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ANOTHER BILLIONAIRE WANTS TO VISIT THE TITANIC SITE
Written by Kayode Olorundare
With the assistance of a submersibles business that specializes in ultra-deep diving equipment, an Ohio billionaire plans to make a deep-sea dive into the Titanic debris in 2026. Three years after the tragic journey of OceanGate's Titan, Larry Connor, the founder of the Connor Group, an upscale real estate investment firm, and Patrick Lahey, a founding partner of Triton Submarines, will embark on a voyage. Five individuals perished in the collapse of the Titan sub at a depth of around 3,500 meters below sea level in June 2023: billionaire entrepreneur Hamish Harding, explorer Paul-Henry Nargeolet, businessman Shahzada Dawood and his teenage son Suleman, and OceanGate CEO Stockton Rush.
A massive search was launched in the North Atlantic Ocean, some 400 miles south of the Canadian coast, following the loss of the deep-water craft. In the weeks following its disappearance, remote-controlled underwater search devices discovered Titan's wreckage on the ocean floor. Even while the OceanGate tragedy shocked the diving world, some people haven't been deterred—especially those who want to demonstrate that safe Titanic missions are possible.
Indeed, Connor made a call to Lahey a few days after the Titanic broke apart, offering to construct a ship that could explore the ocean liner's depths and show that the technology was available to anyone willing to accept it.
Ask film director James Cameron, who has traveled to the Titanic more than 30 times in a submersible, about successful journeys to the ship. The Wall Street Journal was told by Connor that he wished to restore faith following Titan, saying, "I want to show people worldwide that while the ocean is extremely powerful, it can be wonderful and enjoyable and really kind of life-changing if you go about it the right way." The eager philanthropist Connor, who Forbes claims to be worth $2 billion, further stated that the submarine he and Lahey will be riding in was not possible to build ten years ago because "we didn't have the materials and technology."
The businessman, who enjoys racing vehicles, acknowledged that he has fear, but he doesn't feel afraid of the ocean's depths. He said to the WSJ, "I almost hit a deer [last night]." "I was traveling at about sixty miles per hour." That was unsettling. However, after ten years of research and development, the Triton team claims to have created a vessel that can descend to 4,000 meters below sea level, which is 200 meters below the Titanic's 1,000-acre debris field's resting place.
The WSJ reports that the acrylic submersible called the Triton 4,000/2, costs $20 million and can accommodate two passengers in a transparent cockpit at the front of the ship. Although OceanGate, a Washington-based company that has ceased operations and exploration, had a spotty record of disclosing safety information, Triton Submarines has been the driving force behind 17 world records for dives. It has supplied gear for television programs like "Blue Planet II" starring David Attenborough and "Return to Titanic" on NatGeo.
Connor gained notoriety during the epidemic when he made $1.6 million in eight days thanks to a stock market surge, which he distributed to his staff. Bonuses of $2,000 to $9,000 were given by Connor in 2020, especially for "non-highly compensated" employees. As a father of three, Connor is also no stranger to exploration, both on Earth and in space. He and Lahey visited the Mariana Trench in 2021, which is the lowest place on Earth. Later that year, Connor made history by being the first human to visit both space and the ocean's depths in a single year.
This is because Connor spent 17 days in space in April while piloting the first-ever all-private mission to the International Space Station. Connor traveled with three other crew members on the Axiom Mission 1 as part of the Axiom Space project to conduct scientific research and showcase new technologies. "I feel like our training prepared us for the logistics of space travel and the research for which we were responsible," Connor stated at the time. Furthermore, I believe that some of my earlier pursuits helped me to be ready for some of the uncertainties associated with space travel.
However, I don't believe anything can prepare them for the experiences and vistas that come with traveling across the world once every ninety minutes. This incident humbled me. Even if our contribution was minimal, I hope it helped ensure that subsequent generations can enjoy comparable experiences.
SThe Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) and the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) have selected CEOs, according to President Bola Tinubu. Chukwuemeka Woke (pictured) was relieved of his duties as director general and CEO of NOSDRA by Tinubu, according to a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the president's special assistant for communications and strategy. Before this, Woke led the OORBDA. Adedeji Ashiru was chosen by Tinubu to take Woke's place as OORBDA's managing director and CEO.
