Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has broken her silence on the recent boat mishap.
Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.
The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.
The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations.
Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.
On Friday, Adanma surrendered herself to the police for questioning over the circumstances that led to Pope’s death.
In a series of videos via Instagram on Saturday, Luke broke down in tears as she explained her side of the story.
She described the incidents of the past few days “as a dream” she wished she could wake up from.
“On April 10, we lost five actors who were on their way to a location. Through the means of boat transportation, they had an accident. I have been so traumatised, I have been so cold. This whole thing still feels like a dream to me, I wish I could still wake up from this dream,” she said.
“I have not been able to make any statement since because we have been trying to recover the bodies. I have been providing money to those looking for bodies, providing caskets to enable the bodies are transported to their villages; and to the families that wanted it to be done. I have not been quiet, I have been doing things just so these people can rest. It is so sad that this had to happen on my set.
“I blame myself that I would have been in Lagos, doing my thing in Lagos. I blame myself for coming down to Asaba. I was supposed to be on that boat. My production manager was calling me to bring the memory card so they could start filming and I told him to come and collect it and he was like you know this place is far, please bring it for us. I said okay why have you people not crossed? Why have you not gone to work?
“He said they were waiting for Junior Pope to arrive. Before now on the 9th, they went there on their own and when Junior Pope came, he came on his own, he came alone. So on 10th, when I was preparing to go and drop the card, I was accompanied by my brother’s children. Two kids that were supposed to go with me, were supposed to be on that boat together. Getting there, I saw Emeka. Emeka was my DOP, he was just sitting and I did not see the others.
“I asked Emeka what is it and people surrounded him. Emeka was quiet and I was like, Emeka talk to me, what is it? What is the problem? Why have you not crossed? Where is Ogolo? Where is everybody? Has JP come? He was still quiet. I started shouting what was happening, can somebody please talk to me? Emeka now said JP is dead, Abigail is dead, Friday is dead, Precious is dead.
“He said ‘dem dey inside water’. I said let me go inside, let me be sure that the divers are looking for them. He said ‘there are over 15 divers looking for them inside the water’. I still cannot believe this because these crew members were my family. They have been working with me, if I was shooting in Lagos, they would transport from Asaba to Lagos to come and work with me. All through last year, we stayed together in Lagos, we filmed, worked together.
“… on that said day, I saw my director and Emeka outside. My director told me he did not know what happened. He was in a life jacket, and Emeka too was in a life jacket. There was still one life jacket available, I do not know who took it. My PM told me that they saw live jackets hanging when they got there and he asked the late Friday to even send one to Junior Pope but Junior Pope said it was dirty or so, so he did not take it. Those with life jackets survived. They even told me that when they were in the water, Junior Pope was also there asking if everybody was okay. How everybody is fine?
“That they even threw a gallon to him to use and hold himself, which he was holding that all of a sudden, they did not see him again. It was when they came out that they noticed that he was no longer there because they said divers had come and rescued some of them while other divers were still there trying to rescue others. I asked what could have caused this? He said he did not know but that TC was standing on the speedboat and ringing a bell.”
Popular nigerian pastor and a major critic of the nigerian government has blasted nigerians that are not happy as the dollar begin to appreciate. He was furious that despite being an obidient, he has moved on, but some people always want to see anything bad about their country especially since their candidate lost, and always want bad things to be happening so that they can say, Shey we warned you.
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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Nollywood makeup artist, Abigail Edith Frederick, in Ikot Udoma, Eket Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Pastor Eno, on arrival from an official engagement in Abuja, went straight to the deceased family’s compound to console them.
The statement noted that the governor thereafter gave automatic employment in the Akwa Ibom State Civil Service to the surviving elder sister of the deceased, and directed the SSA on Humanitarian Services, Umo Ekpo, to renovate the family house and bring it to modern standards.
The governor also gave assurance of government’s assistance to the two sisters of the deceased, who are undergraduates at the University of Uyo and whose education was being sponsored by the late Nollywood makeup artist.
The governor, in his remark, said: “This is deeply unfortunate for a young girl, 24 years old, who finished her youth service just last year and decided to pursue her passion. This is a reflection of our Arise spirit. It shows that our young people are willing to go out there, not begging, not waiting for handouts, but to pursue their passions.
“It is unfortunate that her life ended the way it did. Once I was fully briefed, I decided to come here personally with the full complement of the government to console and encourage the family. You are not just the governor when people are celebrating; in times and moments like this, you become the mourner-in-chief and give them hope.
