End of an Era: Tears, tributes as Mzee Onyango laid to rest in Ununio

Sorrow and grief engulfed Kawe in Dar es Salaam as hundreds of mourners gathered to bid farewell to veteran actor Issa Joseph Mohamed, popularly known as Mzee Onyango, who died on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and his wife, Ms Mariam Mwinyi, were among dignitaries who attended the funeral, reflecting the high esteem in which the late actor was held.

Following the farewell ceremony, the body was taken to Kondo Cemetery in Ununio, where he was laid to rest. Mzee Onyango leaves behind 10 children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts and Sports Hamis Mwinjuma said the country had lost a key pioneer of the acting industry.

He said the deceased played a significant role in the development of drama in Tanzania and inspired generations of artists.

‘Mzee Onyango was widely admired, and the large turnout at his funeral reflected the impact of his work on society,’ said Mr Mwinjuma, alias MwanaFA.

‘He was among the pioneers who transitioned drama from radio to television, helping to shape the growth of Tanzania’s film industry,’ he added.

Although some people often mistook him for a foreigner due to his accent and acting style, he remained a proud Tanzanian throughout his life.

Family representative, Ms Devotha Helman, thanked Tanzanians for their support during his illness and funeral arrangements.

She said the family was deeply moved by the solidarity shown by citizens, leaders, fellow artists and medical staff at Lugalo Military Hospital.

She added that his passing had left a significant void in both the family and society, praying for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

Actor Jacob Steven popularly known as JB said he had learnt much from Mzee Onyango, crediting him for helping him transition from radio drama to television.

He said they had been planning a new film project before the veteran actor’s death.

Actor Steve Mengele, alias Steve Nyerere, said the late artist left behind a strong lesson of discipline, hard work, and dedication to the industry.

Huge crowds attend farewell

From his Kawe residence to Kondo Cemetery in Ununio, mourners turned out in large numbers to pay their last respects.

Actors were among the largest groups in attendance, underscoring the respect he commanded in the entertainment industry.

The funeral service was prolonged due to the large number of people who came to bid him farewell.

Final moments of Mzee Onyango

He died on the night of June 11, 2026, at Lugalo Military Hospital in Dar es Salaam, where he had been receiving treatment.

His son, Joseph Issa, said he had long suffered from high blood pressure, which had been fluctuating before his death.

His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Tanzanian drama history, with many remembering him as a comedian who brought joy to millions and paved the way for new generations of actors.

South African president seeks to stop impeachment probe over ‘Farmgate’ scandal

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has filed an urgent court application seeking to halt the commencement of parliamentary impeachment proceedings linked to the controversial Farmgate scandal, escalating a legal and political battle that has shadowed his presidency for nearly four years.

Court documents filed on Friday, June 12, show that Mr Ramaphosa is asking the High Court to suspend any impeachment process until it has ruled on a separate application in which he is challenging findings by an independent panel that concluded there may be grounds for him to answer allegations of misconduct.

The scandal centres on the theft of approximately $580,000 from Mr Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo Province in 2020. According to the president, the cash represented proceeds from the sale of buffaloes and had been concealed inside furniture when it was stolen. However, the incident sparked widespread public scrutiny and raised questions about why such a large sum of money was kept on the property, whether it had been properly declared to the authorities, and whether all legal procedures had been followed. Mr Ramaphosa has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The latest legal move comes weeks after South Africa’s Constitutional Court revived impeachment proceedings against the president, ruling that a parliamentary vote in 2022 that halted the process was constitutionally invalid.

The Constitutional Court’s decision reopened the possibility of a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations, potentially exposing the president to one of the most serious political challenges of his tenure.

Mr Ramaphosa’s challenge to the independent panel’s findings is scheduled to be heard by the High Court between September 2 and 4.

Since assuming office in 2018, the 73-year-old leader has sought to position himself as a reformer committed to tackling corruption and restoring public confidence in the governing African National Congress (ANC), whose reputation was severely damaged by a series of corruption scandals under previous administrations.

The Farmgate affair has nevertheless emerged as a significant political setback for the president, providing ammunition to opposition parties and critics who argue that the case undermines his anti-corruption credentials.

Despite the renewed impeachment threat, political analysts believe Mr Ramaphosa remains unlikely to be removed from office, given the ANC’s substantial representation in Parliament and the support he continues to command within the ruling party.

Mr Ramaphosa is serving his second term as president, which is expected to run until 2029.

