PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

     Contemporary crop of leaders have valuable lessons to be drawn from personal life and leadership qualities of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Tuesday in a glowing tribute to his predecessor and first civilian governor of the State. Sanwo-Olu said Jakande’s legacy in leadership and governance remained a reference point in contemporary history, despite leaving government for more than three decades ago. The Governor spoke on the occasion of 90th birthday of Jakande which was held at Havens Event Centre in GRA Ikeja. The event, which was jointly organised by Lagos State Government and Jakande’s family drew high-profile dignitaries which included the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, former Lagos state governor and National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his successor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, Ogun State Governor, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamz...

   It  was a black Monday in Igogoro Community of Enugu Ezike Igbo Eze North Local Government Area when eight boys, who were working in an underground tank, were found dead by the villagers. According the Reports, the first victim fell into the well, then the second person tried to rescue him and fell into the tank also. It reportedly continued until the eighth person was drowned. The last of the victims was said to have died on the way to the hospital; the others had died instantly. The cause of their death was not clear as at the time of this report but there are speculations that it may have been out of ignorance as the victims tried to suck water out of the well, using a pumping machine. According to a source: “the machine was started and lowered into the pit, so the fumes were all trapped inside the well/tank. The operator entered the well and collapsed, maybe as a result of the fumes (carbon monoxide). Others were entering to help rescue but got trapped i...

      The Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, secured the conviction of four internet fraudsters: Tosan Ogbe, Onajite Tosan Ejivwo, Abdulmumin Saidu and Karo Ijire before Justice Muawiyah Baba Idris of Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) High Court, Nyanya, Abuja. Ogbe, Ejivwo and Saidu were prosecuted on a one-count charge, bordering on fraudulent inducement, contrary to Section 320(b) and punishable under Section 322 of the Penal Code Law of the Federation, 1990. They all pleaded guilty to their separate one charge. Following their plea, the prosecution team led by H.M Muhammad informed the court that both the prosecution and the two defence counsels that consist Adaje Abel and David Agbane have entered into a plea bargain agreement and urged the court to convict and sentence the defendants base on the terms of the agreement. The two defence counsels, however, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. They separate...

       An Enugu State High Court, presided over by Justice K.I. Okpe on July 22, 2019 sentenced a pension fraudster, Akpudili Anayo to six years in prison for a N13million fraud. The Enugu Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had charged Anayo with forgery, impersonation, conspiracy and stealing. He had on April 8, 2019 pleaded “guilty” to the six counts preferred against him when he was arraigned, and he was convicted, accordingly. Anayo’s journey to prison started when the Enugu State government petitioned the EFCC alleging fraudulent transactions traced to him. The State Executive had on May 3, 2017 directed that the May, June and July 2017 pension/salaries of the state pensioners and three other agencies of the state government be paid by cheques after physical verification. However, at the end of the verification exercise, it was revealed that the convict who was an Ad-hoc staff for the verification exercise, in charge o...

           To honour the occasion The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have shared three new photographs of Prince George. The photographs were taken by The Duchess of Cambridge, two of which were taken in the garden at Kensington Palace and another whilst on holiday.He was born on the 22 of July,2013.More photos below.

      Troops of 271 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Detachment, Birnin Gwari on Monday, 22 July 2019, at about 5pm dismounted an ambush set up by armed bandits at Kawan Pole Waya, about 20km from Birnin Gwari along the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road. The gallant troops were able to fight their way through the ambush to the side of Birnin Gwari and called for reinforcement. Unfortunately, 2 NAF personnel paid the supreme price  in the process. The personnel, Flying Officer Abdulrahman Bayero and Aircraftman Saidu Bawa, are scheduled to be buried today in accordance with Islamic rites. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on behalf all officers, airmen, airwomen and civilian staff of the NAF, commiserates with the families of the fallen heroes and prays that the Almighty grants their souls peaceful repose. The CAS, who was at Birnin Gwari on Saturday, 20 July 2019, on an assessment visit, has urged all NAF personnel to remain resolute and continue t...

