major business decisions.

Other expectations include a strong personal commitment to a consistent prayer routine with at least three prayer sessions daily, prior experience as an intercessor or prayer coordinator, and high moral standards and humility.

The firm indicated that preference will be given to applicants with verifiable experience praying for individuals, organisations or ministries, as well as familiarity with business or startup environments, and prior ministry or intercessory background.

Spiritual mentorship was listed as an added advantage.

The advert states that the role will attract monthly pay ranging from N400,000 to N500,000.

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Tinubu Nominates Enugu Commissioner As Minister

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated a member of the Enugu State Executive Council to serve as a Minister in the Federal Government.

This development comes three weeks after Governor Peter Mbah left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The nomination was disclosed on Tuesday via an official WhatsApp platform of the Enugu State Government.

According to the announcement, the nominee is Kingsley Udeh, the Enugu State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

A message accompanying the announcement stated: “…Gov Peter Mbah is connecting Ndi Enugu to the centre.

“It’s more development, more dividends of democracy. APC all the way.

“Ndi Enugu, this is why we ALL MUST support APC and Gov Mbah’s leadership.”

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Tinubu Moves To Appoint New Ambassadors Amid US Tension

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President Bola Tinubu is preparing to finalise the appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions worldwide after months without envoys in many countries, Punch has gathered.

Presidency insiders familiar with the process told our correspondent that Tinubu has ordered a “final cleanup” of the nominee list ahead of publishing it.

The officials, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that the exercise is nearing completion.

“It is going to be concluded very soon,” a senior official disclosed.

According to the source, the revision became necessary because some nominees listed earlier have either died, retired, or fallen short of eligibility requirements due to having less than a year left in service.

He noted that although the Senate had already screened the earlier nominees, the cleanup ensures only qualified individuals remain.

“The list of those screened has left the Senate long ago; it has been returned to the President,” he added.

Another government source confirmed that security and background checks had been completed months ago, but adjustments became necessary after nominees passed away, accepted new positions, or stepped down due to health concerns.

“The earlier list sent to the Senate is outdated. Some of the nominees have died, while others are no longer qualified,” the official stated.

He emphasised that the fresh review will ensure the final list reflects updated and eligible candidates, describing the verification process as quick and straightforward.

The development follows Tinubu’s September 2023 directive recalling all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions — consisting of 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates — for what the Presidency described as a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”

Since then, most missions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires and senior consular officials who have limited authority to engage in high-level diplomacy.

“The truth is that most foreign governments do not give the same regard to chargés d’affaires as they do to ambassadors,” a senior Foreign Service officer told Punch.

“At a time like this, with many diplomatic demands, it is crucial that ambassadors be appointed,” the source added.

The renewed push to complete the exercise follows mounting diplomatic tension with the United States triggered by comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened potential military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump, on Friday, wrote on his social media platform that he was designating Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern.”

He subsequently claimed he directed U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter and provide feedback.

On Saturday, Trump further escalated his statement, saying he had asked the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria.

He warned that if the Nigerian Government “continues to allow the killing of Christians,” the U.S. could halt aid and “may very well go into that disgraced country, ‘guns-a-blazing,’ to wipe out the Islamic terrorists committing these atrocities.”

A top Presidency source however clarified that the absence of ambassadors did not directly cause the crisis but noted that diplomatic engagements would be smoother with ambassadors in place.

Foreign partners generally prefer dealings at ambassadorial level “especially in moments of crisis or negotiation,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected at the State House today (Tuesday) for a meeting with Tinubu, with sources suggesting the agenda includes finalising the ambassadorial list.

“When the President is ready to make that appointment, it will be made public. The Presidency will release an official statement very soon,” another top official confirmed.

Punch reported in April 2025 that the Federal Government had concluded vetting and security checks for nominees, but funding challenges delayed the appointments.

More than $1bn is required to settle foreign service arrears, upgrade diplomatic vehicles, rehabilitate embassies, and support operational overheads worldwide.

Tinubu had also previously acknowledged the complexity of balancing political and professional considerations in selecting ambassadors.

“It’s not easy stitching those names,” Tinubu remarked during a meeting with The Buhari Organisation on September 2, 2025.

“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for,” he noted.

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