PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

FIFA okays Normalisation Committee to run Nigerian football The Bureau of the FIFA Council on Thursday approved the appointment of a Normalisation Committee to manage the affairs of the Nigeria Football Federation, pending fresh elections into the NFF Executive Committee. According to a letter signed by FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström and addressed to Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme MON, “the normalisation committee shall consist of a suitable number of members, who will be appointed jointly by FIFA and CAF as soon as possible.” The letter also informed that “the period during which the normalisation committee shall perform its functions shall expire as soon as it has fulfilled all of its tasks, but by no later than 31 May 2027.” None of the members of the normalisation committee will be eligible for the positions to be filled during the upcoming NFF elections under any circumstances. In the meantime, the Secretariat of the NFF will continue with the day-to-day running of the organisation...

Ebola: No need to cancel campaigns, gatherings, says Minister The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has said there is no immediate need to cancel political campaigns, conferences or other large public gatherings following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported Ebola virus disease case. Pate, however, warned that the government would review the situation and consider appropriate restrictions if the outbreak worsened, stressing that decisions would be based strictly on scientific evidence and public health considerations. The minister spoke on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing on the government’s response to the Ebola case, assuring Nigerians that the patient was receiving treatment and showing encouraging signs of recovery. “Thankfully, that individual has been taken care of and, in fact, is recovering. Today, I spoke to the clinicians, and I understand that laboratory results are showing great improvement, and there is a possibility that she would recov...

 I Didn’t Betray El-Rufai; He Used My Political Structure To Win Elections - Bashir Sa’idu  Former Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Hon. Bashir Saidu, has denied allegations that he betrayed the former governor, who is currently in detention. Saidu, who was among El-Rufai’s former allies who publicly announced their separation from him, made the clarification during an interview with RFI Hausa. Daily Trust had earlier reported that El-Rufai accused some people he supported during difficult times of abandoning him, a statement that generated further political controversy. However, in the latest interview, Saidu maintained that he and El-Rufai jointly built the political structure that paved the way for the former governor’s rise to power. “We were the first to suffer before him. I was arrested and taken to prison on New Year’s Eve, where I spent 50 days. I was moved from one court to another until the judge who agreed to hear the case revoked my bail. I w...

Country Music Icon John Anderson Dies at 71, Just Weeks Shy of 72nd Birthday The country music world is deeply saddened by the passing of iconic singer John Anderson, who has died at the age of 71. His family announced his death on Wednesday, October 21, revealing that the revered artist passed away peacefully in his sleep, just weeks before he was set to celebrate his 72nd birthday. In a heartfelt statement, Anderson's family described him as a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and friend. They emphasized that his significance to them extended far beyond his illustrious career as a performer, highlighting the love he shared and the memories they created as his most profound legacy. A Distinguished Career and Lasting Influence Anderson's distinctive voice and memorable songs resonated with generations of country music lovers. He was widely celebrated for hit tracks such as "Swingin'", "Straight Tequila Night", and "Seminole Wind". His imm...

 Salawa Abeni Reveals How Bola Tinubu Provided Crucial Aid During Health Crisis Veteran Nigerian singer Salawa Abeni has opened up about a profoundly challenging period in her life, revealing how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prior to his presidency, extended crucial assistance during a debilitating health crisis. The 'Queen of Waka Music' shared this emotional testimony during her recent 50 years on stage celebration, expressing heartfelt gratitude for Tinubu's timely intervention. A Period of Profound Grief and Deteriorating Health Abeni's ordeal began following the devastating loss of her child, an event that plunged her into deep emotional distress. This personal tragedy cascaded into a severe decline in her health and significant financial hardship. Her condition reportedly worsened to the extent that she could barely walk without the aid of a walking stick, a stark contrast to her vibrant public persona. Feeling increasingly isolated and with limited options, Abeni...

 Keyamo orders 21-day flight restriction for 46 Ebola contacts Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo has directed that 46 people identified as contacts of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola patient be prevented from travelling by air for at least 21 days. Keyamo announced the directive after a virtual meeting with Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate on Wednesday, October 21. He said the group comprises 44 people who had contact with the patient at a hospital after she developed symptoms, alongside two members of her domestic staff. The minister instructed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority to notify domestic and international airlines while health authorities continued efforts to isolate and monitor the contacts. Being identified as a contact does not mean a person has tested positive. The statement did not announce 46 new Ebola infections. Keyamo also directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria to strengthen surveillance at international airports. He listed temperature checks, travel-hist...