PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

     🏉 🏆 Today The Duke of Sussex hosted the Rugby League World Cup 2021 draw LIVE from Buckingham Palace. The Duke joined Dame Katherine Grainger and Jason Robinson OBE to draw the groups for the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments which will see 21 nations compete from 23 October - 27 November 2021 in 17 cities across England. Earlier in the day, the Rugby League World Cup 2021 launched a Mental Fitness Charter, supported by The Duke of Sussex. They are the first global spor ting tournament to launch a Mental Fitness Charter. The Duke also met schoolchildren taking part in a game of tag rugby league in the garden of Buckingham Palace, along with  # rlwc2021  ambassadors.More photos below.

      The President of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Francis Faduyile has described Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike as the "Doyen of infrastructural development in the nation." Speaking during a Courtesy Visit at the Government House Port Harcourt on Thursday, the President of NMA, represented by Vice President Ofem Enang said that the governor's outstanding infrastructural development is a model for other states to emulate. He said: "Your Excellency's numerous accomplishments in massive infrastructural development across the state particularly in the health sector is a model for other states and this is evidenced in the numerous awards and accolades the Governor has received. "In addition, your passion for sports which has led to the establishment of the Real Madrid Academy in Rivers State is another landmark project aimed at promoting sports and developing our youths. Little wonder, you have been aptly called Mr Projects. Permit m...

      Lagos State Government on Thursday said that there is need for a change of approach to employment opportunities among job seekers in order to meet the present-day realities and demands in the labour market. The Acting Commissioner, Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Solape Hammond stated this while addressing a group of young graduates at a two-day "Work Conference 2020" organised by the Ministry, in collaboration with 1st CRT Management Services, at Alausa, Ikeja. Mrs. Hammond observed that the realisation of the need to bridge the unemployment gap in the State informed the decision of the present administration to partner a training consultancy firm, 1st CRT Management Services, to further prepare young graduates for employment opportunities by enhancing their skills and harnessing their potentials. "The current model of education, career planning and job searching need a facelift. Considering the dynamism in the global labour market, workers...

      ANAMBRA STATE POLICE COMMAND DIARY: Today 16/1/2020 the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide Anambra State chapter led by it's President, Ichie Damian Afam Okeke-Ogene paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang,fdc at the State Command headquarters, Awka. The organisation also presented a letter of commendation the Commissioner for Police for ensuring a peaceful Christmas and new year celebrations and for bringing crime to the barest minimum in Anambra State since his resumption to office as the 28th Commissioner of Police in the State. Responding, the Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang,fdc thanked organisation for the visit and for recognizing the efforts of the Command under his watch towards providing safety and security in Anambra State. The CP further stated that all the achievements recorded by the Command wouldn't have been possible without the support of "Ndi Anambra"who always volunteer useful and timely informati...

     The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon, has confirmed that some civilians and three aid workers who were abducted in Borno State have been released. The civilians and aid workers, according to Kallon, were abducted on December 22, 2019, along the Monguno-Maiduguri road in Borno State. In a statement by the Head of Public Information, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Eve Sabbagh, Kallon said the affected persons who were released on Wednesday are safe, even as he said the entire humanitarian community was overjoyed over the release. “I am deeply relieved that some civilians, including three aid workers who were abducted by non-state armed groups along the Monguno – Maiduguri road on 22 December 2019, have been released yesterday and are now safe. The whole humanitarian community in Nigeria shares the joy of the families, friends and colleagues of these aid workers who can now put to rest, the un...

      President Muhammadu Buhari has sent the name of Dr Kingsley Isitua Obiora to the Senate for confirmation as Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria. In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President Buhari said the nomination was in accordance with the provision of Section 8(1) (2) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (Establishment) Act 2007. Dr Obiora, upon confirmation by the Senate , replaces Dr Joseph Nnanna, who retires on February 2, 2020. Dr Obiora holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Statistics from the University of Benin, a Masters in Economics from the University of Ibadan, and a Doctorate in Monetary and International Economics, also from the University of Ibadan. He is currently an Alternate Executive Director in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) In Washington DC, United States of America. Femi Adesina Special Adviser to the President (Media and Publicity) January 16, 2020

      The Nigerian Navy Ship Delta, NNS Delta has handed over a motor vessel, MV Salvation and nine crew members allegedly involved in illegal oil bunkering to the EFCC, Benin Zonal Office for further investigation and possible prosecution. The suspects are Tamuno Abereniboye, John Gwuene, Simon President, Nice Bien, Daniel Aghovwieokpo and Prince Ogun. Others are Jabu Kimidengiyefa, Daniel People and  Olawale Bello. Captain AV Kujoh who represented NNS Delta at the handing over in Warri stated that the vessel and crew members were arrested by Nigerian Navy Ship Zaria around Escravos for Illegal trans-shipment of about 50,000 litres of suspected illegally refined Automative Gas Oil, AGO. Receiving the vessel and the suspects on behalf of the Commission, Richard Ogberagha, a Principal Detective Superintendent, said the Commission would carry out further investigations and ensure that those found culpable were brought to book.More photos below.

