PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

Utah becomes 1st US state to require parental consent for minors to use social media 24 March 2023  Utah has become the first state in the US to require social media companies to obtain parental consent before allowing minors to access their platforms. Signed by Governor Spencer Cox into law on Thursday, the measures aim to protect children from potential dangers online. One law requires social media companies to verify that users in the state are 18 or older to open an account, while the second prohibits companies from using a design or feature that causes addiction for a minor to the company’s social media platform. “We’re no longer willing to let social media companies continue to harm the mental health of our youth,” said the governor. Companies could be subject to a fine of $250,000 for exposing children to addictive features and designs and also be fined $2,500 per child. Parents are also allowed to sue social media companies directly for financial, physical or emotional harm...

Bauchi auto crash claims 25 lives, injures 10 others 24 March 2023  Tragedy struck on Thursday in Udobo village in Gamawa Local Government Area of Bauchi State when 25 people lost their lives in a lone auto crash. Sector Commander of the FRSC in Bauchi State, Mr Yusuf Abdullahi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Bauchi on Friday that 10 other persons sustained injuries in the crash. He said the accident involved one Toyota Hummer bus in which the over-speeding driver lost control after a tyre burst. “Thirty-five persons were involved in the road crash. “Twenty-five of them – nine adult male, 11 adult female, two male children and three female children – lost their lives on the spot. “Ten others sustained serious injuries and they are all male adults,’’ he said. He added that the injured were taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare in Katagum Local Government Area of the state, while corpses of the deceased were taken to Hadeja in Jigawa for burial. Abdullahi charged motor...

US and Canada reach deal to reject asylum seekers 24 March 2023    The US and Canada have reached a deal to reject asylum seekers at unofficial border crossings, officials say. US President Joe Biden and Canadian PM Justin Trudeau will announce the pact on Friday during Mr Biden's visit to Ottawa. The accord is expected to allow officials on both sides of the border to turn back such asylum seekers heading in either direction. The US side has also seen a rise in migrant crossings there from Canada. The move is part of efforts to limit an influx of migrants at Roxham Road, an unofficial crossing between New York state and the province of Quebec. As a part of the deal, Canada will create a new refugee programme for 15,000 migrants fleeing persecution and violence in South and Central America, unnamed US officials told CBS News, the BBC's US partner. Mr Biden is in Ottawa, Canada, for 24 hours to talk about a series of economic, trade and immigration issues with Mr Trudeau. The m...

World TB Day: Nigeria ranks sixth among high TB-burdened countries 24 March 2023  • TB kills 4,400, infects 30,000 people daily, says WHO The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that plans to end the deadly tuberculosis by 2030 are being threated, insisting the disease remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious killers. Nigeria is among the 14 high burden countries for TB, TB/HIV and Multi Drug Resistant TB and the country is ranked sixth among the 30 high TB burden countries globally and 1st in Africa. WHO made this remark on the occasion of World TB Day (WTD), today. WTD is observed yearly on March 24 to raise awareness about TB and efforts to end the global epidemic, marking the day in 1882 when the bacterium causing TB was discovered. But, WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said: “TB is preventable, treatable and curable, and yet this ancient scourge that has afflicted humanity for millennia continues to cause suffering and death for millions ever...

Central Bank of Nigeria evacuates banknotes to Deposit Money Banks.  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has confirmed the evacuation of banknotes from its vaults to commercial banks across the country as part of a coordinated effort to ease the circulation of banknotes of various denominations. The CBN has also directed all commercial banks to open for operation on Saturdays and Sundays. The Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department of the CBN, Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, disclosed this in Abuja, on Friday, March 24, 2023, stating that a substantial amount of money, in various denominations, had been received by the commercial banks for onward circulation to their respective customers. According to him, the CBN had directed all banks to load their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) as well as conduct physical operations in the banking halls through the weekends. "Branches of commercial banks will operate on Saturdays and Sundays to attend to customers' cash needs," he not...

Governor Abiodun has not dissolved cabinet, says OGSG The Ogun State Government has refuted the report being circulated on some social media platforms, claiming that the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, has dissolved the State Executive Council. An online news medium, The Encounter, had reported that the governor had dissolved his cabinet. But in a statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Kunle Somorin, described the report as not only untrue, but misleading. According to him, Governor Abiodun, having won his reelection, has continued to perform his functions as governor by working with members of his cabinet. Somorin, who affirmed that the state exco is still intact as the governor has not directly or indirectly announced any dissolution, urged the people to disregard the report, which according to him is the figment of the imagination of the writer of the story.  