“I trust the Holy Spirit will perfect the hope in their lives. Coming here means we care. You know Akwa Ibomites are like Americans. We don’t leave each other behind. Government will be with the family and support them.”
Veteran journalist and development data expert, Rotimi Sankore, is dead.
Kadaria Ahmed, chief executive officer of RadioNow 95.3FM, revealed this in a post via Facebook on Saturday.
Ahmed described the deceased as one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings.
The cause of his death was however not stated.
“It is with deep sorrow that I announce we have lost one of Nigeria’s finest journalists and excellent all round human beings, Rotimi Sankore. Rotimi loved Nigeria with a passion that allowed him to be honest about her problems and what needs to be done to solve them.
“He was an expert data journalist, the best at what he does. He could analyse data like no one else I knew using it to understand events but also project trajectories, especially avoidable ones.
“Over the years Rotimi spent time and energy trying to make sure those in government, policy makers and ordinary Nigerians understand what the numbers show, how they came about , what they mean and how they can help us understand what needs to be done.
“His work was insightful and was significant and it is his legacy. His death is a big loss . We will miss him. My heartfelt condolences to his daughter and his family,” the post read.
Sankore was a Development and Policy Expert; Journalist/Journalism Trainer; and Human Rights Advocate.
He was the ED/Editor-in-Chief of the Africa Centre for Development Journalism, a centre which offers strategic communication support to organisations whose goals are to effect social, political and economic change in Africa.
He worked as a Journalist across Africa and internationally, and until recently was Editorial Board Chair of Nigeria Info Radio Group / Part of AIM Media Group with 13 Stations in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and Onitsha (Incorporating Nigeria Info, WaZoBia, Cool FM & Arewa Radio Stations).
A police inspector (name withheld) has reportedly committed suicide in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.
The late officer was attached to Gwange Divisional of Borno Police Command.
According to community sources, he was looking healthy when he was last seen three days ago.
It is unclear why the policeman took the action. His neighbors at Layin Bayan, Wulari Jerusalem area of Maiduguri raised the alarm on Saturday morning when they noticed his door was locked from behind and a strange oduor was emanating from there.
The matter was immediately reported to metro Division of Borno Police Command and some officers were deployed to the scene.
“It was early this morning that people in the compound observed strange odor emanating from his apartment; his door was shut from behind.
“The men of police from Metro and Gwange Divisions respectively came to break the door and his lifeless body was found on the floor of his bedroom. They are currently in the compound.” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report police authorities have not issued any statement on the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer in Borno, ASP Kenneth Daso, did not answer calls when Daily Trust attempted to reach him. The telephone line rang out repeatedly.
Exploring the highs and lows of fame, we delve into the turbulent world of Nigerian celebrities whose marriages have succumbed to the pressures of public scrutiny.
From dazzling weddings to heartbreaking splits, these stars navigate the complexities of love in the spotlight, shedding light on the challenges faced by those living under the glare of fame.
In this article, LEADERSHIP Weekend highlights celebrities whose marriages have crashed.
AY
Last week,social media was awash with news of the separation of popular Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, and his wife, Mabel.
The comedian confirmed the development in a post on his Instagram page last Sunday.
He said he had reached a stage where he could no longer entertain the public with “deep personal family issues.”
Also, in a post on her Instagram page Mabel Makun confirmed that her marriage to comedian Ayo Makun, aka AY, has ended.
A post shared on her instagram page read,
”Although my dreams of a lifelong marriage has taken a different direction now, I’m committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. I have faith in a brighter future for both myself and the children”
”Despite the rumors or opinions, I find comfort in the belief that all will be well” she said.
Ayo and Mabel got married in November 2008, and they are blessed with two children.
Bolanle Ninalowo
Many fans were left speechless when Ninalowo, in a post via Instagram in September, announced that his 17-year-old marriage to his wife, Bunmi, had ended and the split was for the best of everyone involved.
Yomi Gold
Yoruba Nollywood actor cum producer producer, Yomi Alore, popularly known as Yomi Gold, announced the end of his second marriage to his wife, Meenah, in January 2023.
The movie star took responsibility for the marriage crash, describing his wife as a good person while announcing the split.
BRed:
The marriage of Nigerian singer, Adebayo Adeleke, also known as BRed, to his wife, Faith Johnson, crashed in June amidst allegations of domestic violence and infidelity.