In addition to being an engineer, Engineer Woke is a politician and an environmental specialist. He worked for the former Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in the environmental, safety, and operations departments and possesses a bachelor's degree in chemical/petrochemical engineering, according to the presidency. "He served as Chief of Staff at Government House, Port Harcourt, and Chairman of the Emohua Local Government Area in Rivers State for several years.
"Dr. Ashiru is a multi-skilled professional who has overseen a group of blue-chip enterprises and has a doctorate in engineering from the Common Wealth University in the United Kingdom. To achieve long-term benefits and a turnaround, Tinubu stated that he anticipates the new CEOs to apply their skills to these vital agencies while upholding the highest standards of operational openness.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, the film's director, tells the tale of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Fela's mother, from her groundbreaking days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her union with Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together, they fought injustice and established the Abeokuta Women's Union, starting a bloody conflict with traditional and colonial authority.
FILM ON FUNMILAYO RANSOM KUTI OUT
The novel deftly juxtaposes FRK's ceaseless advocacy with her deft juggling act as a wife and mother, illuminating the unwavering spirit of a woman who altered the path of history. The movie comes out as one contribution to the crucial discussions that are currently taking place about women, identity, and the never-ending pursuit of equality. Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, Patrick Diabuah, and others provide ground-breaking performances in this amazing cast.
The film's main creative, Austen-Peters, stated her excitement about the direction the movie would go in saying, "It's an exciting and humbling experience to submit Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti for Nigeria's Oscar consideration." Our team put their all into this project, and their contribution is proof of their steadfast commitment. Recognized for its dedication to the highest standards of filmmaking, BAP Productions sees this submission as a critical turning point in its history. Associate producer Yakubu Yahaya commented, "It represents the values and artistic vision that have guided our company for years," about this. The movie will have an impact on the world of film, and its submission to Nigeria's Oscar Official Selection Committee promises to be a thrilling ride this awards season.
CHINESE RESTAURANT DISCRIMINATE AGAINST NIGERIAN IN ABUJA
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Abuja Chinese Supermarket is sealed by FCCPC. The Chinese store at the China General Chamber of Commerce in Abuja has been closed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The announcement came after claims that Nigerians were the target of discriminatory actions. When the FCCPC authorities invaded the premises on Monday, they closed the grocery. Following their questioning of the Nigerian employees of the shop, representatives of the commission locked up the area. This came to light when store employees responsible for facilities revealed that the supermarket's owner had left the area.
Standing still in swamps, shoebills may grow to a height of five feet and are fierce ambush predators, snatching their victims whole with their enormous bills.
Where it resides: Swamps and wetlands in East Africa It consumes fish and reptiles.
Why it's fantastic: This frightening, prehistoric-looking bird may reach a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and has the third-largest bird beak in the world, a sharp-edged 1-foot (0.3-meter) bill. Its long, thin legs and enormous beak combine to make it a very strong ambush predator, one that can stay still for an extended time before snatching up its victim and consuming it whole.
Its most prevalent food source, accounting for around 71% of its meals, was catfish. The shoebill is known to consume snakes, eels, and even young crocodiles, however.
Although shoebills are primarily solitary, mating pairs are monogamous and can lay up to three eggs in a clutch; however, because of sibling rivalry, often only one of the eggs hatches into an adult. Usually the bigger firstborn, this one either kills the siblings or outcompetes them for food.
Essentially, the second or third chicks are backups in case the first one doesn't make it.
The shoebill, sometimes mistakenly called a stork, is the sole surviving member of the Balaeniceps genus and the larger Balaenicipitidae family. Pelicans are its closest living relatives. At the conclusion of the Cretaceous epoch, its ancestors from the Pelecaniformes order appeared (145 million to 66 million years ago). With about 5,000 to 8,000 birds remaining, the big-billed bird is classified as vulnerable on the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
After watching the horrifically fatal video of the incident, emergency personnel who responded to a man who had been attacked by his 13 pit bulls said that "an altercation" had occurred amongst the dogs before they pursued their master.
Reports state that when the man was feeding the pit bulls in his yard, one of the dogs got into a fight and the man was mauled to death by them.