         President Muhammadu Buhari has commended Aircraftman (ACM) Bashir Umar for reportedly returning lost but found sum of 37,000 Euros to the owner. Describing such honesty by ACM Umar of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Mobile Air Defence Team at the Hajj Camp Market in Kano as “uncommon, patriotic and exemplary,” the President enjoins Nigerians, especially the youth, to emulate such worthy gestur e. According to President Buhari, “Honesty and integrity will always remain admirable virtues, notwithstanding challenges before any country.” He also applauds the leadership of the NAF for its decision to “reward the airman so as to encourage other personnel of the Service to continue to embody attitudes and behaviours that reflect NAF’s core values of Integrity, Excellence and Service Delivery.” Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) July 23, 2019. EARLIER: NIGERIAN AIR FORCE TO REWARD AIRMAN...

     President Muhammadu Buhari received the new Ambassador of Portugal to Nigeria, H.E Luis Filipe Ribeiro DA Silva Barros, the new High Commissioner of Jamaica to Nigeria, H.E Esmond St Clair Reid, the new Ambassador of Indonesia to Nigeria, H.E Dr Usra Hendra Harahap: inspects the military parade during the presentation of Letters of Credence at the State House, Abuja.

    Names of Ministerial Nominees submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Senate. They are: 1)Ikechukwu Ogah(Abia) 2)Mohammed Musa Bello (Adamawa) 3)Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) 4)Chris Ngige (Anambra) 5)Sharon Ikeazor (Anambra) 6)Adamu Adamu (Bauchi) 7)Maryam Katagum (Bauchi) 8)Timi Sylva (Bayelsa) 9)George Akume (Benue) 10)Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno) 11)Goddy Agba (Cross Rivers) 12)Festus Keyamo (Delta) 13)Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi) 14)Osagie Enakhire (Edo) 15)Clement Agba (Edo) 16)Adeniyi Adebayo (Ekiti) 17)Geofrey Onyeama (Enugu) 18)Ali Issa Fantami (Gombe) 19)Emeka Nwajiuba (Imo) 20)Suleiman Adamu (Jigawa) 21)Zainab Ahmed (Kaduna) 22)Mohammed Mahmoud (Kaduna) 23)Sabo Nanunu (Kano) 24)Bashir Salihi Magashi (Kano) 25)Hadi Sirika (Katsina) 26)Abubakar Malami (Kebbi) 27)Ahmadu Tijani (Kogi) 28)Lai Mohammed (Kwara) 29)Gbemisola Saraki (Kwara) 30)Raji Fashola (Lagos) 31)Nimbe Momora (Lagos) 32)Muhammed Abdullah...

       Another violent protest by members of the El-Zazakky group involving over three thousand (3000) of its followers took place today, 22nd July, 2019 at about 12:30pm within the Central Business District of Abuja. The heavily armed protesters defying all sense of decency violently attacked innocent citizens and Police personnel on duty. In the process, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, FCT Command, DCP Usman A.K Umar, was shot and fatally injured by the protesters. The officer who was immediately rushed to the hospital died moments later while receiving treatment. Also, two (2) Assistant Superintendents of Police and a Staff of Channels Television sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The violent protesters also razed down a National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Response Post close to the Federal Secretariat, Abuja and two (2) vehicles. Meanwhile, the Police have arrested fifty-four (54) suspects ...

       One of our very own;Mr Abel Olasunkanmi Ayeni, was on the 20th of July;2019 honoured at 'Owings Mills;Maryland,USA'. The honour was done,by Eruku Progressive Union;North America,in recognition of Olasunkanmi's creativity in composing an anthem in Eruku dialect. This feat,is one of the numerous heights attained by Sunkanmi, as he's fondly called. The young but gallant Officer of NSCD,has risen through the ranks in the security agency.  Gallantry,combatant and cuteness - all  conjugates,when he is seen in the uniform. A brief look into Sunkanmi's biography,would reveal his ancestry and outstanding cum innate abilities.  Of course, he is from our beloved 'Erukucity',in Ekiti Local Government of Kwara State. He hails from Ayeni's Family, in Odolomu area of Eruku. His elementary education commenced from same town,without any form of dent.  An astute achiever:Sunkanmi is one of the generations of elites,who has fought tirelessly,in ...