Police Parades Suspected Political Thugs, Armed Robbers, Others In Lafia  *** The Nasarawa State Police Command, Friday, paraded two suspects over attempt to commit culpable homicide in Toto local government area of the state. According to the police, the suspects were armed with dangerous weapons and were sighted trying to kill one Ali Misalam of Toto LGA.  The command's Spokesperson, DSP Ramhan Nansel, made this known while parading the suspects in Lafia, the state capital.  Nansel said that upon arrest, the police recovered one locally made gun, one pistol, and two live cartridges from the suspects. The police spokesman disclosed that the suspects admitted to conspiring to kill the victim because he initiated their mother into witchcraft.  Similarly, the police command also paraded 19 others for political thuggery and armed robbery offenses. The police recovered firearms from some of the suspects, including two English pump action guns, nine locally fabricated gun...

Senator Ekweremadu, Wife And Their Doctor To Be Sentenced On May 5 Senator Ike Ekweremadu, his wife, Beatrice, and their doctor, Obinna Obeta will be sentenced on May 5 after they were convicted of organ trafficking, in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act in the United Kingdom. The former deputy senate president, his wife, Beatrice, 56, and Dr. Obinna Obeta, 51, were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.  

EFCC Re-arraigns Ex- PDP Chairman’s Son, One Other for Alleged N2.2bn Oil Subsidy Fraud The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, March 24, 2023, arraigned one Mamman Nasir Ali, son of Ahmadu Ali, a former Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and one Christian Taylor before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos for an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud. They were arraigned alongside Nasaman Oil Services Limited on an amended 49-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence ,contrary to Section 8 and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; obtaining money by false pretences, contrary to Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006; forgery, contrary to Section 363 (3)(j) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011; and use of false documents contrary to Section 364 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011. T...

 BENUE STATE ASSEMBLY MEMBER ELECT ATTACKED, HIS VEHICLE BURNT 24th March, 2023     |      6:16 PM The Benue House of Assembly member elect for Gboko-West state constituency, Mr Aondona Dajoh, has been attacked and his vehicle burnt to ashes. He is however safe as he was said to have escaped lynching by the attackers. Our correspondent gathered that the member elect was attacked by unknown person at Gyado Junction in Gboko Local Government Area of the state on Thursday evening. According to sources, the attackers came in their numbers and descended on him but he abandoned his car and ran for his dear life. The source said Dajoh was on his way home when the incident happened. When contacted, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, in a text message on social media said, “Attack on Hon. Aondona Dajoh is confirmed. Though he scaped unhurt, his vehicle was burnt down. “Investig...

Convicted Nigerian Fugitive Extradited To U.S. Over Offer, Payment of Illegal Remuneration A Convicted Nigerian fugitive, Florence Enwerim Onyegbu, was on Thursday, March 23, 2023, extradited to the United States of America, USA, where she is wanted to answer to criminal charges bordering on violation of the U.S. Law involving the offer and payment of illegal remuneration in a health care matter. Her extradition was coordinated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, following a request by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI,  seeking assistance for her apprehension.  Investigations by the EFCC revealed that she had changed her name from Florence E. Onyegbu to Janet Boi in an attempt to remain hidden. She, however, ran out of luck when operatives of the EFCC swooped on her at her residence in the Ojodu area of Lagos on February 21, 2022. Upon her arrest, a national identity card with the name Janet Boi as well as a Texas driver’s license with the name Fl...

 Appeal Court Grants Obi’s Request To Serve Petition On Tinubu The Court of Appeal has granted permission to Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to serve his petition challenging the February 25 presidential election on Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Obi is challenging the victory of Tinubu who was declared the President-Elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The LP flag bearer’s counsel, Ikechukwu Ezechukwu (SAN), in an exparte application, asked the appellate court to grant Obi and the Labour Party leave to serve the petition on Tinubu and the Vice President-Elect, Kashim Shettima, through substituted means. The lawyer urged the court to permit Obi to serve the court documents on Tinubu and Shettima through the office of the legal adviser of the APC. Ruling on the application, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, led by Haruna Tsammani, granted Obi’s request  

Court Of Appeal Declares Ademola Adeleke As Winner Of Osun Guber Election March 24, 2023 The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has declared Senator Ademola Adeleke as the winner of Osun State July 16 election. Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP was returned elected by the Independent National Electoral Commission, but the APC candidate at the poll, Adegboyega Oyetola, had challenged the victory before Justice Tertsea Kume-led Tribunal panel, which in a majority judgement delivered on January 27, annulled Adeleke’s victory and declared Oyetola the winner of the poll. However, a minority judgement by Justice B. Ogbuli dismissed Oyetola’s petition and declared Adeleke the duly elected governor, having scored majority of lawful votes. But after hearing appeal by the INEC, Adeleke and PDP against the tribunal judgement, the Appeal Court in a unanimous judgment, set aside the ruling of the lower Court and declared Adeleke the Governor of Osun State. The appellate court in a ruling on Friday.