After a buddy made a terrifying 911 call on Friday morning, police were dispatched to a residence in Compton, California, around 7 a.m. The nameless man's body was discovered by rescuers in the garden. Although his name hasn't been made public yet, his neighbors describe him as a single, 35-year-old man. He kept at least thirteen dogs in his yard at all times while breeding pit bulls. Upon arrival, animal control authorities discovered eight puppies, ranging in age from four to six months, and five adults.
The situation rapidly became serious, and to their surprise, firemen were also called in to help free a woman who had managed to climb into the yard. She was seen waiting to be rescued from the violent pack of dogs while perched on a fence in helicopter footage. Originally, bleeding victim pictures were posted on social media as well, but these were too horrifying to post. A spacious, green backyard and a towering cement fence around the home were shown in helicopter images.
The animal control department for LA County released the following statement: "We send our sincere condolences to the victim's family and friends. To ascertain the truth and safeguard the security and welfare of the neighborhood as well as the animals concerned, we are dedicated to carrying out an exhaustive inquiry." Now, the victim's father has given animal control the canines for "impoundment and examination." According to California's regulations: "A dog that has bitten a person in California may be euthanized in three circumstances: the dog has rabies; the dog has bitten at least two people in the past; or the dog has seriously bitten one person and had been raised to fight or was trained as an attack dog."
The canines haven't been reported to the police for biting anyone in the past, but a neighbor informed the newspaper that the dogs had previously left the house and attacked several hens in a backyard coup.
Ostriches!
They are the biggest birds alive, reaching heights of 2.7 meters and weights of up to 130 kilograms. Not only are they large, but they can reach speeds of up to 72 km/h! They have the biggest eggs of any bird species, with a weight of more than 1.3 kg. They function as a duo of parents. Several females contribute eggs to a single nest in a communal nesting display, and the dominant female incubates the eggs during the day. The male watches after the valuable eggs at night until they hatch. Unlike other birds, their feathers are fluffy and soft; they don't have interlocking barbs.
SIX THINGS VISITORS TO FINLAND NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE COUNTRY
Written by Kayode Olorundare
When Jorge Reyes relocated to Helsinki from Bogotá, Colombia, he had never visited Finland. While he was ready for the harsh weather, he was taken aback by some facets of Finnish society. Reyes was surprised to learn about accepted dating etiquette, shoe-free work environments, and naked saunas. Since I had read that Finland was the happiest country on earth, I relocated to Helsinki without ever having been there.
My life in my homeland of Bogotá, Colombia, was drastically different from what I was accustomed to before I relocated to Finland. Although I anticipated a significant change in the weather, there have also been some fascinating surprises. In Finland, people don't wear shoes to work. Although it's common practice to remove your shoes before entering someone's home, the majority of Finnish workplaces have a no-shoes policy. While some companies may offer "indoor shoes," most coworkers will wear socks.
I relocated from Colombia, where it was warmer, so I didn't bring socks with me. I had to get some unusual, playful socks for work that came in a variety of textures and designs. I purchased some socks featuring Pikachu as well as humorous logos.
While others wear their clothes for the office worldwide, we in Finland style our socks. Saunas in the nude with friends and coworkers are commonplace. Finland has a very significant sauna culture. Most people own a sauna at home or in a residential complex, and many offices even have saunas where they work. It's interesting to note that entering the sauna naked is a cultural norm—something I was unaware of until I relocated.
In the sauna, people will converse while not wearing any clothes at all. It's natural since there is no taboo around the nude body in this place. There are no uncomfortable looks or staring since people maintain a great degree of etiquette and respect for one another. I have just used the sauna in my building. Since it's not required to strip off, I used to wear swimming trunks. I've become accustomed to being nude over time. Purchasing high-quality blinds is essential.
While others wear their clothes for the office worldwide, we in Finland style our socks. Saunas in the nude with friends and coworkers are commonplace. Finland has a very significant sauna culture. Most people own a sauna at home or in a residential complex, and many offices even have saunas where they work. It's interesting to note that entering the sauna naked is a cultural norm—something I was unaware of until I relocated. In the sauna, people will converse while not wearing any clothes at all. It's natural since there is no taboo around the nude body in this place. There are no uncomfortable looks or staring since people maintain a great degree of etiquette and respect for one another.
I have just used the sauna in my building. Since it's not required to strip off, I used to wear swimming trunks. I've become accustomed to being nude over time. Purchasing high-quality blinds is essential.
