Entertainment
Boat driver transporting late Junior Pope, other actors not certified- NSIB
By Francesca Hangeior
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has released a preliminary report on the boat accident involving Nollywood actors in Anambra, revealing that the boat driver was not certified.
The NSIB revealed this on Friday during a press briefing coinciding with the release of four other final and preliminary reports by the agency.
The Director General, NSIB, Alex Badeh, presented two final reports on aviation incidents, one preliminary report on an aviation incident, and a preliminary report on a marine accident, accompanied by 20 safety recommendations.
The boat was carrying 12 actors and crew members when it crashed, resulting in the loss of five passengers, including popular Nollywood actor Mr. Paul Odonwodo, also known as Junior Pope.
The Director of Transport Investigation, who presented the preliminary report and other findings during the briefing, stated that the speedboat capsized, throwing all occupants into the Anam River. According to him, five passengers were fatally injured, and seven were rescued alive.
The NSIB was not officially notified but learned about the accident through social media. Investigators from NSIB’s Enugu Regional office were dispatched to the accident site on April 12, 2024.
According to the agency, initial findings revealed that the boat driver was not certified, the fibre boat was not registered with the National Inland Waterways Authority, and the outboard engine fibre boat was carrying 12 passengers and 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.”
The report indicated that although five passengers aboard the boat sustained fatal injuries, the driver and seven other passengers survived the collision.
“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. The rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”
In its safety recommendations, the bureau urged the National Inland Waterways Authority to ensure that all boats involved in commercial activities within the national inland waterways are registered, adding the authority must ensure adequate safety measures are implemented and enforced in our inland waterways.
Junior Pope died after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra state on April 10, 2024.
Legendary Juju musician, King Sunny Ade, has dismissed widespread speculations about his safety and whereabouts, declaring on Tuesday that he was neither missing nor kidnapped.
The music icon made this known in a live video shared by one of his wives, Mrs. Bose Olubo-Adegeye, following a social media storm ignited by his daughter, Damilola Adeniyi-Adegeye.
Damilola had on Monday, raised the alarm over her father’s whereabouts, accusing her stepbrother, Dayo, whom she described as KSA’s manager, of allegedly holding the veteran singer hostage and mismanaging his affairs.
In a flurry of social media posts, Damilola called for Dayo’s arrest, claiming he had been “stealing” from the musician and preventing access to him.
One of her posts read: “Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking up his calls. Where is he?”
Another stated: “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to provide all the money they have been stealing from him. He has a UK visa, thinking he can run.”
However, speaking in the video on Tuesday, King Sunny Ade reassured fans that he was hale, hearty, and actively performing live music at events. He specifically mentioned performing at a show in Lekki, Lagos, over the weekend and noted that he was on his way to another performance.
“Nobody kidnapped me. I pray, as I don’t want anybody to kidnap me. I believe that the whole world is in love with me. This is me, King Sunny Ade. I have to thank God and you, my fans, for the concern. I have been doing my shows. I was at a show last Saturday at Lekki, Lagos. I am on my way to have a show, and I am coming back again to play in Lagos, as well. So, I have nothing to say other than to thank God and to thank you,” KSA said.
The singer also appreciated Nigerians and fans worldwide for their concern, noting that the confusion might have stemmed from some of his children not seeing him recently.
“I know my children are in love with me, and they want to see me. I didn’t go anywhere. This is me. I thank the children, too, for their concern as well.
“By God’s grace, enjoyment continues. I am still in music. Music is my life; it is my business, and I will continue to do it. I thank the whole world for loving me as usual,” he added.
By Francesca Hangeior
Angela Okorie’s ex-boyfriend, known as Oil Money, has responded after the actress called him out on social media for allegedly cheating on her with her Nollywood colleagues.
In a private chat with popular Nigerian critic, Radiogad, Oil Money revealed that Angela is 7 years older than him. He claimed he was only helping her out in the relationship, but she became ungrateful and started acting up.
“She always talks too much and brags. She’ll be 50 this year but acts like a 22-year-old. Even my 20-year-old baby mama is more mature than her,” he said.
Oil Money also said his family never supported the relationship and accused Angela of bringing different men to the house, calling them “fans” or “workers.”
According to him, Angela begged to visit him in London just last week, but he refused.
“She has nothing to bring to the table. I keep blocking her and she keeps coming back,” he added.
Entertainment
Cubana Chief Priest responds following reports of being denied entry at Headies Awards
Popular socialite Cubana Chief Priest has made a special announcement amid reports of being denied entry at the 17th Headies Awards.
He recently made headlines after a viral video surfaced showing security personnel blocking him at the event’s entrance, sparking mixed reactions online.
Amid the buzz, Cubana Chief Priest remains unfazed, as shown in his latest Instagram post.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI9wSnUI28y/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
Cubana Chief Priest shared a clip of him shaking hands with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu which later confirmed his entrance at the Headies Award.
Also. the socialite also expressed gratitude to his fans for their support following his recent performance in Eyinmba, while announcing the upcoming release of new music.
His post reads, “Thank you so much Aba Eyinmba city. New music out in a bit. One is not enough. Wait for it”.
See the post below;
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI_d8XDo6D3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading
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