    Highly impressed with the initiative and brains behind Film in Edo Project, Chairman of Ovia North East Local Government Area, Mr Scott Ogbemudia, has promised to support the initiative with all necessary supports so as to succeed. The Chairman who hosted a team of movie makers in his office some hours ago said the culturally rich Local Government that has one of the most popular town,  Okada, on her map will be willing to help the creative industry in whatever capacity. He said, " We promised to throw more weight behind the movie productions and also, I will like to encourage people of our community to show appreciation to these filmmakers. This will go a long way in stimulating economic growth and development in our domain." The chairman who is the host of Igbinedion University, Okada, which is situated in the headquarters of Ovia North East local Government Area confirmed that any selected movies from the initiative will be given attention and allowed to be ...

       This morning, President Muhammadu Buhari commissioned headquarters building of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Abuja.More details later and more photos below.

     Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has granted the power of attorney for valuation and enumeration of communities affected by the right of way for the transmission of Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project. The Governor made this known yesterday in Abuja while meeting with a Consortium of Lawyers led by Balarabe Ibrahim. He told the Consortium that whatever is needed to facilitate the transmission project for compensation of communities affected by acquisition of of land should be done speedily to enable Benue State to also play its part for the success of the project. The Governor said constant electricity is critical to the socio economic growth of any society and could guarantee wealth creation, boost agriculture and provide employment opportunities. Mr. Ibrahim had earlier informed the Governor that they came to seek his approval to represent persons in Benue who would be affected by the acquisition of land on which the transmission line shall run from ...

      Catholic Priest, Reverend Father Ejike Mbaka, who trended on Twitter after his prophecy about who will be made the governor of Imo state came to pass, has said that he has more prophecies that will come to pass before the end of this year. The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, prophesied earlier this year, saying: "I don’t know the manner the revelation will manifest but no prophecy has ever been declared on this prayer ground without coming to pass. "In spite of all that would happen this 2020, there is hope. In Imo State, there is hope. Hope, hope, hope! Hope in Imo State. Imo people have suffered but God is raising a new hope that would be an agent of salvation for them." After Hope Uzodinma was declared the governor of Imo state, Mbaka revealed there are 39 more prophecies of his that will come to pass in 2020. He said this in a statement while reacting to the removal of the Imo State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha, ...

      STATEMENT FROM HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. EMEKA IHEDIOHA, CON, ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING ON IMO STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION OF THE MARCH 9, 2019. JANUARY 15, 2020 My dear good people of Imo State, I address you today, following recent developments affecting our dear state, and in particular the Supreme Court judgement of 14thJanuary 2020.In my relationship with you as Governor of Imo , I had employed regular consultations and dialogue as a tool of political discourse. This informs this course of action. 2. I am reporting back to you our great Imo people on the fate of the mandate you freely gave to me as Governor and Engr. Gerald Irona as Deputy Governor. This mandate has now been truncated and cut short by the Supreme Court, in contravention of the will of the people. 3. We shall always cherish the tremendous goodwill and support you gave us as we grappled with setting up a new administration to rebuild a state that was devastated by bad governance. 4. In...

      It was like a Nollywood movie and a rude shock to many as a native doctor identified as Ekwe-baba allegedly impregnates a Pastor’s wife after several years of barrenness. This was disclosed by a man identified as Agholor Abraham who shared the story on his social media platform. As at the time of reportage, the area where the incident occured is not yet ascertained. According to Agholor reports, the Pastor’s wife bareness forced her to approach a native doctor for solution to their childlessness after she heard about the efficacy of his potions and the prowess he has in tackling such cases. It was further learnt that the pastor’s wife hoodwinked into a love affairs with the native doctor who impregnated her. Agholor Abraham wrote: “It is perilous times indeed as it seems the gods have gone mad yet again. A Pastor’s wife got pregnant 2 months ago and guess who was responsible for the pregnancy this time around? “A native doctor who is a chief priest i...

      Nigeria-based foreigners who're contributing to the nation's economy in terms of visible investments and employment generation will be honoured and celebrated during the Ethnic Business Awards (www.theethnicbusinessawards.com) on Valentine's day, February 14th, 2020 at the prestigious Oriental hotel Lagos. These diaspora foreigners who have chosen Nigeria as home despite the stormy waters, according to the organizers of the epoch making event deserve more than celebration and will be honoured in different categories such as Ethnic Man of The Year, Woman of The Year, Entrepreneur of The Year, CSR Brand, Beauty Brand, Financial Institution to mention but a few. On the Ethnic Man of The Year category are revered international business tycoon such Alli Mousalli of Cool FM, Allon Nelken, (Mega Plaza), Benoy Berry (Contec Group), Robert Tung (Wempco), Mann Lababidi of Crown Flour Mills to mention but a few while the nominees for Ethnic Woman of The Year are Diana Cha...

       Lagos State First Lady and Chairman of Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday said adequate plans have been firmed up by the Committee to commence an environmental scheme to play up hygiene in markets across the state to ensure cleanliness and protect the health of residents. Sanwo-Olu, who said this at a one-day seminar jointly organized by COWLSO and Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs on sanitation and security for market leaders in the State held at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, disclosed that the pilot scheme of the programme would run for six months to complement the weekly sanitation exercise in markets in the state. She recalled how COWLSO in the past had taken the issue of sanitation seriously with visits to several markets to ensure that traders carry out their activities in hygienic, serene and comfortable environment, adding that it was important to reintroduce the programme i...