CRDB Wellness Day draws 800 staff, promotes healthy work-life balance

CRDB Bank has urged its employees across the country to adopt a routine of exercising at least three times a week as part of efforts to improve physical fitness, mental wellbeing and workplace productivity.

The call was made by CRDB Bank Acting Managing Director, Bruce Mwile, during the bank’s Wellness Day programme held in Dar es Salaam. The initiative aims to encourage employees to pay greater attention to their health while maintaining a healthy balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.

The event, held at the TTCL Grounds in Kijitonyama, brought together more than 800 employees from the Dar es Salaam and Coast regions. Participants underwent health screenings and received medical advice from healthcare professionals before engaging in a variety of fitness and recreational activities. Apart from physical exercises, employees took part in several team-building and leisure competitions, including tug-of-war, sack races, chicken-catching contests, card games, music performances, singing, rap competitions and karaoke.

Speaking during the event, Mwile described health as one of the most valuable assets for any employee, noting that regular physical activity plays a critical role in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable illnesses.

He said employees who enjoy good physical and mental health are more capable of carrying out their responsibilities effectively and providing high-quality services to customers.

‘At CRDB Bank, we have always been committed to serving our customers and stakeholders with excellence. However, we recognise that such excellence cannot be achieved without employees who are physically fit, mentally healthy and emotionally stable,’ said Mwile.

‘Through Wellness Day, we provide our staff with an opportunity to access health services, receive nutritional guidance and seek professional support on challenges that may affect their wellbeing and work performance.’

Mwile said the program has already recorded positive results since it was first launched in Mwanza before being extended to Burundi.

He added that the initiative demonstrates the bank’s commitment to promoting employees’ physical, mental and emotional wellbeing while creating a healthy working environment that enhances productivity.

The Wellness Day programme is part of a broader effort by CRDB Bank to reach employees across all eight operational zones in Tanzania, as well as staff working in the bank’s international operations.

Following its launch in Mwanza earlier this year and implementation in Burundi, the programme has now reached the Dar es Salaam and Coast zones.

CRDB Bank Acting Director of Human Resources, Timoth Fasha, said health experts consistently emphasise the importance of adequate sleep, regular exercise, balanced nutrition and mental health awareness, making it essential for employees to understand and practise healthy lifestyle habits.

He noted that many employees spend long hours seated at their workplaces due to demanding schedules, which can lead to physical inactivity, stress and other health-related challenges.

PFL Africa debuts in Lagos as Ocheme shines, Adeshina falls in historic night

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) made history on Saturday as it staged its first-ever event on African soil, with Lagos hosting a thrilling night of mixed martial arts action that showcased both the promise and growing popularity of the sport across the continent.

Held at the Eko Convention Centre, PFL Africa: Nigeria First Round attracted an enthusiastic crowd and delivered a blend of dramatic finishes, tournament battles and showcase bouts featuring some of Africa’s top emerging fighters.

For Nigerian fans, the evening produced mixed emotions as local star Patrick “Star Boi” Ocheme delivered one of the night’s most spectacular moments, while featherweight headliner Wasi “The Nigerian Jaguar” Adeshina suffered a disappointing defeat in front of his home supporters.

Adeshina’s highly anticipated showdown against Spain’s Ignacio “Nacho” Campos served as the headline attraction of PFL Africa’s inaugural event in Nigeria.

The Nigerian began brightly, securing an early takedown, but Campos weathered the pressure, regained control and capitalised on an opening to secure a rear-naked choke submission just 1 minute and 45 seconds into the opening round.

The victory handed Campos a statement win on foreign soil and spoiled what many hoped would be a triumphant night for one of Nigeria’s most recognisable MMA figures.

However, the home crowd had reason to celebrate moments later when Ocheme produced a stunning knockout in the lightweight tournament co-main event.

Facing Cameroon’s Octave “The Bantu Warrior” Ayinda, Ocheme unleashed a perfectly timed flying knee after setting up the move with a sharp check hook, ending the contest in spectacular fashion and advancing his record to 9-1.

The knockout immediately became one of the defining highlights of PFL Africa’s historic debut.

Nigeria’s Raphael Uchegbu also enjoyed a successful outing, dominating Mozambique’s Edson Machavane over three rounds to earn a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the contest 30-27.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Cornel Thompson advanced in the lightweight tournament after securing a unanimous decision victory over Aureo Cruz, improving his professional record to 12 wins.

