The Nigerian film industry and Yoruba cultural scene have been thrown into mourning over the passing of veteran actor, Pa Charles Olumo Sanyaolu, popularly known as Agbako, who died at the remarkable age of 102.

The veteran actor was said to have died early Thursday morning after taking a nap and complaining of slight tiredness.

President of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, also known as Mr Latin announced his passing, saying burial details will be announced soon by his family and association.

Agbako, a beloved figure in the Yoruba film industry, is now remembered as the oldest actor within the Nigerian film sector, whose life spanned over a century and left an indelible mark on the cultural heritage of Nigeria.

News of Agbako’s passing was confirmed by fellow Nollywood veteran Jide Kosoko, who announced the somber event to colleagues and fans, sparking an outpouring of condolences from actors, filmmakers, and fans alike.

The actor’s influence on the Yoruba movie industry was profound, with countless admirers who grew up watching his performances in classic Yoruba films.

Agbako was renowned for his portrayal of bold and often complex characters, bringing a unique flair and authenticity to the screen that won him generations of fans.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Ikeja Golf Club has been sealed off by the Lagos State Building Control Agency for negligence and disregard for public safety.

In a statement on Wednesday, LASBCA’s Director of Public Affairs, Adu Ademuyiwa, said the enforcement followed numerous complaints about safety lapses at the club.

The statement read, “The Lagos State Building Control Agency has taken decisive action by sealing off the Ikeja Golf Club at Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA, after several incidents of negligence raised concerns about the public, safety of lives and property damage.

“The closure was prompted by repeated complaints and a recent incident in which a golf ball struck a LASBCA staff member in its Ikeja Headquarters premises.

“In addition to this unfortunate incident, there have been multiple cases of errant golf balls causing damage to vehicles in the vicinity.”

The agency further noted that stray golf balls had been reported causing damage to vehicles in the area, with the club’s management allegedly ignoring repeated instructions to implement necessary safety measures such as protective netting or modified play areas.

Expressing his disappointment, LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, criticized the club’s management and players for their apparent disregard for public safety.

“It is concerning to witness such negligence from a reputable establishment. Persistent disregard for safety regulations is unacceptable, particularly when it puts lives and property at risk,” Oki said.

Oki stressed that the club’s lack of preventive measures violates safety regulations and underscored LASBCA’s commitment to protecting residents and visitors from preventable hazards.

He added that the club would remain sealed until it implemented adequate safety measures to address the risks.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities will meet with the Federal Government today (Thursday) at 11 a.m. to discuss the ongoing strike.

SSANU Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam confirmed to PUNCH Online on Thursday morning that the union received an official invitation from the Federal Government on Wednesday night.

“We received a formal invitation last night. The meeting is scheduled for 11 am today. It will be presided over by the Minister of State for Education and will be held in the Minister’s Conference Room,” he said.

The unions, under JAC, began an indefinite strike on Monday due to four months of unpaid salaries, leading to a shutdown of university activities nationwide.

SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim noted that top university officials, including Vice-Chancellors, bursars, and registrars, also hadn’t been paid, further impacting university operations.

He added that 98% of members complied with the strike, and they will not return to work until their demands are met.

He said, “It is a long-term battle because this strike also involves Vice-Chancellors, bursars, registrars, and other senior administrators who were not paid. The impact is significant, and no one from the government has reached out to us. We have withdrawn our services, and our members are resolute they will not return to work until all salaries are paid.”

He added that compliance with the strike was encouraging, achieving 98 per cent adherence.

The unions are demanding, among others, the payment of the four-month withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances and implementation of the 2009 agreements with the government.