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Boat Driver Transporting Late Junior Pope, Other Actors Not Certified – NSIB

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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.

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Entertainment

I Make $40,000 Montly With Content Creation Says Blessing CEO

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In a recent interview with Egungun of Lagos, Blessing CEO, a self-proclaimed relationship and mentorship expert, opened up about her inspiring journey to financial freedom through content creation.

Blessing revealed she earns nearly $40,000 monthly, attributing her success to a unique blend of authenticity, strategic planning, and consistency.

“People are drawn to relatable content,” she explained. “I share real-life experiences and practical advice, which has helped me build a loyal audience.”

READ MORE: Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality

Starting from humble beginnings, she leveraged social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to reach millions with her relationship tips and motivational talks.

Her ability to connect with her audience has not only brought financial success but also solidified her status as a trusted mentor.

As a mentor, Blessing also highlighted the importance of personal branding and networking, she said. “There’s lot of money in content creation, Your story is your power.”

Her journey is a testament to how leveraging digital platforms can create a thriving business and change financial status.

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Nicki Minaj Teams Up With Davido On ‘The Pink Print’ Anniversary

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On November 22, 2024, Nicki Minaj celebrated the 10th anniversary of her critically acclaimed third studio album, ‘The Pink Print’, by releasing a special edition packed with four new tracks featuring a lineup of global stars, including Nigerian sensation, Davido.

First released in December 2014, The Pink Print became a cultural milestone, delivering smash hits like “Anaconda” and “Only” featuring Lil Wayne and Chris Brown.

A decade later, Nicki Minaj reinvents the magic with fresh collaborations, one of which sees Davido appear on “If It’s Okay,” a track that also includes the talents of French DJ and producer David Guetta.

READ MORE: Nicki Minaj Remains the GOAT, Tacha Praises Amid Singer’s Grammy Mishap

This collaboration marks the second time Davido and Nicki Minaj have joined forces, following their hit “Holy Ground” from Davido’s 2020 album A Better Time.

Nicki Minaj expressed her appreciation for Davido’s contribution to the new track on her X account, a post that immediately sparked excitement among her Nigerian fans.

Known for her occasional use of Nigerian Pidgin English online, Minaj continues to resonate deeply with her audience in the region.

The 10th-anniversary edition also features “Turn Yo Cap Back” with Swae Lee, “Arctic Tundra” with the late Juice WRLD, and “Remember Me,” featuring Parker Ighile. These additions showcase Minaj’s ability to evolve while remaining true to her legacy.

Since the release of The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj has solidified her status as a global icon and one of the most influential female rappers in history. Her new tracks not only honor the original album’s success but also underline her enduring relevance in the music industry.

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Wizkid’s “Morayo”: Critics, Fans Clash Over Album’s Quality

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Renowned Nigerian artist Wizkid recently released his highly anticipated album, Morayo, but the project has ignited a storm of opinions online.

While some fans hailed it as another masterpiece, critics like popular Twitter commentator Daniel Regha have called the album a disappointment, labeling it “quantity over quality.”

In a scathing review posted hours after the album’s release, Daniel Regha rated Morayo 3.5/10, citing repetitive tracks, uninspiring lyrics, and a lack of emotional depth. Regha argued that the album appears designed for TikTok virality rather than offering meaningful musical content.

Key Criticisms from Daniel Regha

Regha pointed out that tracks like “Bend” felt shallow and overly simplistic, while collaborations such as “Bad Girl” featuring Asake failed to live up to expectations. According to him, the standout tracks “Pray” and “Kese (Dance)” provide a glimpse of originality, but they aren’t enough to save the album. He further criticized Wizkid for not dedicating any song to his late mother, an omission many fans found surprising.

READ MORE: Wizkid Drops Sixth Studio Album ‘Morayo’

Regha concluded by suggesting the album would have been better off as a four-to-five-song EP, stating, “Wizkid needs new musical ideas.”

Fans and Critics React

Regha’s critique sparked divided opinions on social media, with some fans agreeing and others fiercely defending the album. A Twitter user, @AdegboyeBodunde, echoed Regha’s sentiment, comparing Morayo unfavorably to projects by rising artists like Fola Baloranking and Minz. “Honestly, the album is so below average. Even new artists are coming out with bangers back to back,” he tweeted.

However, others were quick to dismiss Regha’s comments, questioning his authority to critique music. @africanvogue lashed out, saying, “Why give this wicked boy a voice? He knows he will get a response from Wizkid’s fans. @DanielRegha has never done anything of worth but pulls down the hard labor of others for his profit. That is criminal!”

Another user, @akinmusi, questioned Regha’s qualifications, writing, “What certifications does he hold in music? Has he authored any scholarly work, thesis, dissertation, or conducted research in the field? I’m genuinely curious.”

Is Morayo a Hit or Miss?

Despite the backlash, Morayo is expected to perform well commercially, driven by Wizkid’s loyal fanbase and widespread hype. The album experiments with new sounds and features top-notch production quality, which Regha himself acknowledged as one of its redeeming features.

However, the larger question remains: Is Wizkid delivering music for artistic growth, or is he leaning too heavily on commercial trends? The polarised reactions to Morayo suggest that Wizkid’s latest project will be a topic of debate for weeks to come.

The release of Morayo highlights the ever-present tension between artistic expression and fan expectations in the music industry.

While critics and fans continue to clash over its quality, one thing is certain: Wizkid remains one of the most talked-about artists in Africa, capable of commanding attention with every move he makes.

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