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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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CHIVIDO 2024: You’re A Disgrace, Uche Maduagwu Slams Gov Adeleke For Attending Davido’s Wedding

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Controversial Nollywood actor, Uche Maduagwu, has condemned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for neglecting his official duties to attend his nephew, singer Davido’s wedding in Lagos today.

Biztellers reports that Governor Adeleke, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, were among the dignitaries present at Davido and Chioma’s lavish wedding on Tuesday.

In a video message shared on his Instagram account, Maduagwu specifically castigated Governor Adeleke for attending a wedding on a workday.

He stated, “On a Tuesday morning, Osun State Governor is leaving his State to attend a wedding in Lagos. We are not ready in this country. Honestly, we are not serious in this country.

“Can you see the MD of Access Bank or Zenith Bank leave their office on a Tuesday morning to attend a wedding? I’ve never done this in my life. On a Tuesday morning, the Chief Executive Officer of Osun, which is one of the poorest states in the South West, is leaving his office to attend a wedding. We are not ready in this country.

“This is a disgrace. A disrespect to the people of Osun State. If any permanent secretary in your state leaves his office to attend a wedding on a workday, would you be happy? And as a leader, you cannot even lead by example. You are attending a wedding in Lagos on a Tuesday afternoon. Will you ever see the Governor of New York or the Governor of Texas on a Tuesday morning going to attend a wedding?”

Maduagwu’s remarks have sparked a debate about the appropriateness of public officials attending personal events during working hours, highlighting concerns over governance and accountability in the country.

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CHIVIDO 2024: I Will Protect, Respect Your Daughter – Davido Tells Chioma’s Parents [Video]

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In a heartfelt ceremony today, Afrobeats sensation David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, assured the parents of his bride, Chioma Rowland, that she will be respected and protected throughout their marriage.

The ‘Assurance’ hitmaker, who has often expressed his love for Chioma publicly, reaffirmed his commitment to her in front of family and friends.

Speaking at the wedding, Davido said, “I promised her a lifetime assurance. I promise you, your daughter will be protected, respected, and connected.”

He added warmly, “Mummy and daddy, I love you.”

The couple’s union has been a subject of widespread celebration, with many fans eagerly following their journey.

Watch the video below:

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Basketmouth Shades Wizkid While Praising Davido’s Wedding

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Nigerian comedian Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, has subtly criticised singer Wizkid while commending Davido’s wedding for dominating social media.

Basketmouth remarked on the difficulty of promoting his show at the moment, given the overwhelming attention on Davido and Chioma’s wedding.

He pointed out that even Wizkid’s recent social media drama failed to garner significant attention because of the wedding’s prominence.

On Instagram, Basketmouth posted: “Davido’s wedding has taken over the social media space. Except you want us to start using Chivido2024 to promote the show. Which I don’t think will work. Because, even Wizkid wey throw shade, nobody send am.”

Recall, Biztellers reported that Wizkid recently stirred excitement by tweeting “Lol [lots of laughs]” shortly after Davido released his pre-wedding photos with Chioma.

WwWizkid also tweeted about praying for every understanding woman, which some fans interpreted as a subtle jab at Chioma, who has been notably supportive of Davido despite infidelity allegations.

However, Wizkid has denied these speculations, asserting that his tweets were being misinterpreted.

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