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Building Fire In South Africa Kills More Than 70
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2 years agoon
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Editor
A fire that engulfed a five-storey building killed more than 70 people including children in central Johannesburg on Thursday, the South African city’s emergency services said.
Another 52 were injured, some suffering from smoke inhalation, and were taken for treatment at local hospitals, Emergency Management Services spokesman Robert Mulaudzi said.
“We have now 73 fatalities and 52 people injured who were transported to various healthcare facilities for further medical care,” Mulaudzi said.
At least seven children were among those killed by the flames, in what is on track to become one of the deadliest fires worldwide in recent years.
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The youngest victim was less than two years old, he said. Some were left burned beyond recognition.
Firefighters at the scene have put out the flames and are “busy with damping down”, while search and recovery operations are ongoing, Mulaudzi said.
“We are moving floor by floor conducting these body recoveries,” he told local broadcaster ENCA.
An AFP reporter at the scene said emergency services were continuing to bring charred bodies out of the building, laying them down under blankets and sheets on the street outside.
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“It is indeed a sad day for the city of Johannesburg… over 20 years in the service, I’ve never come across something like this,” Mulaudzi said.
It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which broke out overnight.
Mgcini Tshwaku, a member of the city’s mayoral committee in charge of public safety, said candles used for lighting inside the structure were a likely cause.
The building, which has been evacuated, is located in a deprived area of what used to be the business district of South Africa’s economic hub and was used as an informal settlement, Mulaudzi said, suggesting many may have been squatting there illegally.
“Inside the building itself there was a (security) gate which was closed so people couldn’t get out,” said Tshwaku.
“Many burned bodies were found stashed at that gate.”
Fire trucks and ambulances were parked outside the red and white building with burned-out windows which has been cordoned off by police, as a small crowd of onlookers gathered in the area.
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Illegal occupation of disused buildings in the city centre is widespread, with many said to be under the control of criminal syndicates who collect rent from occupants.
Authorities estimated more than “80 shacks” were set up inside.
“The fire spread very quickly affecting different levels of the building because of the combustible materials used,” said Mulaudzi.
The blaze was the deadliest in South Africa in recent years and one of the worst worldwide.
In December last year, a fuel tanker blast near Johannesburg killed 34 people, while in June, flames ripped through a dilapidated building in the city and killed two children under 10 who were locked in an apartment.
AFP
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Osun Monarchs Donate Air-conditioners, Computers To Support NUJ’s E-Library Project
Published
2 hours agoon
July 5, 2025By
Editor
Traditional rulers in Osun state have put their weight behind the project of E-Library, embarked upon by the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, OSBC Chapel, with the donations of Air-conditioners Computer systems.
The announcements were made during an inspection tour of the E-Library, named after the Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun, at Ile-Awiye, Oke Baale, Osogbo; where Oba Makama announced the donation of four Air-conditioners, in continuation of his support as the Life Patron of the chapel.

Chapel chairman, Comrade Lateef Agboola in rapt attention to instructions from Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun during the inspection tour.
In his royal message, the Eburu of Iba, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, Oba (Prof) Adekunle Okunoye Adeogun also pledged the donation of Six units of Computers, as his own way of supporting the noble cause, in solidarity with his royal colleague.
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Other monarchs on the entourage of the Olowu of Kuta, including Oba Ismaila Gbadamosi Fabunmi (Olaa of Ajagunlase); Oba, (Dr.) Kazeem Adio Orioye (Onigege of Igege) both in Olaoluwa Local Government Area of the state, Oba (Dr.) Alamu Moshood Oparonke (Onisara of Feesu Kingdom) in Iwo Local Government Area, Oba Musibau Adebayo Akinloye (Oori of Oloori) and Oba Femi Idowu (Olaota of Ilota) both in Ayedire Local Government, as well as Oba Adekunle Omolola (Oniraan of Iran) in Ayedire Local Government, and Oba Waliulah Azeez Alabi (Olu of Lahan) in Olaoluwa Local Government Area, all pledged to support the project in solidarity with Oba Tegbosun.
Other eminent personalities and groups on the entourage of the Olowu of Kuta included Chief Ogundeji Eleuibon; the Big Brothers Club of Osun; Responsible Ladies Group, Nigeria Youth Council leadership, Online Media Owners Association, YMLF Osun as well as the Olowu-in-Coincil, among others. They also pledged their support to complete the E-Library project.

