Entertainment
NIWA Investigates Jnr Pope’s Boat Mishap
The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has commenced its investigation into the boat accident that resulted in the loss of lives, including Nollywood actor Junior Pope, in Onitsha, Anambra State.
NIWA expressed its deepest regret over the unfortunate mishap, which resulted in the loss of four lives on Wednesday.
In a condolence message delivered by Dakio Horsfall, the Acting General Manager (Marine) of the authority, NIWA extended condolences to the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the families of the victims for their losses.
The incident, involving two boats on the River Niger en route to Asaba, Delta State, reportedly occurred around 2:00 PM on Wednesday.
The accident involved an unregistered fiberglass boat carrying 12 individuals and a privately owned wooden boat with a single driver.
Tragically, four individuals lost their lives, while seven others were rescued from the incident.
He said: “Preliminary reports indicated that the accident resulted from a frontal collision between the two boats due to over speeding.
“Sadly, two people died at the scene of the accident, two more bodies were recovered 24 hours later off-site, while 7 persons were rescued.
“Consequently, the Authority commiserates with the families of the deceased persons and pray that the good Lord will repose the souls of the departed”.
He mentioned that upon receiving the report of the accident through its community-based network, NIWA promptly dispatched its search and rescue team to the site to initiate immediate rescue operations.
He added that the team, along with local divers and other stakeholders, swiftly mobilized and have been tirelessly conducting search and rescue operations since Wednesday.
He said “As of the last count, one person is still unaccounted for. Also, the Marine Department of NIWA has activated its accident investigation mechanism with a view to determining the cause(s) of the accident and make appropriate recommendations.”
The manager emphasized the importance of all inland waterways users strictly adhering to established safety protocols, including the completion of passenger manifests at loading and offloading points.
He reiterated that wearing life jackets while on the waterways is mandatory, as well as avoiding over-speeding and respecting weather conditions at all times.
Horsfall expressed appreciation to the Marine Police, local divers/fishermen, Maritime Unions, and other compassionate Nigerians who supported the Authority in its rescue endeavors.
Nonetheless, NIWA reassured all Nigerians of its ongoing commitment to enhancing safer inland waterways for everyone’s use.
Nigerian music icon Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.
Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.
In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’
Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:
READ MORE: Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles
@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”
@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”
@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”
In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”
Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”
Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.
Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”
READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up
Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.
Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.
Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.
Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.
As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.
Entertainment
’46 Minutes To Heaven’: Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel DMW Celebrates First US Trip
Israel DMW, the logistics manager to renowned Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, has expressed profound gratitude following his recent visit to the United States.
In a heartfelt post shared via his Instagram page, Israel, who secured a five-year US visa just last month, described his experience in America as otherworldly, likening it to being just “46 minutes to Heaven.”
His excitement and appreciation were evident as he thanked God, his boss Davido, his Edo community, and Nigerians at large for their support.
READ MORE: Diri Celebrates Consummate Democrat, GEJ @ 67
“It’s 46 minutes to Heaven when you get to America. 5yrs visa shit. Thank you, God Almighty. Thank you, baba twins. Thank you, sir. Thanks to my Edo people. Thanks to all Nigerians,” he wrote.
This milestone highlights yet another chapter in Israel’s journey alongside Davido, who has been instrumental in elevating the lives of those in his circle.
N1.7trn Loan: Atiku Blames NASS For Worsening Nigeria’s Debt Burden
Musa Joins Jaiz Bank As Ambassador
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Others
Fans Celebrate Davido As Nigerian Superstar Turns 32
CSR: Dangote Cement Fuels Education With Support Projects At Lagos Schools
Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
