• Zion Idibia, son of Nigerian music star 2Baba, has been matriculated at Pan-Atlantic University to study finance, a milestone proudly announced by his mother, Sumbo Adeoye.
• Sharing photos from the matriculation ceremony, Adeoye revealed that Zion has begun his academic journey in finance.

Zion Idibia, the second son of celebrated Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, more famously recognized as 2Baba, has officially started his academic journey at Pan-Atlantic University.

The joyous occasion was shared by his mother, Sumbo Adeoye, who took to Instagram on Saturday to broadcast the milestone event. Through a series of photos from the matriculation ceremony, Adeoye proudly announced Zion’s enrollment in the finance program.

Expressing her joy, she wrote, “Today, my second son begins his journey in finance… Admitted, you earned it, son. Congratulations on your matriculation. Greater works ahead in Jesus’ name,” highlighting the pride she feels for Zion’s accomplishments and the promising future that lies ahead.

Sumbo Adeoye, who is known as 2Baba’s first baby mama, shares two sons with the acclaimed artist, Zion and his older brother Nino. The couple went their separate ways around 2009.

In other developments, the Nollywood film industry mourns the loss of James Akaie, a talented special effects expert. His tragic passing occurred following an explosion during a movie shoot in Abeokuta, Ogun State, as confirmed by the film’s production team.

The unfortunate incident was disclosed on Friday via an Instagram statement released by the film’s producer and director, James Abinibi, who described the loss as devastating to the entire cast and crew.

According to the statement, the explosion occurred as filming was nearing completion. Akaie, who handled special effects and pyrotechnics, was reportedly working in an effects preparation area outside the main set when the accident happened.

“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we confirm a tragic accident occurred on location in Abeokuta as filming was coming to a wrap, resulting in the death of our esteemed colleague and friend, James Akaie,” Abinibi said.

The producer explained that the explosion happened while Akaie was testing an unauthorised pyrotechnic setup involving a gas cylinder with the help of two assistants.

“During a filming session, a sudden and unexpected explosion occurred in a designated effects preparation area outside of the film set where James was experimenting with an unauthorised pyrotechnic simulation involving a gas cylinder alongside his two assistants,” the statement read.

Akaie sustained severe injuries from the blast and was rushed to the hospital, where he later died. His two assistants suffered burn injuries and were taken to a specialist hospital for treatment.

“James succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. His two assistants sustained fire burns and were immediately taken to a specialist hospital where they received immediate attention and were later confirmed stable as they continue to receive treatment,” Abinibi added.

Abinibi noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosion, adding that the production team is cooperating fully with authorities.

“The specific circumstances leading to the explosion are currently under a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. We are cooperating fully with this investigation as we further conduct our own internal review,” he said.

Describing Akaie as a dedicated professional, Abinibi said the late effects artist made a lasting impact on everyone he worked with.

“James was a brilliant and passionate special effects and pyrotechnics artist, whose creativity, dedication and love for his craft inspired everyone who worked with him,” he said.

He also appealed for understanding and privacy for the bereaved family and crew members.

“We will remember him not only for his exceptional skill but for the vibrant presence he brought to our set every day. We ask that the privacy of James’s family and our crew be respected as they navigate this unimaginable loss,” the statement added.