By Ejiofor Toochi
Edited by Ezennia Uche
The year 2025 brought sorrow to many Nigerians as the nation lost several notable figures whose works shaped politics, religion, sports, media, and the arts. From leaders who influenced national policy to creatives who defined their industries, these individuals left behind remarkable legacies.
Below are ten Nigerian personalities who passed away in 2025.
1. Muhammadu Buhari (1942–2025)
Born on December 17, 1942, Muhammadu Buhari served Nigeria as both Military Head of State (1983–1985) and democratically elected President (2015–2023). His decades in public service made him one of the most discussed leaders in modern Nigerian history. Buhari died in London in July 2025 at the age of 82 after a prolonged illness.
2. Somtochukwu Maduagwu (1996–2025)
Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu was a rising star in Nigerian broadcast journalism — a news anchor, reporter, and lawyer admired for her brilliance and poise. Her untimely death in September 2025, following an armed robbery at her home, shocked the media world and silenced one of its most promising young voices at just 29.
3. Dr. Uma Ukpai (1945–2025)
Founder of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, Dr. Uma Ukpai was a leading Christian cleric and one of the pioneers of Nigeria’s Pentecostal revival. Known for his evangelistic missions and humanitarian outreach, he passed away on October 6, 2025, at the age of 80, leaving behind a lasting spiritual legacy.
4. Joy Uche Angela Ogwu (1946–2025)
Born on August 22, 1946, Joy Ogwu broke barriers in diplomacy as the first female Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). She later served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and represented Nigeria as Permanent Representative to the United Nations. She died in October 2025 at the age of 79, remembered as a trailblazer in international relations.
5. Peter Rufai (1963–2025)
Peter “Dodo Mayana” Rufai, born August 24, 1963, was one of Nigeria’s most celebrated goalkeepers. A key member of the Super Eagles, he represented the country at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Rufai died in April 2025 at 61, after a prolonged illness, leaving a proud legacy in Nigerian football.
6. Nkechi Angel Nweje (1964–2025)
Nkechi Winnie Angel Nweje, born June 6, 1964, was a Nollywood actress and filmmaker best known for her role in Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha. A beloved performer and mother of six, she died at 60 following complications from surgery — a painful loss to the Nigerian movie industry.
7. Bishop Emeritus Michael Olatunji Fagun (1935–2025)
Born April 17, 1935, Bishop Michael Olatunji Fagun was the first Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekiti and a revered figure in Christian missionary work. Fondly known as Baba Fagun, he passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025, at the venerable age of 90, leaving behind a profound spiritual legacy.
8. Bolaji Olanrewaju (1975–2025)
Bolaji Olanrewaju, popularly known as Big Bolaji, was a Nigerian gospel musician and pastor celebrated for his energetic performances and devotion to ministry. He died on Easter Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the age of 50, after a brief illness. His music continues to inspire worshippers nationwide.
9. Doyin Abiola (1944–2025)
Dr. Doyinsola Abiola, better known as Doyin Abiola, made history as Nigeria’s first female editor-in-chief of a national daily newspaper. The widow of the late Chief MKO Abiola, she was a pioneering journalist and a model of excellence in media leadership. She passed away in August 2025 at 81, leaving a trail of inspiration for women in journalism.
10. Kayode Peters (1975–2025)
Kayode Adewumi Peters was a gifted actor, producer, and director, known for hit productions such as Flatmates, Papa Ajasco, and 13 Letters. He died in Toronto, Canada, on June 28, 2025, after a prolonged illness. His creative legacy lives on through the many talents he mentored in Nollywood.
Though gone, these ten Nigerians left enduring marks on the nation’s cultural and historical landscape — their works, courage, and vision continue to inspire generations to come.
