Juliet Jacob chronicles the sad end of some influential personalities who affected the world through their works in 2024. This report pays tribute to these remarkable individuals, highlighting their contributions and the profound impact they had on the world.
The year 2024 was a somber one for the world, as it witnessed the passing of numerous influential figures who shaped their respective fields. Their legacies continue to resonate globally, leaving lasting impressions across politics, business, entertainment, sports, and philanthropy.
The year 2024 will be remembered for its breakthroughs and triumphs and the profound losses the world endured. From political visionaries and cultural icons to trailblazers in arts, fashion, and sports, the passing of these luminaries left an indelible void.
Both remarkable achievements, triumphs, breakthroughs, and profound losses marked 2024. In Nigeria, the deaths of prominent persons were several. The Nigerian entertainment industry was depleted. Nollywood probably witnessed the worst experience in this regard, as keen observers were alarmed by the spate of deaths of actors and actresses.
Top politicians and business moguls went with the year. The Nigerian military hierarchy was not left out in the tsunami that claimed lives. Some of these are: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen, Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, and Senator Ifeanyi Uba, respected leaders in their own right.
As the world bid farewell to a multitude of visionaries, cultural icons, and trailblazers in various fields, including politics, arts, fashion, and sports, leaving behind a lasting impact and a void that will be deeply felt.
Nigeria
Business and Industry Leaders:
Herbert Wigwe (1966–2024)
A visionary leader in Nigeria’s financial sector, Herbert Wigwe, CEO of Access Holdings, tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on February 9, alongside his wife and son. Founder of Wigwe University, his legacy extends beyond business into education, where he instilled a culture of excellence.
Charis Grace Onabowale (1948–2024)
The founder of Mama Cass Restaurants, Onabowale revolutionized Nigerian cuisine. Passing away at 76 on October 31, her legacy in hospitality and entrepreneurship continues to inspire local and international businesses.
Political and Public Service Luminaries:
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja (1968–2024)
Known for his military reforms and commitment to national security, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria, passed away on November 1 after a prolonged illness. His leadership marked an era of modernization in the Nigerian military.
Ogbonnaya Onu (1947–2024)
Former Governor of Abia State and Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu passed away on April 11, remembered for his contributions to governance and education.
Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah (1971–2024)
A businessman, philanthropist, and politician, Ubah was the founder of Capital Oil and served as senator for Anambra South. His death on July 27 left a deep void in the energy and sports sectors.
Entertainment Icons:
Onyeka Onwenu (1952–2024)
The “Elegant Stallion” of Nigerian music, Onyeka Onwenu, passed away on August 3. Known for her fusion of soul, highlife, and Afrobeat, her advocacy for women’s rights and education continues to inspire.
John Okafor, known as Mr. Ibu, was a beloved Nollywood actor who passed away on March 3, 2024, at 62 due to cardiac arrest. He had been ill since 2023. With a career spanning over 200 films, Okafor became famous for his comedic roles, particularly in Mr. Ibu, which also earned him his iconic nickname.
Nollywood actor Junior Pope (John Paul Obumneme Odonwodo, 1981–2024) tragically passed away in a boat accident on April 10, 2024, while returning from a film shoot in Asaba, Delta State. Known for his roles in films like Secret Adventures (2007) and Bitter Generation (2010), he was buried in his hometown of Ukehe, Enugu State.
Amaechi Muonagor was a respected figure in Nollywood, renowned for his contributions to Nigerian cinema and television. He was not only an actor but also a comedian and movie producer, with a career spanning several decades. Born on August 20, 1962, he became a significant part of Nollywood starting in 1998, with notable roles in films like Taboo 1 (1989), Aki and Pawpaw, Karishika (1998), Aki na Ukwa (2002), and Igodo (1999). His work earned him a nomination for the 2017 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actor.
Muonagor passed away on March 24, 2024, leaving behind a lasting legacy in both Nollywood and the media industry.
Social Change Agents and Philanthropists:
Pastor Mrs. Patience Umo Eno (1965–2024)
The First Lady of Akwa Ibom State passed away, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment for women and a commitment to education.
Tinuade Ladoja (1953–2024)
Revered for her leadership within the Aladura Christian Movement, Ladoja’s philanthropic and religious contributions continue to impact communities spiritually.
Global Losses: A World in Mourning
Politics and Leadership
Alexei Navalny (1976–2024)
Russian opposition leader and fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin, Alexei Navalny, died at the age of 47 in February while serving a 19-year sentence at the Arctic prison “Polar Wolf.” His death was condemned globally, with accusations against the Kremlin of orchestrating his demise.
Manmohan Singh (1932–2024)
India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on December 26 at the age of 92. Known as the architect of India’s 1991 economic reforms, Singh’s two terms as PM (2004–2014) left a lasting impact on the nation. Tributes poured in from global leaders honouring his humility and economic foresight.
Jimmy Carter (1924–2024)
The 39th President of the United States, Carter, died on December 29 at 100. His post-presidential humanitarian work through The Carter Center shaped global democracy, public health, and human rights efforts.
Sports Legends:
OJ Simpson (1947–2024)
A former NFL star, Simpson passed away on April 10, at 76, after battling prostate cancer. Known for his football legacy and infamous legal trials, Simpson’s life remains a complex tale of athletic success and controversy.
Cultural and Fashion Icons
Fashion Pioneers:
Roberto Cavalli (1940–2024)
The Italian fashion designer passed away on April 13, leaving behind a legacy defined by his bold, animal-print designs and glamorous style. Cavalli’s influence in high fashion continues to inspire designers worldwide.
Rohit Bal (1961–2024)
Renowned Indian designer Rohit Bal died on November 1. Known for his luxurious designs and intricate craftsmanship, Bal was a pioneer of modern Indian fashion, influencing both local and global trends.
Cultural Legends:
Maggie Smith (1934–2024)
Dame Maggie Smith, an iconic actress, passed away on September 27. Known for her roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, Smith’s career spanned decades, earning her multiple prestigious awards.
Quincy Jones (1933–2024)
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones died on November 3. His collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra transformed the music landscape, leaving a lasting impact on jazz, pop, and beyond.
Zakir Hussain (1951–2024)
A master table player, Zakir Hussain passed away on December 16. His virtuosity brought Indian classical music to international audiences, earning him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Entertainment and Youth Icons
Liam Payne (1993–2024)
Former One Direction star, Liam Payne, passed away at the age of 31 on October 16. Known for his powerful voice and solo career, Payne’s struggles with mental health and addiction were part of a broader narrative of resilience in the face of adversity.
Philanthropy and Business
Ratan Tata (1937–2024)
Ratan Tata, the chairman emeritus of Tata Sons, passed away on October 9. A visionary businessman and philanthropist, Tata’s leadership transformed Tata Group into a global powerhouse, and his legacy of humility and innovation transcends the corporate world.
The void left by these towering figures in their respective fields will be deeply felt.
These individuals not only shaped their fields but also enriched the world with their leadership, creativity, and commitment to social change at different epochs. Their eras are remarkable for humanity in many ways.
As we look back at 2024, their legacies in terms of the impact they made on humanity and the lives they touched worldwide speak continually, and so do their memories ring perpetually.