Wunmi Toriola
In January, the movie star, in a post via Instagram, announced that her marriage had crashed and debunked allegations of being violent while the union lasted.
In a recent interview with New Telegraph, Wunmi said her marriage ended because her ex-husband always rubbed her fame to her face during arguments.
Isreal DMW
Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare, popularly known as Isreal DMW, in a post via Instagram last month (November), announced the end of his marriage to his wife, Sheila Courage.
Israel DMW revealed that Sheila left their home on August 8, 2023, despite his substantial support and acts of generosity since their marriage.
He also claimed that his wife accused him of being a ‘slave’ to his boss, Davido.
Stella Damasus
Veteran Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, confirmed the crash of her third marriage to movie producer, Daniel Ademinokan in October. Stella said she found out about the end of the union on YouTube, adding that Ademinokan has moved on with another lady.
The news of their crashed marriage caught many fans by surprise, considering when the going was good, the couple often engaged in public displays of affection.
Faridah Sobowale
Popular Lagos socialite, Farida, made headlines when news of her attempted suicide surfaced online in August. The Lagos socialite tried to commit suicide at the third mainland bridge following the crash of her two-month-old marriage to Demola Odulaja over infidelity.
However, Odulaja, in an interview with Yoruba social commentator ArewaTopeFamous, claimed Sobowale’s promiscuous way was the reason the marriage ended.
Damola Olatunji
Popular Yoruba Nollywood actress, Bukola Awoyemi, popularly called Arugba, separated from her ‘husband’ and colleague, Damola Olatunji, over alleged infidelity, but the latter denied the allegation.
Announcing their separation via her Instagram page, Bukola claimed she was never married to Damola, but they only had kids together.
Many fans were left speechless when Ninalowo, in a post via Instagram in September, announced that his 17-year-old marriage to his wife, Bunmi, had ended and the split was for the best of everyone involved.
[Leadership]
Tunde Onakoya, the founder of Chess in Slums Africa, says he will attempt to break the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon without losing a game.
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The chess guru announced his intention on Friday via a post on his X page.
Onakoya said he would attempt to play several chess games for 58 hours without losing a single game.
He added that he hopes to empower illiterate children across Africa through the feat which will take place at Times Square, New York City, on April 17.
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“On the 17th of April 2024, I will attempt to break the Guinness World record for the longest Chess marathon in the heart of Times Square New York City for 58 hours without losing a game,” he wrote.
“Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education. You guys have been rock solid for me through the years.
“So I need all of us to come together now more than ever to show the world that the Nigerian spirit is unwavering and we can do great things from a small place against all odds.”
The Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon stands at 56 hr 09 min 37 sec.
It was achieved by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, two Norwegians, on November 11, 2018.
Following the recent boat mishap that led to the death of Junior Pope, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has set up a committee to improve the safety of its members.
Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.
The film star was on the trip with other actors and crew members.
AGN suspended all movies involving riverine locations on Thursday.
On Saturday, Emeka Rollas, the AGN president, in a statement by Kate Henshaw, the guild spokesperson, said the 13-member committee will “fine-tune the existing bye-laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines”.
The AGN boss also said the committee will work with other guilds and associations to”draft a bye-law” and recommend disciplinary measures against defaulters.
Rollas added that the committee will recommend a “royalty collecting body for performers in Nollywood”.
The committee will be headed by Emeka Ike while Jude Orhorha will serve as secretary.
Other members include Joke Silva, Femi Branch, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Patience Ozokwor.
“Following the recent fatal boat mishap on river Niger which claimed the lives of five film practitioners including renowned actor, John Paul Odonwodo aka Junior Pope in Asaba, Delta State, the National President, of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Dr. Ejezie Emeka Rollas, MON, has set up a special committee with the following terms of reference,” the statement reads in part.
“Fine tune the existing bye laws to include members welfare, standard safety guidelines, and set protocols.
“Engage all relevant Guilds and Associations for the full implementation.
“Also Recommend disciplinary measures against erring members, producers and production companies.
“Seek further engagement with other Guilds/Associations and relevant stakeholders on drafting a general bye law for the industry.
“Recommend possible requirements in setting up a royalty collecting body or rights collecting society for performers in Nollywood.”
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Popular Nigerian crossdresser, James Brown, has taken to social media to clarify his stance regarding discussions about his personality and calls for his arrest.