The event also featured several major upsets and standout performances.

Brazil’s Elisandra Ferreira handed previously unbeaten Nigerian strawweight Juliet Ukah the first defeat of her professional career, securing an armbar submission in the second round.

In another setback for the host nation, Cameroon’s Jordan Fongno ended Yahaya Yahuza’s eight-fight winning streak with a barrage of punches that forced a technical knockout stoppage in the second round.

Among the tournament competitors, Algeria-born Canadian fighter Karim Henniene reinforced his status as one of the favourites by maintaining his unbeaten record with a swift first-round anaconda choke submission victory.

Boule Godogo, Dwight Joseph, Demba Seck and Hussain Al Kurdi also progressed to the next stage of their respective tournaments after impressive victories.

The event opened with an inspiring performance from Shelda Chipito, who overcame an ankle injury to defeat Egypt’s Haidy Ahmed via rear-naked choke submission.

With its successful debut in Lagos, PFL Africa has taken a significant step in its ambition to establish a premier mixed martial arts platform for African fighters.

The promotion has already confirmed that its next major event will take place in Casablanca, Morocco, on October 10, where another crop of emerging stars will battle for advancement and continental recognition.

DHQ vows to hunt down killers of Gen. Rabe Abubakar

By Abbas Bamalli

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Sunday assured that those responsible for the death of retired Maj.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar would be brought to justice.

This was announced on Sunday when a high-powered military delegation paid a condolence visit to the Katsina State Government.

The delegation, led by the Chief Administration Officer, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, conveyed the condolences of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the government and people of Katsina, over the death of the retired senior military officer.

Abdullahi described the late Rabe as a distinguished officer whose service and sacrifice to the nation would remain indelible.

He said the retired general’s death was a painful loss to his family, Katsina State, the Armed Forces and the nation at large.

“We share in the grief of the people of Katsina and the family of the deceased. The Armed Forces will continue to work with relevant security agencies to ensure that those responsible are identified and brought to justice,” he said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Defence Headquarters to strengthening security operations and supporting efforts aimed at tracking down the perpetrators.

Other members of the delegation included Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, Rear Adm. A.H. Haruna, Maj.-Gen. B.P. Koughna, Brig.-Gen. I.M. Ibrahim, Brig.-Gen. S.K. Usman (Rtd), S.I. Kaita (Rtd), Maj.-Gen. M.S. Bindawa (Rtd). and A.Y. Abdullahi.

Receiving the delegation on behalf of Gov. Dikko Radda, the Deputy Governor, Faruk Jobe, thanked the military leadership for the show of solidarity and support.

Jobe said the visit underscored the strong partnership between the state government and the military in the fight against insecurity.

He reiterated the administration’s resolve to collaborate with security agencies to combat banditry and other criminal activities.

The deputy governor also called for sustained and intensified security operations across Katsina State and other parts of the country affected by insecurity.

The visit ended with a one-minute silence in honour of the late retired general, whose death has continued to attract tributes from military personnel, government officials and citizens nationwide.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Rabe was abducted alongside his wife on May 30, 2026, along the KatsinaMatazu Road while travelling to his hometown.

The Katsina State Government had announced that the retired military officer died in captivity from complications arising from diabetes and hypertension.

His remains were released by his abductors and were buried on Saturday evening at the Gidan Dawa Cemetery in Katsina metropolis in accordance with Islamic rites. (NAN)

FIFA to pay Somali ref Omar Artan full fee after US blocks World Cup dream

FIFA will pay Somali referee Omar Artan his full World Cup tournament fee despite being denied entry into the United States to officiate at the competition.

Artan, who was selected as one of the referees for the World Cup, was stopped at Miami International Airport after arriving in the US for the tournament.

The 34-year-old was reportedly questioned for about 11 hours by immigration officials before being told he would not be allowed into the country.

His diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected by authorities, ending what would have been a historic World Cup appearance for the Somali official.

A US government official claimed Artan was denied entry over alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”

Artan, however, denied any links to terror groups, saying he told US border officials that he knew nothing about Al Shabab, the Somali militant group he was reportedly questioned about.

“I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan said.

“I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

After being refused entry, Artan was put on a plane to Turkey, where he received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before returning to Mogadishu, Somalia.

Although he will no longer officiate at the World Cup, FIFA has decided to pay him his full tournament fee.

The exact amount referees will receive for the tournament is usually not confirmed until after the competition.

