Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40

The actor, known for his charming screen presence and roles in several blockbuster Nigerian movies, was said to have passed away on Tuesday at the age of 40, according to reports circulating across major entertainment and news platforms.

Although details surrounding his death remained sketchy as of press time, reports claimed the actor died after battling an undisclosed illness, with some sources alleging he had been privately managing cancer-related complications.

The development has thrown the Nigerian entertainment industry into mourning, with fans, colleagues, and celebrities expressing shock and grief over the sudden loss.

Tributes poured in across social media shortly after news of his death emerged, as admirers remembered him for his talent, charisma, and contribution to the growth of Nollywood.

Born Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke, the actor rose to prominence after emerging first runner-up at the 2010 Mr Nigeria contest. He subsequently built a successful acting career, featuring in numerous acclaimed films and television productions.

Over the years, Ekubo became one of Nollywood’s most recognizable faces, starring in popular productions such as Weekend Getaway, The Bling Lagosians, Zero Hour, Merry Men, and A Sunday Affair.

Beyond acting, he was also celebrated for his fashion sense, brand endorsements, and influence within Nigeria’s entertainment and youth culture.

Industry stakeholders described his reported death as a painful loss to Nollywood, noting that he remained one of the most admired actors of his generation.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been released by his family, management team, or the Actors Guild of Nigeria confirming funeral arrangements or further details surrounding the circumstances of his death.

More details later.

Popular Nollywood Actor Alex Ekubo Reportedly Dies at 40

Frank Edoho Breaks Silence on Collapse of Second Marriage

Popular Nigerian broadcaster and television personality Frank Edoho has publicly confirmed the collapse of his second marriage, revealing that he has been privately separated from his wife, Sandra Onyenucheya, for nearly two years.

The former host of the iconic television game show, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, made the revelation in a heartfelt statement shared on his Instagram page, where he spoke candidly about navigating the emotional challenges of separation and divorce away from public attention.

The media personality disclosed that although the development has only recently become public knowledge, he had already spent considerable time dealing with the situation privately and had now reached emotional peace.

“Over the past few days, I’ve received an outpouring of kind messages, prayers, concern, and goodwill regarding my separation and ongoing divorce proceedings. I truly appreciate the empathy,” Edoho wrote.

According to him, the private nature of the separation helped him process the experience away from the pressures and scrutiny that often accompany celebrity relationships in Nigeria.

“While I understand that the public is only just becoming aware of this chapter, I have lived through it privately for quite some time now (almost two years) and have since made peace with it emotionally,” he added.

The veteran broadcaster further explained that life evolves in phases and that moving on quietly was, for him, the most dignified path to healing and personal growth.

“Life unfolds in different seasons, and sometimes, moving forward quietly is the most dignified path one can take. I am well. Focused. At peace. And deeply grateful for the love, respect, and support so many of you continue to show me.”

The statement quickly generated reactions across social media, with fans, colleagues and entertainment industry stakeholders commending Edoho for his calm and mature handling of the sensitive situation.

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The development comes months after the respected TV host openly discussed the struggles in his marriages during an appearance on the “Tea With Tay” podcast, where he admitted that despite his efforts, both unions eventually failed.

During the interview, Edoho reflected on compatibility, emotional connection and the realities of marriage, suggesting that he may not have found his ideal life partner.

“Maybe I’m not good at marriage, I must confess. The two women I had been married to are not my soul mates,” he said.

He also maintained that he gave his best in both marriages and made sacrifices to keep the relationships together.

“I know that I went above and beyond for the two marriages. I carried my partner. I can abandon everything for her. But you don’t blame them for falling out of love with you,” he stated.

Frank Edoho was previously married to broadcaster and actress Katherine Obiang. Their marriage ended in 2010 after about seven years and produced three children.

He later married Sandra Onyenucheya in 2013, and the union reportedly produced two children. Sandra also had a daughter from a previous relationship who became Edoho’s stepdaughter.

Widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most recognisable television personalities, Edoho rose to national fame in 2004 when he became the face of the Nigerian edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

Renowned for his deep voice, composure and suspense-filled presentation style, he earned the nickname “The King of Suspense” and became a household name across the country.

The show became one of Nigeria’s most successful family entertainment programmes and maintained a loyal audience for years before going off air in 2017. Following strong public demand, the programme returned in 2022 with Edoho reprising his role as host.

Beyond television, the broadcaster has built a successful career as a voice-over artist, event compere and public speaker, further cementing his status as one of Nigeria’s most respected media figures.

The latest revelation about his marriage has once again sparked conversations online about celebrity relationships, emotional healing, privacy and the pressures public figures face in their personal lives.

Frank Edoho Breaks Silence on Collapse of Second Marriage

Shakira-Burna Boy song named official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem

Global music sensation Shakira and Nigerian Afrobeats star Burna Boy have teamed up to deliver the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with FIFA unveiling a teaser for their highly anticipated collaboration titled Dai Dai.

The 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off on June 11, 2026.

Shakira on Thursday shared a 67-second teaser of the song, filmed inside the iconic Maracanã Stadium.

In the colourful clip, the Grammy-winning singer appears in a yellow top, blue skirt and sneakers as she dances across the pitch alongside performers surrounded by footballs.

The teaser climaxes with fireworks lighting up the stadium while the words “We Are Ready” appear boldly across the roof.

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Announcing the project on X, Shakira wrote: “From Maracaná Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the @FIFAWorldCup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready! @burnaboy.”

The full track is scheduled for release on May 14.

The collaboration marks Shakira’s return to the World Cup stage after the huge global success of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), the official anthem of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, widely regarded as one of football’s most memorable songs.

She also featured prominently in the music lineup for the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil, further cementing her status as one of football’s defining musical voices.

For Burna Boy, the project represents another major international milestone as he brings Afrobeats to one of the world’s biggest sporting stages.

Fans have since flooded social media with excitement over the teaser, hailing Shakira as the “Queen of World Cup anthems” while celebrating Burna Boy’s inclusion in the historic collaboration.

Shakira-Burna Boy song named official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem