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.
The public dispute between renowned singer Timi Dakolo and Pastor Femi Lazarus has intensified, with Dakolo now accusing the Light Nation Church founder of profiting from ministry teachings.
The controversy first erupted when the two clashed over whether gospel artistes should charge fees for performing at church events.
Pastor Lazarus, in a widely circulated video, argued that gospel musicians should not demand payment for ministering, insisting that they should trust God for provision rather than seeking financial gain.
READ ALSO: Sometimes I Suck At My Parental Duties – Timi Dakolo
According to him, gospel artistes are not mere entertainers but ministers of the gospel.
Dakolo, however, pushed back against this view, accusing pastors of pressuring gospel singers to offer their services for free.
He defended their right to earn a living, pointing out the financial responsibilities they face.
He also suggested that instead of expecting professional gospel musicians to perform without payment, pastors should focus on developing their church choirs.
Clarifying his stance, Dakolo stated that his response was made out of respect and love. He emphasized that, while he grew up in the church, he does not identify as a gospel artist.
However, he then shifted the discussion by accusing Pastor Lazarus of charging students for enrollment in his ministry school, which provides Christian teachings.
According to Dakolo, the school’s enrollment fee is approximately $150 per student, with about 1,000 students reportedly registered. He backed up his claims by sharing a screenshot that allegedly details the fee structure.
He criticized the pastor for monetizing what he described as a “freely given gift and revelation.”
“All this was said in love and with respect, sir. I am not a gospel artist but a Christian raised in church. Let’s not shift the goal post,” Dakolo stated.
“By your definition, if anyone charges to minister, they are not gospel artists; they are performers. And by that definition, if any preacher charges to teach and minister, they are merchants of hope and motivational speakers too.”
Questioning the structure of the ministry school, he added:
“Sir, you are charging as low as $150 per person for your school of ministry, teaching and preaching Jesus, probably having as much as 1,000 students. Let’s do the maths. You even have premium and standard for God’s house? Are you not selling the gift and revelation freely given to you? Again, let’s not keep shifting the goal post.”
Nigerian singer Orezi has sparked discussions on relationship dynamics after revealing that he once received ₦30 million from a woman who simply admired him.
Speaking in an interview on The Echoroom, the Rihanna crooner recounted the unexpected experience, explaining that the generous woman, whom he met in Abuja, sent him the money the day after they had fun at a club.
“The highest amount of money I’ve received from a woman? I don’t want to mention the amount I received, but okay. It was 30 million Naira, back in Abuja. I wasn’t married to her or anything, she just liked me.”
READ MORE: Afrobeats Without Me Is Not Worth listening To– Orezi
Orezi emphasized that the money was given freely, without him asking or being in a committed relationship with the woman.
“It’s not like I needed money, I have money, but she just gave me. We weren’t dating, but we had something going on. I was shocked, I can’t lie.”
The singer also pointed out that men, especially celebrities, sometimes receive financial gifts from admirers, just as attractive women often benefit from admiration.
“A lot of artistes enjoy things like that, it’s a normal thing. The same way pretty women enjoy pretty privileges; men enjoy it too. In fact, there was a friend I had in university whose school fees and provisions were handled by a woman. It’s a topic swept under the carpet a lot; women do things for men a lot.”
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Wizkid has expressed his delight with the Super Eagles’ preparation ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Kigali.
The team, now under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Eric Chelle, held its first training session on Tuesday afternoon as they gear up for the crucial encounter.
Reacting to the squad’s intensity in training, Wizkid took to his X handle on Wednesday to praise the new-look Super Eagles.
READ ALSO: WCQ: Osimhen, Others Arrive Super Eagles Camp Ahead Of Rwanda Clash
“New Super Eagles team! Love the energy,” he tweeted.
The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on Friday, March 21, with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM Nigerian time.
The team will then return to Nigeria to face Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday.
With their World Cup hopes on the line, the Eagles will be aiming to secure maximum points from both fixtures to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 tournament.
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