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Minister Ocholi,Wife And Son Died In Auto Crash

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10 years ago

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ocho

Yesterday, March 6, 2016, minister of state for Labour and Employment Mr. James Ocholi, wife and son died in an accident that occurs on the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. The incident occurred when the car they were travelling in had a burst tyre, skidded off the road and somersaulted into the bush near Rijana village.

Witnesses said the minister and his son died on the spot while his wife died of her injuries in Doka Hospital where she was taken to for immediate medical attention.

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed shock and sadness at the death of the minister saying the government had lost a key component of the change agenda.

Also, the governor of Kogi State (Ocholi’s home state), Governor Alhaji Yahaya Bello yesterday declared a three-day mourning period in honour of the minister while his party, the APC, said in a statement that it was in shock.

News of Ocholi’s death got to Kaduna through many travellers who came across the accident on their way to the state capital.

The police public relations officer in Kaduna, DSP Zubairu Abubakar said the Lexus Jeep that the minister was travelling in had a burst tyre and the car somersaulted, veering off the road in top speed and killing both the minster and his son on the spot.

He said the wife and others who were in critical condition after the accident were taken to the hospital at Doka but that the wife later died.

Kaduna State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Francis Udoma, also state that “The driver, the chief detail, the orderly and the P.A (Personal Assistant) were injured.”

President Buhari in his condolence message expressed shock and sadness at the death of Barrister James Ocholi.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said in a statement last night that Buhari described Ocholi’s death as untimely.

The presidential spokesman said Buhari regretted that Nigeria had lost a key component of the change agenda.

“Barrister Ocholi was an accomplished and patriotic Nigerian, who was keen to accept the call to service at a time his country needed him”, the president was quoted as saying.

Buhari said in the few months he had been in office, the late minister had begun to distinguish himself through his commitment and dedication to his portfolio.

The presidential aide said the late Ocholi had a long record of political association with President Buhari.

Shehu said President Buhari also condoled with the government and people of Kogi State for “having lost a distinguished and irreplaceable son”.

He said the president prayed that God comfort the bereaved and grant them the grace to bear the loss.

“The entire country mourns the loss of this great man who has sadly left us when we need him most”, the president said.

Shehu said Buhari had also sent the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, “to formally convey the news to members of the deceased family as well as parishioners in his place of worship.”

Ocholi was a long time ally of President Buhari. He contested the Kogi governorship election in 2011 under the platform of the Congress for Progressives Change (CPC).

He was a member of the 17-man committee appointed by CPC that represented the party in the proposed merger of major opposition parties that formed the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Before his appointment as Minister of State for Labour and Employment late last year, he also served as deputy national legal adviser of APC.

Barrister Ocholi hailed from Ogbagede-Abocho in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.

Kogi govt declares three-day mourning
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has declared three day mourning for the late minister. The three day mourning is to hold between today (Monday) and Wednesday.

The governor in a statement issued yesterday by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Abdulmalik Abdulkarim, described the late Ocholi as a ‘pragmatic, dynamic, humane and brilliant law officer, who was known around the world.’

He said the late minister was one of the most unswerving constitutional lawyers Nigeria has ever produced.

Bello recalled how the late Senior Advocate of Nigeria joined other progressive minded individuals around the country to build the pillars of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

He further stated that the late minister was a detribalized Nigerian who believed in the oneness of the nation, summing up his death as an irreparable loss to Kogi State and the Nation at large.

The governor condoled with members of his family over the loss of late Ocholi and prayed for repose of the soul.

A close family friend, Attai Uwodi, described the incident as shocking and devastating.

He said the incident had left them speechless and in utter disbelief, adding that they had left everything to God.

The APC National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mai Mala Buni, described the death of Ocholi as a monumental loss.

In a condolence message Sunday, Buni prayed for the recovery of others involved in the accident, including the late minister’s driver who reportedly sustained serious injuries.

The APC National Secretary said the late Ocholi, who was the party’s former Deputy National Legal Adviser, would be remembered for his selfless service to the country.

While extending his condolences to the people and government of Kogi State, Buni prayed to Almighty God to grant Ocholi’s immediate family the fortitude to bear the loss.

NLC president commiserates with Buhari
The president of Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC), Comrade Ayubba Wabba has commiserated with President Muhammadu Buhari over the death of the minister.

Speaking to Daily Trust on phone yesterday, Wabba described the late minister as a reliable and dependable person who used his legal background to ensure industrial peace and harmony in workplaces.

He said his death was a great loss to the present administration, labour force and Nigeria at large.

The NLC president said he had earlier called his counterpart minister, Chris Ngige who confirmed to him that Ocholi had lost his live in the accident.

“We enjoyed working with him because he added value to governance and contributed immensely in ensuring that the national health workers’ issues were amicably resolved. We will surely miss him for his commitment to the present administration’s core values. His demise has indeed created a great vacuum,” Wabba said.

Minister’s corpse deposited at National Hospital – FRSC

The FRSC said yesterday that the remains of the late Minister of State had been deposited at the morgue of the National Hospital, Abuja.

Mr Bisi Kazeem, the spokesperson of the FRSC, confirmed in Abuja that the corpse was taken to the hospital along with two other casualties.

“The minister and two other occupants died eventually, while four people were injured,” said the spokesman.

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

4 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

Published

22 hours ago

on

April 23, 2026

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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celebrity radar - gossips

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Published

3 days ago

on

April 21, 2026

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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