Olowu of Kuta Kingdom, Oba Hameed Adekunle Oyelude Makama Tegbosun in group photograph with Responsible Ladies Group.
In their separate remarks, the Board Chairman of OSBC, Engr. Mayowa Olosho, and the Director-General/Permanent Secretary of the media conglomerate, Mrs Jolaade Igbaroola, appreciated the royal fathers, eminent personalities and groups for deeming it fit to support the project, which many believe is first of its kind in the history of NUJ.
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Earlier, the chairman of NUJ, OSBC Chapel, Comrade Lateef Agboola, had explained that the vision of his predecessors to start the project many years ago, was to make the chapel a hub of information and reservoir of knowledge.
He added that, when completed, the E-Library will serve not only the members of the union, but also other people who might need necessary information to back up their research works.
He, therefore, pledged the resolve of his administration to make the library functional before the end of July 2025.
News
Burna Boy Turns 34, Reveals Plans To Start A Family
Published
5 hours agoon
July 5, 2025By
Editor
Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Burna Boy, celebrated his 34th birthday in style, and the festivities took an intimate turn when he shared his thoughts on starting a family.
According to the singer, he’s now considering having kids, citing his advancing age as a reason to settle down.
Burna Boy revealed that a conversation with oil magnate Jowizaza sparked this newfound desire.
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“Na so Jowizaza follow me talk the last time, I come dey think about my life. Omo, I don dey old oh, I for begin born pikins,” he said in pidgin.
This marks a shift from his previous stance on having children. Last year, Burna Boy stated that he wasn’t ready for kids, citing his busy schedule and inability to give them the attention they deserve. He had mentioned that he would consider having children when he’s settled or married.
As Burna Boy embarks on this new chapter, fans are eager to see what’s next for the ‘Tatata’ hitmaker. Will he find love and start a family soon? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain, Burna Boy’s life is about to get a whole lot more interesting.
News
Cherryland, Unifield, Divine Pattern Schools Shine At ITV 2025 Quiz, Debate And Essay Competition
Published
16 hours agoon
July 5, 2025By
Editor
By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin
Cherryland Royal School, Divine Pattern Schools, and Unifield International School, on Friday, 4th July, 2025 won the Independent Radio and Television 2025 Interschool Quiz, Debate and Essay Competition in their respective categories.
The Essay Competition, with the topic: ‘There has Been a Growing Incidence of Gambling Amongst Youth in Your Country. Write an Article Suitable for Publication in a National Newspaper Stating Three Probable Causes, and Suggesting how this Problem can be Cured,’ was won by Oghogho Triumph of Divine Pattern Schools, while Eczema Praise of Cherryland Royal School emerged winner in the debate category with the topic: ‘The Youths of Today Are More Interested in the Pursuit of Pleasure than in Academic Work.’
The quiz, which was competed by primary pupils from various schools was won by Victory Ighotomare of
Unifield International High School.

Winners in the various categories in group photograph with the management of ITV/Radio
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chairman of the occasion and Deputy Chief of Staff to Edo State Government (office of the deputy governor), Hon. Pius Alile, while recalling his primary school days, pledged scholarship to university level for winners in the various categories.
Alile urged the students and pupils to desist from social vices and face their studies, stressing that it’s through education that they can actualise their dreams in life.
In his short remarks, Managing Director, ITV/Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, urged the students and pupils present at the event to face their studies, and above all be disciplined and well behaved.
He stressed that no matter how a student may be brilliant in life, such a student needs discipline to navigate through the journey of life, adding “no matter how intelligent you are, you must be well behaved and disciplined. This will take you far in life.”
The MD, who told the students and pupils that they cannot all be winners at the same time, said being present at the event, they are expected to take one or two lessons back home from the event.
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Engr. Obaseki, who said “it’s not too good that none of our public schools are here,” promised, “next year, we will make everything humanly possible to bring our public schools so that the competition will be more interesting and fierce.”
Also speaking, Chairman, organising committee of the event, Dr. Sunny Duke, while expressing joy at the large turnout of schools in this year’s competition, thanked the management and staff of ITV/Radio for their support, and in particular the Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion for creating the platform (ITV/Radio) through which young ones can actualise their dreams.
He also thanked the chairman of the occasion, Hon. Alile for offering the winners in the various categories scholarship, stressing that it has been his prayer and wish.
“Where I am today is because of the scholarship I won in JSS 2 back then. And today, that ambition and dream has been fulfilled with the scholarship for the winners of the quiz, debate and essay competition by Hon. Pius Alile, I’m overwhelmed,” Duke said.
The event was spiced up with dance competition amongst students and pupils, and on the other hand amongst teachers, and other side attractions.
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