Nigeria Mourns Akiin Shuga: Tributes Pour In for Legendary Live Band Star and Polio Advocate

Nigeria’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the passing of Akinloye Tofowomo, fondly known as Akiin Shuga, the vibrant live band icon and founder of Shuga Band. He passed away in New Brunswick, Canada, at the age of 50.

His family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement on Instagram, describing him as a “revered music icon, Grandmaster, and custodian of rhythm, culture, and the spirit of performance.”

The statement read:

“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 — announces his passing.”


Reports indicate that the beloved singer and polio survivor lost his battle with cancer.

Tributes have continued to flood social media:

Comedian Gbenga Adeyinka wrote emotionally, “@akinshuga I love you so much… why? ”

Ovation Magazine editor Michael Effiong lamented, “OUR END POLIO AMBASSADOR IS GONE… He gave his all to humanity.”

PR expert Samuel Olatunji added, “This is the saddest news I have read this year. Akiin Shuga was one of the clients who helped stabilize my PR firm. I will never forget.”


Born on January 6, 1975, in Ondo State, Akiin Shuga was not only a gifted performer but also a beacon of hope — using his platform to inspire millions through his Shuga Limb Foundation and as President of the Association of Music Band Owners of Nigeria (AMBON).

His legacy of resilience, rhythm, and compassion will live on through his music and humanitarian work.

Pres. Tinubu Approves Lifetime Salary Benefits for Retiring Senior Officers — Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has announced a new policy granting lifetime salary benefits to senior officers retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller, Comptroller, or Commandant-General and above.

The policy, approved by President Bola Tinubu, was unveiled on Thursday during the 2025 Ministerial Retreat, where Tunji-Ojo outlined his ministry’s achievements and reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reforms.

“In recognition of the welfare of senior officers, the minister announced that any officer retiring from the rank of Deputy Controller/Comptroller/Commandant-General will now receive lifetime salary benefits, a policy graciously approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” a statement signed by DCF PO Abraham, NPRO/Head of Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, said.

The statement further conveyed the minister’s gratitude, “The minister expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his unwavering support, affirming that all agencies under the Ministry of Interior are reaping the benefits of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Tunji-Ojo disclosed that the ministry had cleared a long-standing backlog of promotions, with over 50,000 officers elevated in the last two years. Going forward, promotions will be tied to capacity and performance. He also revealed that new training manuals have been developed and that construction of a world-class Fire Academy—designed to rival institutions such as the Arizona Fire Academy—is underway.

The minister stressed the importance of workplace m+ntal health, pledging the ministry’s full support for officers in this regard. He further urged the Federal Fire Service to pursue private sector partnerships to strengthen service delivery, improve infrastructure, and modernise firefighting operations nationwide.

He added that the framework will be participatory, involving government, private sector, labour, civil society, and traditional institutions.

On food security, Shettima announced that NASENI has scaled up local production of solar-powered irrigation pumps, saying: “This is the story of a nation’s refusal to be hostage to petrol-powered systems.” The Council also directed the release of funds for the next polio immunisation campaign, following a 46% drop in cases in 2025, though Sokoto remains a hotspot.

Gombe Governor Inuwa Yahaya confirmed gains in Kano and Katsina. Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu explained the plan is the second of six five-year frameworks under Nigeria Agenda 2050, targeting job creation, infrastructure, human capital, food security, and social protection. Governors, including Charles Soludo, welcomed the early start and urged inclusive state-level participation. NEC also resolved to integrate technology into routine immunisation and called for urgent release of campaign funds.

Nigeria’s Yinka Babalola has been named President-Elect of Rotary International for the 2026–2027 year, becoming only the second African and Nigerian to lead the global humanitarian body after Jonathan Majiyagbe (2003–2004).

Babalola, a Rotarian since 1994, will assume office on 1 July 2026. An engineer, attorney, and former Shell executive, he has held top leadership roles in Rotary’s polio eradication campaigns and global committees.

His election is being celebrated across Nigeria and Africa as a milestone for continental leadership.

#RotaryInternational #YinkaBabalola #NigeriaLeadership

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday chaired the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, with several governors in attendance, including those of Zamfara, Jigawa, Lagos, Anambra, Gombe, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Benue, and Ondo, as well as the Rivers State Sole Administrator.

The Council announced progress in the fight against Type-2 Polio virus, with cases reduced from 78 in 2024 to 42 as of August 2025. Kano and Katsina recorded over 80% decline, while Gombe had no new cases this year. However, Sokoto remains at high risk, recording 13 of the 23 new cases in 2025.

#Nigeria #NEC #Shettima #Governors #Polio #Health #BreakingNews