Index to Nigerian Newspapers

Nigerians mourned the death of former Head of Interim National Government (ING), Chief Ernest Shonekan, who passed away in Lagos, aged 85. President Muhammadu Buhari directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast from today till Friday as a mark of respect for the former elder statesman, who left his flourishing business career to become Head of Government at a delicate time when the country needed someone of his calm mien and pedigree to save the ship of state from sinking. Former military President Ibrahim Babangida said Shonekan was a patriot, an urbane and refined gentleman, a thoroughbred boardroom maestro and a cosmopolitan mind who was devoted to his country. Senate President Ahmad Lawan described Shonekan as a lawyer, business captain, boardroom guru and statesman. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo described Shonekan as "a unifying force for the nation" and former President Goodluck Jonathan described him as "an elder statesman, well-loved for his sincerity and sense of purpose". Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Shonekan's sad exit came at a time the country needed his leadership, wealth of experience and wisdom to tackle the multifaceted challenges facing the nation.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, has announced final burial arrangements for Elder Michael Oloja Lemikan, 93, at his hometown, Ajagba in Irele Local Government, Ondo State. Pa Oloja was a local community leader, farmer, hunter and medicine dispenser who trained as an itinerant chemist. He was a devout Christian who loved singing and praying in scriptures, and used Proverbs to settle local disputes. He was believed to be the oldest man in Ajagba, and his family delayed the announcement of the burial arrangements until now. Ten children and tens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren survived him.

The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Martins Oloja, has announced final burial arrangements for Elder Michael Oloja Lemikan, 93, at his hometown, Ajagba in Irele Local Government, Ondo State. Pa Oloja was a local community leader, farmer, hunter and medicine dispenser who trained as an itinerant chemist. He was a devout Christian who loved singing and praying in scriptures, and used Proverbs to settle local disputes. He was believed to be the oldest man in Ajagba, and his family delayed the announcement of the burial arrangements until now. Ten children and tens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren survived him.