Amidst calls for his arrest and comparisons to Bobrisky’s situation, James Brown took to Instagram to address the rumors.
In a post on his Instagram page, James Brown expressed his concern over his name being dragged into conversations that do not directly involve him.
He emphasized that his primary objective is to entertain his fans and provide them with an escape from the sorrows and frustrations of life, particularly in Nigeria and around the world.
Pointing out his professional endeavors, James Brown reiterated his commitment to his business, which includes talent in dancing, acting, modeling, and advertising various products for his supporters.
He also mentioned his latest film project, “Toxic Wine,” which he produces and stars in on his platform, JAMESBROWNTV.
While acknowledging the interest and concerns of his followers, James Brown urged for mutual respect and boundaries in discussions about him.
He emphasized the importance of prioritizing individual well-being and focusing on personal goals, urging everyone to stay focused on their “bag”.
In his words;
“Hey Durling I wanted to take a moment to address a matter, that has come to my attention. It seems that my name has been circulating in conversations that don’t directly involve me, and I kindly request that you refrain from discussing me or my personality, because you’ll know I stand to entertained my Durling fans to forget the sorrow and frustration of NIGERIA ???????? & the World ????
You’ll know my business ???????? Is my talent, Dance, Act,
model, also advertise different business ® for my lovely Durling you also know I now shoot my own film on JAMESBROWNTV latest movie ( TOXIC WINE
While I appreciate your interest & your special activist tactic I believe it’s best for everyone involved to maintain a level of respect & boundaries. We all have our own lives to focus on, and it’s important to prioritize our own well-being. Befor someone loose focus i on the BAG ????”
See below;
speaks on sisters death, actors who rendered help
Nollywood actress, Jumoke Aderounmu, popularly known for her role as Esther in the popular sitcom, ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, reportedly passed away in her sleep and was not ill.
This was disclosed by her younger brother, Adeola, during an interview with Punch, stating that Jumoke was planning on relocating to the United Kingdom before her demise.
According to him, the deceased wanted to relocate to the UK because she was not getting movie roles.
Speaking on why she publicly called out Nollywood actress cum filmmaker, Funke Akindele, for not helping the deceased in her time of need, Adeola said he does not have her number, but his sister reached out to her through another actress, Paschaline Alex.
He said, “I did not reach out to her (Funke), because I don’t have her phone number, and I am not close to her. But, my sister had her number, and even sent another actress, Paschaline Alex to her, all to no avail.
“She (Funke) stopped calling her for jobs. Jumoke tried to know why, because she wanted to retrace her steps if she had committed any offence.
“She was an introvert, and usually kept to herself. She was actually not sick. She just died in her sleep.”
He added that though Jumoke had been buried, the family would organise a tribute event in a church on the 40th day after her death.
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The esteemed family of the late Nollywood luminary, John Okafor, affectionately known by his stage persona, Mr. Ibu, has solemnly declared the scheduled date for his final rites.
This iconic figure, celebrated far and wide for his comedic brilliance within the vibrant tapestry of the Nigerian film landscape, will find his eternal resting place in the embrace of his hometown, Amuri, nestled within the tranquil precincts of the Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State.
The announcement reverberated through a heartfelt statement, bearing the signatures of none other than the actor’s kin, notably his esteemed brother, Elder Sunday Okafor.
The family’s announcement eloquently conveyed their commitment to honoring their beloved with the respect and reverence befitting a hero.
“The deceased will be buried like a hero,” Elder Okafor stated.
The statement said the burial ceremony would begin on Tuesday, June 25th, with a high-profile novelty match. On Wednesday, June 26, there would be a session called Mr Ibu’s Night, which would involve a candlelight procession and live entertainment.
A Christian Wake will be held on June 27 at his compound in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West, while the funeral service will take place on June 28.
The five-day burial ceremony will be wrapped up on Sunday, June 30th, with a Church Thanksgiving for family members, friends, and well-wishers.
The statement reads,
“The Okafor family in Eziokwe Amuri, Nkanu West LGA in Enugu State wishes to honour the loving memory of our hero and a legend John Ikechukwu Okafor who even in death has left a legacy of love, laughter and liveliness.
“We would appreciate your esteemed presence as we lay to rest our son, husband, father, grandfather,brother, uncle and in-law on the 28th of June 2024.
“Kindly join us as we share the best and last moments with our icon.”