      Domestic workers and relatives of Goodluck Jonathan are currently under investigation over stolen valuables including jewelries worth over N300m belonging to the former President. One of the suspects and management staff of Mrs. Jonathan’s Aridolf Resort, Hotel and Spa illegally duplicated the keys to the rooms where the valuables were kept. The Nation reported that the suspects broke into the palatial home of Jonathan in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area thereafter, and allegedly stole the valuables including customised walking sticks. “It was not done by outsiders. The suspects have been working for the former first family. They decided to help themselves. One of them is a domestic servant, who is responsible in keeping the key to the room where the treasure was kept. “The other ones share some relationship with former President Jonathan. I know that the police arrested some of them. I don’t know the monetary value of the stolen items . Only Patience Jona...

        Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has commenced an intensive clearing exercise to unclog the Adeniji-Adele Road canal, just as it urges residents to think of making money from their recyclable items, instead of dumping them in canals. The Agency, in a statement issued over the weekend, said the exercise was in furtherance of the Executive Order on zero tolerance for reckless waste disposal, recently signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. According to LAWMA, “We embarked on this campaign in pursuant to the Executive Order signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to pave way for a cleaner and healthier Lagos. Hence, this is a demonstration of the total commitment of the State Government to environmental sustainability”. The Agency further revealed that the clearing exercise would be extended to other clogged drainage channels in the state, to ensure that no part of the metropolis was left behind in LAWMA’s quest to ensure a clean envi...

      A former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu, on Monday, July 22, 2019, opened his defence in an alleged N7.6billion fraud trial involving him and two others before Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. Kalu is standing trial alongside his former Commissioner for Finance, Ude Udeogu, and a company, Slok Nigeria Limited, on an amended 39-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N7.6bn. Kalu, who is also the Senator representing Abia North Senatorial District, allegedly committed the offence between August 2001 and October 2005. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on May 11, 2018 through its counsel, Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, closed its cases after calling 19 witnesses. Rather than open his defence, Kalu filed a no-case submission, which was afterwards dismissed by the trial court on July 31, 2018. Dissatisfied with the decision, Kalu approached the Court of Appeal, to upturn the ruling o...

        President Muhammadu Buhari sends warm felicitations to former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, who turns 90 on July 23, 2019, congratulating him for courage in pursuing a vibrant career in journalism and leaving a lasting legacy in politics and governance. President Buhari joins family, friends, professional and political associates in celebrating the milestone with the former governor a nd Minister of Works, whose sacrifice and large-heartedness saw the implementation of many developmental projects in Lagos like free education and low cost housing, with many beneficiaries. The President extols Alhaji Jakande for his liberal and progressive policies in education and health, which culminated in the establishment of Lagos State University and General Hospitals in Gbagada and Ikorodu, and health centres that catered for the poor and underprivileged, noting that his leadership style was truly people focused and divinely inspired to bri...

         Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot has called for the federal government to place a ban on foreign films. Elliot made this remark during an interview with Nigerian cable television channel, HipTV. The Nollywood star, who also doubles as a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, wants the government to be intentional about the film industry and handle it “like you’re importing rice” by placing a ban on foreign content. “First they need to create an enabling environment for this industry to thrive. Secondly, they need to consciously, intentionally focus on building the industry. Treat it like you’re importing rice. Okay, you know, so you ban all foreign content. You know, make it difficult for foreign content to come in, so your local content can grow.”. My Take:  Dear Honourable Desmond Elliot,if you want the Federal Government to ban Hollywood or other foreign movies,put it in mind that our own Nollywood movies might also be banne...