There is very little darkness throughout the summer months, particularly in July and August, and the light is always beaming. The sun will be blinding outside, and it may be two in the morning. The amount of time and work individuals put into selecting the ideal drapes and blinds has surprised me. However, I quickly discovered that it might be challenging to fall asleep without the right supplies.
To ensure that my sleep hygiene was intact and I could have a good night's sleep, I had to hang additional drapes over my blinds. Since the sun is scarce during the summer, people are also constantly outside. It was difficult to control the quantity of light when I first relocated, particularly because the sun didn't set for a few weeks. Markets and restaurants frequently sell meat from bears and reindeer. The majority of the globe lacks access to bear or reindeer meat, particularly where I am from.
However, it is served as a meal in certain marketplaces and eateries. The reindeer sausage is made into kebabs. I found the reindeer meat to have a deep, earthy flavor and to be rather soft. Although I haven't tasted it yet, bear meat is said to have a texture akin to pork's. According to what I've been told, this meal is quite well-liked in Finland and is frequently served throughout the winter season. The majority of where I see reindeer meat sold is in the city's local markets.
The food situation is changing; vegetarians and vegans still have a wide variety of alternatives. Using public transportation is quite simple. I'm pleased by the variety of alternatives available and how simple it is to move about. You may use the tram, metro, trains, or hire a bike in Helsinki. Only the subway and the bus were available in Colombia, and even then, they weren't always convenient or routed. Here, the transit travels straight to the airport, and all forms of transportation converge at a central terminal. I ride my bike everywhere in the summer, but I use these other modes in the winter since it's so chilly.
People in Finland are content to purchase used goods. Even if the locals dress nicely and in style, they don't mind using old clothing because it's a more ecologically responsible choice. It appears that people value comfort and personal taste over name brands and price tags, and they don't seem to care as much about dressing expensively. It would be uncommon to wear thrift stores or used clothing in Colombia.
We really don't have that many stores to visit, in my opinion. Put off eating supper until your second date. One significant distinction between Finns and other people worldwide is how they handle first dates, even if they utilize dating applications like Hinge or Bumble in a similar fashion. I was informed early on that taking a first date to a fancy restaurant would be viewed as "too much." Conversely, first dates in Colombia usually involve a lovely supper at a restaurant. Here, going on a first date to pubs and cafés is advised.
DIASPORA NIGERIAN JOINS BILLIONAIRES CLASS
Written by Kayode Olorundare
According to Forbes, Tope Awotona is the wealthiest Nigerian immigrant living in the United States. Awotona founded and serves as CEO of Calendly, a scheduling software firm that has helped him earn over $1 billion in wealth. His business, Calendly, offers a solution that assists clients in effectively setting up team meetings.
Nigerian-born businessman Tope Awotona has become the wealthiest immigrant and Nigerian American living in the United States.
The 42-year-old, who moved to the US as a teenager after being
Tope Awotona
born in Lagos, Nigeria, is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of $1.2 billion.
According to Forbes, Awotona became a millionaire by founding and leading Calendly, a firm that specializes in scheduling software.
Having worked as a salesman for IT companies like EMC (now Dell EMC), he founded the company to address the difficulties he encountered with the lengthy email exchanges needed for meeting arrangements. Awotona reportedly supported Calendly on its own for a long time until landing a big $350 million investment in 2021, which raised the company's worth to $3 billion. The history of Awotona Awotona tried her hand at several unsuccessful enterprises before founding Calendly, including a projector sales company and a garden equipment company.
But the software he developed accounts for the lion's share of his riches. Awotona, a University of Georgia Bachelor of Business Administration alumnus, resides in Atlanta, Georgia, with his family. His software startup, Calendly, focuses on providing corporate communication platforms that help teams effectively plan, organize, and monitor external meetings. The fourth-richest person is Femi Otedola.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER ARRESTED FOR WRISTWATCH
Written by Kayode Olorundare
According to a customs representative who talked with CBS News, Arnold Schwarzenegger was arrested by customs officials on Wednesday at the Munich airport for failing to declare a high-end watch he was wearing on his way to Austria. According to a person with knowledge of the event, Schwarzenegger, 76, was held for three hours at the German airport. CBS News was informed of this.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
The former governor of California and Hollywood actor intended to sell off the watch on Thursday at his charity auction in Kitzbuhel, Austria. Schwarzenegger is expected to speak at a fundraiser for The Schwarzenegger Climate Initiative, which sponsors climate initiatives all across the world, according to a press release.
