Kayode Peters, Nkechi Nweje… Nigerian celebs who died in 2025

The year 2025 has been a heartbreaking one for Nigeria’s entertainment and sports industries. From Nollywood icons to national football heroes, several beloved public figures have passed away, leaving fans and colleagues mourning their untimely loss. As tributes pour in across social media and public platforms, we reflect on the lives, careers, and legacies of five notable Nigerian celebrities who died in 2025.

1. Kayode Peters (Died June 28, 2025)

Kayode Peters was an acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, director, actor, and mentor. Best known for his work on “Flatmates,” “Papa Ajasco,” and the Netflix-released “13 Letters,” Peters had a creative hand in shaping Nigeria’s comedic television landscape. He began his career in stage performance with Theatre 15 at the University of Lagos and went on to direct numerous popular sitcoms and movies.

Peters passed away in Canada, with his death announced on June 28, 2025, by fellow comedian and radio host, Yaw (Steve Onu). His death came as a shock to many, especially within the Nollywood community, where he was known for mentoring up-and-coming talents and prioritizing quality production.

His death marks the loss of a creative genius who helped bring Nigerian humour to households across Africa. Many have called him a “silent legend,” someone whose behind-the-scenes work had ripple effects across the entertainment industry.

2. Patience “Pat” Ugwu (Died February 5, 2025)

Popularly known as Pat Ugwu, she was a rising star in Nollywood with a magnetic screen presence. Born in 1989, Ugwu was also a fitness coach and beauty entrepreneur. She featured in films such as “Lack of Money,” “Twist of Fate,” “Port Harcourt Lady,” and several urban drama series popular among younger Nigerian audiences.

She died at just 35 years old on February 5, 2025. While the exact cause of death was not made public, her passing sparked conversations about the mental and physical toll of the film industry. Her funeral was attended by close family members, colleagues, and fans who admired her multi-talented personality and hard work.

Ugwu’s death is seen not just as a loss of a young actress, but a blow to the next generation of Nollywood stars who saw her as a role model of versatility and resilience.

3. Columbus Irosanga (Died February 6, 2025)

Columbus Irosanga was a veteran Nollywood actor, stage performer, and university lecturer. A respected figure in the theatre world, Irosanga combined his love for performing arts with education, serving as a senior lecturer in Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt.

He was best known to TV audiences for his roles as a traditional priest or elder in many Igbo and Niger Delta-themed movies. He died on February 6, 2025, just a day after the death of Pat Ugwu. His passing was confirmed by actress Hilda Dokubo and sparked grief among theatre students, actors, and cultural practitioners across Nigeria.

His dual contribution—as an entertainer and as a teacher—makes his loss especially painful for the Nigerian theatre and academic communities.

4. Nkechi Nweje (Died March 22, 2025)

Nkechi Nweje, a beloved character actress known for portraying motherly figures and moral voices in home videos, died on March 22, 2025 at the age of 60. Her notable roles include “Ezigbo Nwanyi Onitsha” and several Eastern Nigeria-based films that gave voice to Igbo culture and values.

Nweje reportedly died following complications from a surgery she underwent in late 2024. Her death left behind six children and an army of fans and admirers who grew up watching her moral-centered roles.

Her passing marked yet another painful reminder of the fragile state of health access and post-operative care for ageing actors in Nigeria. Rita Edochie and Stanley Okotop were among those who publicly mourned her, describing her as “a mother on and off the screen.”

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5. Moses Effiong (Died January 26, 2025)

Not all who passed were from the entertainment world. Moses Effiong, a former Nigerian international goalkeeper, died on January 26, 2025 at the age of 65 after battling illness in the United States.

Effiong was part of Nigeria’s 1980 African Cup of Nations-winning squad, one of the most celebrated football teams in the country’s history. His death was a sobering moment for Nigerian football, prompting tributes from the Nigeria Football Federation and former teammates who recalled his agility, sportsmanship, and dedication.

Effiong’s legacy extends beyond his time on the pitch — he was a mentor to young goalkeepers and often spoke about the need for better retirement structures for ex-internationals.

Reflections on a Year of Loss

These deaths have deeply impacted Nigeria’s creative and sports communities. From film to football, each name represents more than just a career — they embody decades of dedication, creativity, discipline, and national pride. Their contributions helped shape Nigeria’s entertainment identity, and their absence will be deeply felt.

As the year continues, fans hope 2025 will not bring further heartbreak to Nollywood and beyond. But as tributes continue to flood in for these five legends, one thing is clear: their legacies will live on.