RIP: Former Hibernians midfielder, Essien Mbong passes away

Former Hibernians midfielder Essien Mbong has passed away in Nigeria; he was aged 37.

His death which occurred on Saturday was announced by his Nigerian friends in Malta.

Mbong was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League during his successful spell with Hibernians.

Man commits suicide inside Ogun stadium

An unidentified man on Sunday committed suicide inside the MKO Abiola International stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The man, whose identity had yet to be ascertained as at press time was said to have hung himself on the tree by the cricket pitch of the stadium.

Our correspondent learnt that the body of the man, suspected to be between 28 and 30 years, was brought down from the tree by policemen from the Ibara Division.

He was confirmed dead by the management of the state Hospital, Ijaye, where he was taken to shortly after he was brought down from the tree.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident, stated that neither a suicide note nor any form of identity was found on the man.

Prophet Obadare to be buried in gold-plated casket

The late Apostle Timothy Obadare would be buried in a gold-plated casket as a mark of honour for his contributions to Christendom.

This was disclosed by his first son, Pastor Paul Obadare, during a press briefing organised by the family and his protégés in Lagos on the burial arrangement.

Obadare said, “The coffin to be used for the burial of our father, Apostle Timothy Obadare, is taken after the type used for the burial of the late Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston.”

He said the late founder of World Soul Winning Evangelical Ministry deserved to be so honoured.

Paul, who is the General Overseer of the church in the United States of America, described his father as a national figure, who made lasting impact on the nation in his time.

World's Oldest Person Dies in Japan at 116

The world's oldest person, and the oldest man in recorded history, has died in western Japan at the age of 116.

Japanese officials say Jiroemon Kimura died Wednesday of natural causes in a hospital near Kyoto where he had been receiving treatment for pneumonia.

Guinness World Records says Kimura, who was born in 1897, is the world's only man to have lived to 116 years of age. It recognized him as the world's oldest living person in December, after a U.S. woman died at the age of 115.

Kimura, who worked at a post office and later was a farmer, is survived by seven children, 14 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren.

Media reports say he attributed his longetivity to getting outside in the sunlight and eating meals until he was only 80 percent full.

With Kimura's death, 115-year-old Misao Okawa, a Japanese woman from Osaka, is now the world's oldest person.

4-Year Old Boy Accidentally Kills Dad in Arizona

A 4-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed his father at a home in Prescott Valley Friday, according to a spokesman for the Prescott Valley Police Dept.

Police have identified the victim as 35-year-old Justin Stanfield Thomas of Phoenix, a military veteran who served in the Army Special Forces.  Detectives say he and his son were from Phoenix and they were visiting a friend at that home. The boy found a gun in the living room and accidentally shot his father.

"I really can't believe this happened," said Jeremy Hartt, a neighbor and friend of everyone involved.  "It's tragic, that poor little boy."

Hartt said he didn't hear the gunshot but saw the aftermath.  He said the friend Thomas was visiting is also a military veteran who keeps a loaded gun for protection.

RIP: Bruno Mars’ Mother Dies at Age 55

The mother of Grammy-winning pop star Bruno Mars has died in Hawaii.

Bernadette Hernandez died Saturday of a brain aneurysm, according to a publicist for Mars' label, Atlantic Records, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the person was not authorized to speak on the record.

Hernandez was 55 years old. She died in Honolulu at Queens Medical Center; no other information was given.

Mars is one of pop's top acts with several No. 1 hits including his most recent, "When I Was Your Man." His mother, a hula dancer and a singer who immigrated from the Philippines, nurtured her son's interest in music at an early age.

Generator fumes kill mother, four children in Bayelsa

Fumes from a generator have killed one Mrs. Chinyere Celestine, and four of her children in their home, off Goodnews Street, Azikoro suburbs of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The victims were said to have died in their sleep on Tuesday night while the generator was working.

The father of the children and husband of Chinyere, identified as Celestine, was said to be in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, when the tragedy occurred.

It was learnt that Celestine’s inability to get through to his wife on the telephone on Wednesday morning aroused his curiosity and prompted him to call a neighbour.

After several attempts to wake the victims from sleep, the neighbour was said to have raised the alarm that compelled other neighbours to force the door open and discover the victim’s lifeless bodies.

