CALL it a year of deaths and you may not be wrong. Apart from numerous deaths arising from accidents, building collapse, flooding, ethno-religious crises and mayhem unleashed by the Boko Haram Islamic sect via bomb explosions, many prominent Nigerians died in 2011.

They include:

* Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, former Biafran leader, died November 25

* Alex Ibru, 66, Nigerian newspaper publisher and politician, Minister of Internal Affairs (1993–1995), died November 20

* Obiajulu Nwaozor aka MC Loph famous Nigerian musician, died September 14

* Geraldine Ekeocha, Nollywood star, died September 4

*Chief Edwin Ume-Ezeoke former Speaker of the House of Representatives, died August 1

* Sam Loco Efe, veteran Nollywood actor dies at 69, August 7

* Chief Al-Mustain Abaniwonda, 56, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Lagos East Senatorial candidate, died July 20

* Christy Essien-Igbokwe, 50, Nigerian musician, died June 30

* Echendu Adiele, 32, Nigerian footballer, died June 18

* Ashley Nwosu, famous Nigerian, died April 20

* Olubayo Adefemi, 25, Nigerian footballer, died in car accident, April 18

* Uche Okafor, 43, Nigerian footballer, murdered January 6