Artan, who was named the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

He was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Somalia and thanked his countrymen for standing by him.

The Somali official has also vowed not to give up on his dream, saying he hopes to officiate at the 2030 World Cup.

Despite the World Cup setback, Artan has received another major appointment after being invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12.

Artan has been a FIFA referee since 2018 and enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, becoming the first Somali to take charge of a continental final.

He officiated the second leg of the CAF Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns in June 2025.

He also handled matches at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile and officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Ashimolowo to Critics: We won’t watch Adeboye be discredited

Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo has come out in support of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, saying Christian leaders should not be silenced by criticism.

In a post shared on Instagram, Ashimolowo said there are times when people must openly honour and celebrate those whom God has used to impact society.

He said it was wrong for respected religious leaders who have spent many years serving God and helping people to be reduced to subjects of controversy and social media attacks.

According to him, many critics attacking such leaders have not made similar contributions to society, established churches, mentored others, or influenced nations positively.

Ashimolowo stressed that followers of respected spiritual leaders should not remain silent while people seek attention by attacking influential men of God.

He described Pastor Adeboye as one of the most important Christian leaders of this generation and a great blessing to Africa and the global Christian community.

Ashimolowo warned that societies that fail to honour their leaders and role models risk losing the benefits of their wisdom and guidance.

He also said people should appreciate and celebrate great leaders while they are alive instead of waiting until after their death.

Referring to biblical examples, Ashimolowo noted that God’s servants have often faced opposition from political authorities and critics. He cited the stories of King Saul’s pursuit of David and Doeg the Edomite’s actions against God’s priests.

Despite such challenges, he said God has always protected and vindicated those called to serve Him.

“There comes a time when silence becomes ingratitude,” Ashimolowo wrote. “There comes a time when honour becomes a sacred duty. We will not be silent while men and women of great significance are reduced to headlines, controversies, and social media trends.”

He added that the Church must not remain indifferent when respected spiritual fathers are unfairly attacked, stressing that honour should be given while they are still alive.

“Too often, flowers are sent to funerals when they should have been delivered while the person was still alive,” he said.

Churches join nationwide mourning as CAN declares black Sunday

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as a “Black Sunday” to mourn Nigerians who have lost their lives in insecurity-related attacks across the country.

In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said the day is meant to honour the victims and draw attention to the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

According to Okoh, Nigerians are living in fear as innocent people continue to be killed in different parts of the country.

“Today, we are not only mourning, we are speaking with one voice,” he said.

CAN noted that the observance comes at a time when the country is celebrating Democracy Day, stressing that security is essential for any democratic society to thrive.

The association stated that democracy is built on respect for human life, justice, the rule of law, and the protection of citizens. It added that the best way to honour those who fought for democracy is to ensure that Nigerians can live, work, travel, and worship safely.

CAN also expressed sympathy to families who have lost loved ones in violent attacks and prayed for comfort for those affected.

The Christian body called on the government to take urgent and lasting steps to address insecurity across the country. It also urged churches, hospitals, mission institutions, and other faith-based organisations to support efforts aimed at improving security.

In addition, CAN encouraged Nigerians to pray for peace in the country and for families affected by the ongoing attacks.

The association said the Black Sunday observance serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to end violence and restore safety across Nigeria.

Femi Otedola returns to school

Femi Fabunmi

Nigerian billionaire businessman Femi Otedola has completed an executive leadership programme at the prestigious London Business School.

Otedola shared the achievement on his social media pages, saying the experience reminded him that learning never stops and that humility is important in gaining knowledge.

According to him, “No knowledge is wasted,” adding that he is determined to keep improving himself as a leader.

The programme, titled Leading Businesses for the Future, is designed for senior business executives and leaders.

The achievement is particularly notable because Otedola has often spoken about succeeding in business without earning a university degree. In his 2025 memoir, Making It Big, he revealed that he struggled academically and left school during his Advanced Level studies to pursue business opportunities.

Otedola began his education at the University of Lagos Staff School before attending Methodist Boys’ High School and later Olivet Baptist High School. Despite facing academic challenges, he eventually built one of Nigeria’s most successful business empires.

Today, the 63-year-old entrepreneur has interests in the oil and gas, banking, and power sectors. He is also the Chancellor of Augustine University.

According to Forbes, Otedola’s net worth is estimated at more than $1.5 billion, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest businessmen.

His latest academic achievement highlights his belief that education and personal development remain important, regardless of age or success.