Bamanga Muhammad Tukur (1935–2026)

On Saturday, September 12, 2026, prominent businessman, politician and technocrat Alhaji Bamanga Muhammad Tukur passed away after an illness. He died just three days short of his 91st birthday.

Tukur’s death brought to an end the long and colourful life of one of Nigeria’s prominent public figures, who made significant contributions to the country’s public life in many ways.

Born on September 15, 1935, in Jada, Adamawa State, Tukur had his primary and secondary education before proceeding to the London School of Economics in 1965 to study Transport and Economics. He later attended the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in the United States, where he pursued postgraduate studies in Public and International Affairs.

Tukur first rose to prominence in 1975 when he was appointed General Manager and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). This was at a time of severe congestion in the ports, particularly Apapa Port in Lagos, where ships waited for weeks to discharge their cargoes, much of it cement.

Under his leadership, the Nigerian port system underwent significant reorganisation. Tin Can Island Port was built, while the Apapa Wharf was expanded to accommodate more ships. Container and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) terminals were also established at Apapa and Tin Can Island to facilitate the faster clearance of ships and cargoes. The ports at Koko, Warri, Onne and Port Harcourt were similarly revamped.

These measures helped decongest the Lagos ports and ease pressure on the country’s maritime infrastructure.

Tukur subsequently gained international recognition as the first African Vice President of the International Association of Ports and Harbours.

After retiring from public service, Tukur ventured into politics. In 1983, he contested for the governorship of Gongola State, which then comprised present-day Adamawa and Taraba states, on the platform of the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He defeated the incumbent governor, Abubakar Barde of the Great Nigeria Peoples Party (GNPP).

Following the military coup of 1983, Tukur returned to the private sector and established companies in the maritime industry.

He was also a pioneer in the establishment of the African Roundtable Group and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), initiatives aimed at promoting business and economic development in Nigeria and Africa.

Tukur was among the founding members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and became the party’s National Chairman in 2012, at a time when it was grappling with deep internal crises.

He eventually retired from active politics at the age of 80, saying: “It is time to say goodbye to formal politics. I have used several political platforms to serve my country. It is time to rest.”

His death elicited tributes from across the country. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described Tukur as urbane, generous and deeply rooted in the values of integrity and service. Vice President Kashim Shettima described him as “a true patriot, a global citizen and an institution in his own right.”

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, Tukur’s home state, declared three days of mourning in his honour.

We in Daily Trust join numerous Nigerians in mourning Bamanga Tukur and extend our sincere condolences to his family. May Aljanna Firdaus be his final abode.

Olu Jacobs (1942–2026)

The death of legendary actor Olu Jacobs on September 16, 2026, robbed Nigeria of one of its most accomplished, inspiring and respected artistes. His passing marked the exit of an icon whose presence illuminated the stage and screen for decades.

Jacobs was more than an actor. He was a mentor, a cultural ambassador and a symbol of excellence in Nigeria’s creative industry. His commitment to his craft and his ability to inspire generations of performers made him a towering figure in African entertainment.

Born in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Jacobs grew up in Kano. His passion for drama was ignited in the 1970s following an encounter with legendary theatre practitioner Chief Hubert Ogunde, whose pioneering work left a lasting impression on the young Jacobs. Determined to pursue his passion, he travelled to the United Kingdom to study dramatic arts at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

His training prepared him for a remarkable career, and his talent soon earned him roles in British television and films. His commanding presence and versatility stood out, while his appearances in foreign productions helped showcase African talent to international audiences.

In Ashanti (1979), Jacobs played Commissioner Batak alongside Michael Caine and Omar Sharif. The role introduced him to a wider international audience and demonstrated his ability to hold his own alongside established global stars. His performance in The Dogs of War (1980), based on Frederick Forsyth’s novel, further demonstrated his versatility.

Back home, Jacobs featured in numerous Nigerian films carrying strong moral, social, educational and political messages, further cementing his status as a cultural icon. In Oloibiri (2016), he portrayed a community elder in a story about oil exploitation and the devastating consequences of resource mismanagement and corruption on local communities.

In Adesuwa (2012), a historical drama set in the Benin Kingdom, he was part of a production that highlighted cultural heritage, tradition and the consequences of betrayal. In The Figurine (Araromire) (2009), Jacobs contributed to a groundbreaking supernatural thriller that explored fate, superstition and the moral choices individuals make.

Throughout his career, Jacobs demonstrated an extraordinary ability to inhabit diverse roles, from kings and military leaders to stern fathers and wise elders. His versatility was matched by professionalism and discipline. He largely avoided unnecessary controversies, choosing instead to remain focused on his craft.

His contributions went beyond individual performances. He helped promote Nollywood and contributed to its emergence as a globally recognised film industry. In doing so, he inspired generations of actors and demonstrated that African talent could compete and shine on the world stage.

With Olu Jacobs’ departure, Nollywood, the wider entertainment industry and the Nigerian public have lost a towering figure. A great star has departed, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, mentorship and cultural pride that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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