Entertainment
Boat Driver Transporting Late Junior Pope, Other Actors Not Certified – NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released a preliminary report on the boat accident which involved several Nollywood actors, including late Junior Pope in Anambra recently.
The report stated that the boat driver was not certified.
This information was disclosed during a press briefing on Friday where the NSIB presented four reports, including two final aviation incident reports, one preliminary aviation incident report, and one preliminary marine accident report, along with 20 safety recommendations.
BIZTELLERS reports that the tragic incident took place on April 10, 2024, as the boat was ferrying 12 actors and crew members along the Anam River in Anambra State.
The accident led to the unfortunate loss of five passengers, among them the renowned Nollywood actor Mr. Paul Odonwodo, widely recognized as Junior Pope.
Among those who tragically perished in the incident were Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.
Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, Director of Transport Investigation, presented the preliminary findings during the briefing, revealing that the speed boat capsized, throwing all occupants into the Anam River.
Regrettably, five passengers sustained fatal injuries, while seven were rescued alive.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) was not formally notified but learned of the accident through social media channels. Subsequently, investigators from the Enugu Regional office of NSIB were dispatched to the accident site on April 12, 2024.
According to the NSIB, initial findings revealed several critical issues: the boat driver lacked certification, the fiber boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, and it was carrying 12 passengers along with one boat driver.
The director said, “There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required. The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.
“The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped; The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.”
As per the preliminary report, while five passengers tragically succumbed to their injuries, the remaining seven passengers along with the driver survived the crash.
He said “Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket. The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator.
“The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”
The bureau’s safety recommendations emphasized the necessity for the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to guarantee the registration of all boats involved in commercial activities, encompassing both goods and passenger transportation within the national inland waterways.
Moreover, NIWA was urged to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of comprehensive safety measures across inland waterways.
Big Brother Naija star, Victoria Iye, better known as Vee, expressed her disbelief in the supporters of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the controversial activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In a recent video shared on her TikTok page, Vee suggested that these supporters might require a mental evaluation.
She said: “Personally, I’m judging anybody that supports that current Nigerian government. I’m also judging supporters of VDM.
“It’s high time we start holding certain people responsible. If you say something stupid or defend the wrong thing, I’m cutting you off.
READ MORE: ‘I Only Reacted To Bobrisky’s Call’ VeryDarkMan Denies Defaming Falz, Falana
“I don’t believe in freedom fighters. I don’t believe in an individual coming out to say they want to fight for the rights of Nigerians. It doesn’t make sense to me. I think it should be a joint effort. I think everybody should be involved. And I definitely don’t think it should be VDM doing it.
“I don’t have much to say about the Falz versus VDM issue, by the way. They say he [Falz] is going to court. Lovely. Aside from Falz, Bobrisky and VDM’s case, I feel like anybody defending VDM is not somebody I want to have a conversation with.
“This country makes no sense. People are suffering. People are hungry. Anybody defending this government needs mental evaluation. Anybody defending VDM… We don’t even know what his [VDM’s] achievements are. What’s he trying to achieve? I personally do not know and I will not defend him. When I come across a VDM video, I skip it. When they are talking about the guy, I will continue to skip.”
BIZTELLERS reports that human rights lawyer Femi Falana and rapper Falz issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan (VDM) to retract his statements, accusing them of facilitating a soft landing for controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, during his jail sentence.
However, VDM released a video denying any defamation of Chief Falana and Falz.
In response to his refusal to retract the publication, Folakemi Falana, an entertainment lawyer and Falz’s sister, has threatened legal action against VDM.
Watch Video Here
Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, known as Davido, recently shared how he copes with the pain of losing loved ones.
Having experienced profound grief throughout his life, including the loss of his mother, Mrs. Victoria Imade Adeleke, when he was just 11, and the tragic passing of his three-year-old son, Ifeanyi Adeleke, as well as friends and associates like Tagbo, DJ Olu, Obama DMW, and his personal photographer, Fortune, in quick succession, Davido has faced numerous challenges.
In a recent interview with Mystery Fashionist in New York, he expressed that his faith has been a crucial source of strength for him during these difficult times.
READ MORE: Davido Upbeat On Debut Performance At 79th UNGA
“I have lost a lot of people. I lost my mum at the age of eleven. I’m just being strong. I did a song called ‘Stand Strong.’
“I feel like strength and obviously, my faith has kept me going,” he said.
Davido also addressed some misconceptions about him.
“I think sometimes, people think I am not approachable. Another misconception is that people also think I am too accessible.
“I grew up in a big family, I’m used to having people around me. My talent and success is God-given,” he explained.
Evicted Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘No Loose Guard’ housemate, Shaun Okojie has expressed his willingness to continue his relationship with fellow housemate Wanni after the reality show.
Shaun was eliminated from the competition last Sunday, while Wanni remains in the running for the N100 million grand prize.
In a post-eviction interview with TVC, Shaun addressed questions about his future with Wanni, stating, “I am waiting for her to come out, then we…” He emphasised that his feelings for Wanni were genuine, dismissing speculations that their relationship was merely a strategic game.
READ MORE: BBNaija S9: Shaun Declares Wanni Deserving Of N100m Grand Prize
When asked about the authenticity of his connection with Wanni, Shaun responded to the interviewer’s query regarding the speculation, saying, “Sounds like projection to me.” The interviewer playfully suggested the couple’s ship name, “Shanni,” to which Shaun replied, “Okay.”
As Wanni continues to compete in the BBNaija house, fans are eagerly anticipating the couple’s reunion and the next steps in their relationship. Shaun’s heartfelt comments have ignited interest in their dynamic, adding another layer of excitement to this season’s unfolding drama.
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