The insider claimed that the actor attempted to pay the taxes on the watch at the airport but that the credit card machine was broken and that he was never asked to fill out a declaration form. The source stated that after being taken to an ATM where the limit was too low and the bank was shut down, Schwarzenegger was eventually given a functioning credit card machine by customs authorities.
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Makinde urges composure during chaos as explosion rocks Nigeria's Ibadan Makinde urges composure during chaos as explosion rocks Ibadan Explosion in Ibadan Panic and bewilderment are already rife in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, as a result of an explosion that happened on Tuesday night at around 7:45 p.m. As city dwellers struggle to deal with the repercussions of the unforeseen catastrophe, the incident has caused uneasiness throughout the metropolis.
An eyewitness said that the explosion was loud and coincided with an abrupt cloudiness in the surrounding area. There was fear in the surrounding region as a result of the explosion, which was concentrated around the Bodija neighborhood and visible to people even in the University of Ibadan area. There were tremors felt across Ibadan due to the explosion's size. According to our correspondent, the state rescue squad responded right away to the incident. The insider informed The Guardian, "Although rescue crews are on the scene, the precise cause and location of the explosion remain unknown at this time." According to another eyewitness account, X barely avoided the explosion.
The X user stated, "I still don't even know what's happening here in Ibadan; all we heard was a huge blast, but we are safe." As of the time this story was filed, the rescue crew had not yet commented on the occurrence. Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, has issued a quiet order in response to the explosion's terror. In a statement, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, stated that the governor had dispatched security service heads, including paramilitary chiefs and fire operators, to reign in the aftermath of the explosion.
“There are various interpretations of the incident but it is important for us to state categorically that the state government has taken over and is in full control of the unfortunate occurrence to mitigate the incident,” Oyelade said. “All security service chiefs including paramilitary chiefs and Fire Operatives have been deployed by the governor to Reign in the spillover from the explosion. “His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde therefore implores citizens to calm down and be rest assured that their interests are being looked after.”
IYABO OBASANJO HAILS LEKAN OGUNBANWO AT 60
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Iyabo, the first child of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has made a comeback following a protracted absence. According to The Will, the former senator felt it imperative to step out of her shell to attend the 60th birthday party of Lekan Ogunbanwo. Plus TV's managing director and CEO is Ogunbanwo.
Lekan Ogunbanwo
Iyabo's presence at the Whitestone Ceremony Centre in Lagos, where the ceremony was held, indicated that Lekan held great significance for her, even among the several socialites in attendance.
Iyabo made a striking impression when she let her hair down and enjoyed herself; this was a far cry from the horrific headlines she caused when she attacked her father in public, pointing out his shortcomings and excesses. Few people are aware that in addition to being named a non-executive director of Unity Bank,
Hon Olalekan Nurudeen Adewale AkA ONA broke the news of the demise of his mother on the morning 2nd of January 2024. She died after a brief illness and has been buried today according to Muslim rites. Mama Wale as she's fondly called by her many well-wishers in her days as a successful Bukatarian (Restaurant) manager in the Mile Two area of Lagos state left a chain of legacies and she was remembered as a strict mother.
The late Mama Wale is survived by four children. One of them is Hon Olawale Nurudeen Adewale aka ONA who contested the 2022 House of Assembly primary elections of the APC in Akinyele LG constituency two.
CIVIL SERVANTS TO WEAR ONLY ENGLISH DRESSES TO WORK IN NIGER STATE
Written by Kayode Olorundare
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has made it illegal for government employees to wear kaftans and babanriga to work from Monday through Thursday. Bago issued a warning, stating that any officer disobeying the order would be fired. The governor gave the order at the Brains and Hammers Rice City in the Wushishi Local Government Area of the state, during the equipment presentation for land development and preparation.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has made it illegal for government employees to wear kaftans and babanriga to work from Monday through Thursday. Bago issued a warning, stating that any officer disobeying the order would be fired. The governor gave the order at the Brains and Hammers Rice City in the Wushishi Local Government Area of the state, during the equipment presentation for land development and preparation.
