
Veteran Nollywood actor and producer Solomon Akiyesi has died. The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Abubakar Yakubu, confirmed on Monday that Akiyesi passed away in his sleep on Sunday. His remains have been deposited in a morgue in Abuja. Yakubu stated that the guild is awaiting further details from the family regarding the circumstances of his death. Akiyesi, who was from Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of Edo State, began his Nollywood career in the late 1990s and appeared in over 100 films. He was known for his roles in movies including Marry Who You Love, Kiss My Pain, Joy of Nakasha, Heart of a Saint, Deadly Affair, Gen Z Wife, Olaedo The Fisher Girl, Pretty Liars, The End Is Near, and Desperate Ladies. Tributes have begun to appear across social media platforms.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadThe Federal Government of Nigeria is considering seeking the intervention of the African Union regarding recurring xenophobic attacks against Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, stated that these attacks undermine African unity and solidarity and are becoming a continental challenge. Nigeria plans to engage South African authorities at various levels to ensure the safety of its citizens. Enikanolaiye emphasized that African countries must collectively protect all residents, regardless of nationality, as these attacks threaten regional cooperation. This development follows the arrival of the first batch of 268 Nigerians evacuated from South Africa in Lagos, with more flights expected as over 1,000 citizens reportedly seek to return home.
Must ReadColombian pop star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The ceremony, held before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, featured fireworks, choreography, and a giant World Cup trophy display. The expanded 48-team tournament will run until July 19, with 104 matches scheduled across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The artists performed the official tournament anthem, "Dai Dai," which has gained global visibility since its mid-May debut. Shakira, in a yellow outfit, led dancers, with Burna Boy joining for his sections, a performance that quickly gained online attention.

Oby Ajih, the South-East Zonal Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, stated that President Bola Tinubu is creating opportunities that could lead to a woman becoming Nigeria’s president. Speaking at the Abia APC Women Mid-Year Prayer Summit and Widows Empowerment Programme in Umuahia, Ajih noted that women are now being included in national affairs and will no longer face hunger. She added that First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu acknowledged women's challenges and encouraged them, assuring that their situation would improve after the 2027 elections. Lady C.C. Erondu, the Abia APC Woman Leader and event organizer, shared her understanding of widows' struggles as a widow herself and promised support from the First Lady. Erondu also expressed optimism that President Tinubu's administration would create employment for youths. Uzor Azubuike, the APC candidate for Aba North and South Federal Constituency, commended Erondu's efforts in organizing the program.