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General News of Friday, 19 February 2021

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Remembering these famous Nigerian personalities who died in February

Tony Momoh and Lateef Jakande died in February Tony Momoh and Lateef Jakande died in February

2021 has no doubt come with its unique inconsistencies. The year many thought would be the complete opposite of the previous is turning into one we might dread for a long time.

Since the turn of the year, the country has seen a spike in coronavirus cases like no other. The year has also seen more popular Nigerians dying in record numbers like never before.

In January, not more than 10 prominent Nigerians died in the first 10 days of the year. The list includes entertainers, statesmen, and politicians.

February is turning out to have a semblance of January. Like the month before, the country has recorded some high-profile deaths, all of whom died from various ailments that are not directly related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Below is a list of famous Nigerians who have died in February

Tony Momoh

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Tony Momoh died at the age of 81 on Monday, February 1, 2021, at his residence in Abuja.

His death was confirmed by former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer, Atiku Abubakar via his Twitter handle.

He tweeted, “A good man, Prince Tony Momoh, has gone home. The veteran journalist, politician, and former minister was an avowed apostle of politics without bitterness. And like the prince he was, carried himself with dignity and respect. He will be sorely missed.



“My family and I, condole with his family; the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, HRH Alhaji Aliru Momoh (Ikelebe III) and his Council; the government and people of Edo State, his friends, and associates. May his soul rest in peace.”

Lateef Jakande

The death of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor of Lagos State was met with shock across the state. After it was confirmed by his son, sympathizers in their hundreds trooped to the Ilupeju residence to condone with the family.

Jakande was credited with changing the face of Lagos when he was governor.



Jakande, 91, according to his children, passed on around 11 am in his sleep after having his routine pap breakfast and engaging in mild physical exercise.

According to his son, Seyi Jakande, the former governor showed no sign that his end was near.

“He was not sick. In fact, he completed his APC registration exercise on Wednesday. Usually, my dad returns to sleep after breakfast and so, when he finished taking his breakfast (pap) he went back to sleep.

Ibrahim Idris

The Chief of Staff to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika died on Sunday, February 14, 2021.

The sad news was confirmed in a tweet by the ministry: “Innalillahi Wa inna ilahi Rajuun, with total submission to the will of Allah, we announce the death of Dr. Ibrahim Idris Chief of Staff to the Hon. Minister Hadi Sirika last night.



“A hardworking, godly and simple (man). May Allah forgive him and grant him the highest rank in Jannah.”

In a short tribute to his departed CoS, Sirika also described Idris as an “honest, trustworthy, simple, warm godly” man.

Yisa Sofoluwe

Probably one of the best to have featured for Nigeria, the country was thrown into a state of shock following the demise of former Super Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe who died on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at the Intensive Care Unit of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

The PUNCH broke the news of Sofoluwe’s ill-health on Friday after the Maroc ’88 Africa Cup of Nations star was diagnosed with mild cerebral atrophy, a brain disease.



The news was later confirmed by ex-international Waidi Akanni, a close friend of Sofoluwe who said: “Sofoluwe is gone. We lost him this evening. May God rest his soul. We will go there (LUTH) tomorrow (Wednesday) to get his remains.”

Dosu Joseph, an ex-Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta 1996 Olympics gold medallist, also confirmed Sofoluwe’s death to The PUNCH in a WhatsApp message.

“Thanks for your support, we lost him, another icon is gone. To God be the glory.”

Victor Decker

Actor, Victor Decker wasn't left out of the slaughter as he bid farewell to the land of the living.

The news of the actor’s death was shared on Instagram by a colleague, Uzee Usman.

Usman in his post noted that the news left him speechless as he mourned the late actor.



He also added that Decker’s death is another reminder that the world is not everyone’s permanent home.

In his words: "Speechless! Can't believe I'm typing this! But a reminder that this is not our home, we're all on a journey! This is how I chose to remember you! Goodnight GENERAL! Rest In Peace!"

Junaid Mohammed

A Second Republic lawmaker and former Vice Presidential candidate, Dr. Junaid Mohammed, died in his home in Kano on Thursday, February 19, 2021.

One of his sons who confirmed his death to THISDAY said Mohammed died at an Isolation Centre in Kano.



He, however, said his father tested negative to COVID-19.

The Soviet-trained medical doctor was elected to the National Assembly in 1979 on the platform of the Peoples Redemption Party.

Abdullahi Dikko

The immediate past Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abdullahi Dikko died after a protracted illness.

The Katsina State indigene led the NCS from 2009 to 2015.

The former customs boss had been facing a probe by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as well as the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.



His house said to be worth N1.1bn as well as cars worth hundreds of millions of naira were seized by the EFCC under the leadership of erstwhile Chairman, Ibrahim Magu.

However, his case could not proceed due to his failing health.