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NIWA Investigates Jnr Pope’s Boat Mishap

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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.

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After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill

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Tonto Dikeh Slammed For Calling Ex-husband "Mini Man"

Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.

The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.

In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.

SEE MORE: Tonto Dikeh, Bodyguard Summoned To Court Over Alleged Assault, Others

“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”

Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.

“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.

The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.

Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.

Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.

The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.

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Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.

The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.

According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.

ALSO READ: Court Grants Angela Okorie ₦5m Bail Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Mercy Johnson

“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.

Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.

Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.

The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.

Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.

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How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate

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Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.

The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.

SEE MORE: 2 Nollywood production crew members found dead on location

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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.

Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.

“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”

To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.

These results are expected in two to three weeks.

Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

 

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