Father of Three Commits Suicide After Sack

A father of three, who was identified as Patrick Essien, was reported have committed suicide, yesterday, in Benin after he was allegedly sacked from the transport company where he worked. His dangling body was found in the roof of the toilet at the residence at Imasabemwen Street, off Siluko Road. Some co-tenants, who spoke to journalists, said the deceased had complained earlier that he had been sacked, although they could not volunteer the name of the company. According to them, a co-tenant, who went to the toilet to ease himself, peeped in after knocking several times without getting any response. That was when he saw a body dangling from the roof.

They said the late driver had been living at the residence for the past 14 years without any wife or children but that he told them he had a wife and three kids somewhere. According to them, "we saw him this morning. He said he was sacked and we later found him dead in the toilet." His corpse was later taken away by the police.

Former First Lady Of Lagos State, Foluke Mudashiru Is Dead

The wife of late military Governor of Lagos State, Commodore Gbolahan Mudashiru, died yesterday, May 27th in Atlanta Georgia after battling an undisclosed illness for a while. She was 67.

Air Commodore Gbolahan Mudasiru was military governor of Lagos State between January 1984 and August 1986. He died on 23rd September, 2003 in London.

Angelina Jolie's Aunt Debbie Loses Battle with Breast Cancer

Angelina Jolie's aunt, Debbie, 61 has lost her battle with Stage Four breast cancer; the news of her death was relayed by Debbie’s husband, Ronald Martin.

This is coming on the heels of Jolie’s recent announcement that she had a preventative double mastectomy earlier in the year.

"Angelina has been in touch throughout the week and her brother Jamie has been with us, giving his support day by day," Ronald said. "They both loved Debbie very much and although Angie is not able to come right now she has sent her love and support which was very nice."

Debbie died at Palomar Hospital in Escondido, Calif. and is survived by her husband Ron and their two sons Chris and Cory Martin.

Rest in Peace.

Reuben Abati loses mum

Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to President Goodluck Jonathan, Dr Reuben Abati has announced the passing away of his mother, Madam Maria Taiwo Abati. Madam Maria Taiwo Abati, 81 passed into glory today.

Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

May her soul rest in peace

PHOTOS: Achebe's Body Arrives in Abuja

The remains of celebrated writer, Chinua Achebe arrived Abuja, the federal capital territory, Tuesday morning and was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport by government officials, writers, cultural organisations and other associates.

Dignitaries present at the local wing of the airport include, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, Governor Peter Obi and many others, as Achebe's casket, draped in national colours of green and white was ushered into the local wing, with pall bearers in full igbo attire as blaring trumpets, songs and dancing pervaded the hall.

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Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde, Nigerian Artist, Dies of Stomach Cancer at 45

Folasayo Dele-Ogunrinde, award-winning Nigerian writer, visual artist, performance poet, public speaker, filmmaker and actor is dead. She passed away in her home in Houston, Texas on Saturday, May 18 around 1:30 a.m. after a courageous and protracted battle with stomach cancer. She was 45 years old.

She received treatment for stomach cancer from oncologists who are affiliated with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her brother Mr. Ayodele Ogunrinde confirmed her death saying she was surrounded by her 74-year-old father who flew in from Nigeria and other relatives when she died.

Achebe’s body arrives today

The remains of celebrated writer, Chinua Achebe is expected to be flown into the country, today to kick-start a week-long burial rites. Achebe died on March 21, 2013 at 82.

Achebe’s body is expected to arrive the Ecumenical Christian Centre in Abuja today where prayers would be held for the repose of his soul.

Thereafter, the Association of Nigeria Authors (ANA) would at the same venue tomorrow appreciate Achebe’s life and times in a special session.

A reception will be held in his honour, though without the presence of his physical body, at the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). On Wednesday, May 22, the body will arrive Awka and will lie-in-state at the Ekwueme Park in the Anambra State capital.

Meanwhile, the people of Ogidi, hometown of the literary icon, weekend said they were prepared to work with other committees set up for a befiting buril of their illustrous son. Achebe, a former president general of Ogido Town Union, belonged to the highest titled group in Ogidi known as Ndichie Une.

Nollywood Actress Moyo Lawal Loses Mother

Filo: The mother of Nollywood actress, Moyo Lawal passed on yesterday May 12, 2013 – she was 62.

She will be buried at 2pm tomorrow, at a private ceremony, at Vaults and Gardens Cemetery, Ikoyi

May her soul rest in peace