Okafor who had been ill since October 2023 was said to have died of cardiac arrest on Saturday, March 2, in Evercare hospital in Lekki.
Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola-Salako, has asserted that Nigeria has become a dumping ground, because of its economic issues and loss of values.
Naija News reports that the movie star made this known during an interview with Punch, expressing displeasure at how crossdressing issues are treated with flippancy.
Foluke noted that it is saddening that Nigeria’s value system is dying because the government is not doing anything.
She said, “We accommodate a lot of things in Nigeria, and that has its good and bad sides. Many cross dressers have come among us, and we gave them a soft landing. These days, the normal has become abnormal; and vice-versa, just because Nigeria has become a dumping ground for a lot of things. Even when one decides to go one’s own way, one will just find out that one is alone, and people will not relate with one.
“It hurts me to see that our value system is dying. People no longer show love genuinely. Now, it is purely based on survival instinct. Many young stars in the country have to struggle to make a difference, because the government is not doing anything. There are many young Nigerians with brilliant ideas, and when they even take it to the government, they (government) would steal it. That is why Nigerians excel more when they are abroad. Every youth has to think of how to fend for themselves, and that is why the crime rate keeps increasing.”
Speaking on the recent outrage that was triggered after her colleague, Eniola Ajao, awarded a controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known Bobrisky, the ‘best dressed female’ award at the premiere of her movie, ‘Ajakaju’, Foluke said, the producer was solely responsible for everything regarding the movie production and marketing, unlike what happens in other climes.
She said, “What happened at the premiere was because Eniola was the only one thinking for herself. She sourced the money to shoot the movie, and spent so much on it. She also had to think of an advertisement platform. Meanwhile, in some other climes, there are different platforms to assist artists with different parts of production, especially advertising. After putting together such a movie, she (Ajao) still had to think of advertising, and that could be draining.”
Tim Simpson, the manager of Nigerian-born Australian UFC fighter, Israel Adesanya, said his client is disappointed not to be a part of the star-studded UFC 300 event.
Israel Adesanya returned from his almost six-month break from the UFC recently and declared his attention to feature in the UFC 300. Then, his target was to challenge middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis for the title.
Adesanya almost got the deal but Plessis pulled out from the fight which ought to take place at the UFC 300 which is scheduled for today, April 13.
The South African fighter said he pulled out from the fight because he hasn’t fully recovered from the injuries he sustained in a successful bout with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January.
Afterward, Israel Adesanya couldn’t find an alternative fighter to battle with leaving him out of the UFC 300 roster.
Adesanya’s manager said the Nigerian-born fighter is not happy over the development but noted that his client is open to fighting du Plessis on the upcoming UFC 305 card on August 17 in Perth, Australia.
“Israel was very upset that he didn’t do it (at UFC 300),” Simpson said on The MMA Hour.
“I believe Dricus was not ready. I think he had some sort of procedure after the last fight. Again, this is what’s been put publicly by Israel and (coach) Eugene (Bareman). But yeah, he really, really wanted it. He was upset, he wanted to be here and do it, he really, really wanted to do it. He loves big moments, the title fight coming back. I was texting (UFC executive) Hunter (Campbell) and couldn’t get it done on Dricus’ side, but Izzy was ready to go.”
Wembley Stadium looks set to host the all-British heavyweight clash between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua.
The long-awaited bout looks set to go ahead if Fury wins against Oleksandr Usyk on May 18 in Riyadh.
And Fury’s co-promoter Bob Arum is confident that London rather than Saudi Arabia will play host to the super fight.
He said: “The Saudis also, with having all this money, who can dictate the place, are very intelligent and they would, I think, like nothing more than to do that fight in Wembley with 95,000 people where they were the promoters.
“I think that would do more for their image than doing that fight – Fury and Joshua – in Saudi. But that’s up to them. That’s what I feel in talking to them briefly about the future.”
Joshua still might have a wait to finally fight Fury with the latter potentially facing a double header against his Ukrainian opponent.
“Looking at Tyson Fury, if he beats Usyk and fights Usyk again and beats him and then does a massive fight hopefully in the UK at Wembley Stadium,” he told Sky Sports, “that would really put an exclamation point to his great career.
“But let’s not put the cart before the horse. May 18 is an awfully competitive, really competitive heavyweight championship fight for all the marbles. He will give Tyson Fury everything Tyson can handle.
“I really believe from the reports I get that Tyson has really buckled down and is training very, very hard for this.”