Connect with us

News

Renowned Nigerian Novelist, Broadcaster Mabel Segun Dies At 95

Published

on

Mabel Segun, the celebrated Nigerian poet, writer, and children’s literature advocate, passed away on Thursday at the age of 95.

Her family released a statement expressing gratitude to God for her life well spent, describing her as a versatile media personality who pursued excellence in her field.

The statement said Mabel’s funeral arrangements will be communicated to the public soon.

Mabel is survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“It is with gratitude to God for a life well spent in the pursuit of excellence in Literature, Broadcasting and Sports that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Mabel Dorothy Okanima Segun (nee Aig-Imoukhuede) in the early hours of the 6th of March 2025,” the statement reads.

“She was 95 years old. Funeral arrangements will be published in due course.

“She was predeceased by: Femi Segun (son). She is survived by: Gbenga Segun (son) Omowunmi, Segun (daughter), Rolari Segun (granddaughter), Damilola Segun (grandson), Ayomide Segun (grandson), Fikemi Femi-Segun (granddaughter), and great grandchildren.”

Born in Ondo City on February 13, 1930, Mabel completed her secondary education at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos. She then attended the University of Ibadan, where she earned a degree in English, Latin, and History in 1953.

She went on to teach these subjects in Nigerian schools and later became head of the English and Social Studies department and vice-principal at the National Technical Teachers’ College in Yaba.

Segun’s literary career spanned multiple genres, including children’s books, adult fiction, and poetry. Her first book ‘My Father’s Daughter’ — published in 1965 — became a widely used literature text in schools globally. Her works have been translated into several languages, including German, Danish, Norwegian, and Greek.

Throughout her illustrious career, Mabel received numerous accolades and founded several organizations dedicated to promoting children’s literature.

She founded the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria in 1978 and later established the Children’s Documentation and Research Centre in Ibadan in 1990.

She was a fellow of the International Youth Library in Munich, Germany.

Mabel was also a founding member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), which Chinua Achebe established in 1981.

As a broadcaster, Mabel won the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation 1977 Artiste of the Year award.

She was also given the Nigerian National Order of Merit Award (NNOM) for lifetime achievements in 2009.

In 2015, the Society of Young Nigerian Writers under the leadership of Wole Adedoyin founded the Mabel Segun Literary Society, aimed at promoting and reading the works of Mabel Segun.

In 2007, Segun was awarded the LNG Nigeria Prize for Literature. She was also featured in the anthology Daughters of Africa.

Beyond her literary accomplishments, Mabel was a talented athlete who excelled in table tennis and badminton.

She was a former table tennis champion and the first Nigerian woman to play the sport. Segun earned the University’s Table Tennis Half Colour and won numerous awards, including a gold medal in the double’s category in 1954.

She played table tennis competitively until the age of 58 and also won bronze in badminton at the Nigerian Regional Championship.

Advertisement

News

Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim

Published

on

By

A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.

 

One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.

 

Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.

 

In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”

 

He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.

 

“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.

 

He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.

 

The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.

Continue Reading

News

How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit

Published

on

By

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.

 

Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.

 

The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.

 

Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.

 

In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.

 

Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.

 

Continue Reading

News

Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly

Published

on

By

The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.

 

The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.

 

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.

 

According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

 

The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.

 

“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.

 

The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.

 

Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.

 

The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.

 

“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.

 

The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”

 

It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.

 

JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.

 

 

 

Continue Reading

Trending