EXEMPLARY GESTURE BY POLICE OFFICER  Today we acknowledge and commend one of our own, Inspector Tobi Kulani Kanadi attached to Police Mobile Force 44, Force Headquarters, Abuja, for being a worthy ambassador and for his thoughtfulness in sacrificing a cash sum of 2,000 Naira (the maximum daily allocated) for a Health Worker he met on a long ATM queue at National Hospital Abuja, who needed to make a withdrawal before proceeding to attend to some medical emergencies and whose plea to others on the queue had been rebuffed. Looking out for the people we serve remains part of our policing values, and it's heartwarming to see this exemplified by Inspector Tobi. We are continually committed to upholding the lofty tenets of compassionate and professional policing in our encounters with members of the public. Inspector Tobi, we commend your exemplary gesture as a good ambassador of the Nigeria Police Force.  Muyiwa Adejobi  Forcd PRO Force Headquarters Abuja  24th March, 2023...

  The couple is already parents to daughters August, 5, and Maxima "Max," 7. The dad of three shared sweet photos of the couple with the newborn, soaking up the first few moments with their baby girl. "Welcome to the world, Aurelia Chan Zuckerberg! You're such a little blessing," he captioned the post. Mark Elliot Zuckerberg (born May 14, 1984) is an American business magnate, internet entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He is known for co-founding the social media website Facebook and its parent company Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.), of which he is the executive chairman, chief executive officer, and controlling shareholder. 38 years old  Congratulations 🎊  and more photos below. 

Desilting of Drainages  begins in  Awka By Chinelo Ajulufo The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Mr Ossy Onuko has appealed to traders and residents within the Eke Awka Market  and  environs to desist from incessant dumping of refuse inside the drains. Mr Onuko made the appeal on Thursday during the de_ silting of some Drainages around the  Ziks Avenue Awka. According to the ACTDA boss some of the challenges facing the environment are self made and will  take the joint efforts of stakeholders  and community leaders to curb the challenges. In his words," some people will pile up waste and wait for rain to fall so that they pour it into the drains. This is so wrong because that is what causes flood in many areas" Also speaking, the Deputy governor of Anambra State, Mr Onyekachukwu Ibezim said that the de_ silting exercise is to avoid flood which may damage existing roads, and also in ful...

 ACTDA Begins Demolition of Illegal structures Obstructing road construction By Chinelo Ajulufo The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA)Mr Ossy Onuko has reiterated his resolve and commitment towards transforming Awka Capital Territory to a Mega City. The ACTDA boss gave the assurance at the  Unizik temporary Site road Awka, during the demolition of illegal structures standing in the way of achieving a standard road befitting a State Capital. Mr Onuko said this has become necessary because the buildings are delaying the pace of  developing the road. In his speech, the Chief of Staff to the State Government,Mr Ernest Ezeajughi appreciated the efforts of ACTDA in ensuring the smooth Construction of the  dual carriage road and  also noted that the construction of the dual carriage road will open up the city, adding that at the completion of the road project, residents within Awka Capital Territory and...

Transport commissioner assures VIOs of conducive working condition By Emeka Ilozor The Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Barr. Patricia Igwebuike has reiterated the state government's resolve to ensure good working condition for the state Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs). Barr. Igwebuike made this known during an interactive meeting with management staff of the Vehicle Inspection Service of the state in her office. She said, ``Once in your uniform, try to carry yourself with respect and dignity; try your best to be in the right frame of mind at every point and time". The commissioner also enjoined them to try and read up what their colleagues in other states are doing so as to improve in their service delivery. Speaking at the meeting, the Head of the Department, Engr. MacDonald Achuam hinted that there are many challenges bedeviling the department and solicited government's urgent intervention. In a vote of thanks, the Co-ordinator, Awka zone, Engr. Njideka Nkwo...

 Tinubu Speaks On Alleged Meeting With CJN Ariwoola In London  President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has denied holding any secret meeting with the Chief Justice of Nigeria CJN, Olukayode Ariwoola in London in order to curry the favour of the judiciary as his opponents battle to nullify his mandate. In a statement signed by the Director, Media and Publicity of the All Progressives Congress APC Presidential Campaign Council PCC, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reiterated the fact that he is currently in France and could not have also been in London holding the said meeting. Part of the statement reads; “Our attention has been drawn to the grossly fake, misleading and malicious story about the Chief Justice of Nigeria Olukayode Ariwoola disguising to meet President-elect Bola Tinubu in London. “The story was a pure concoction from the hallucinating minds of hatchet men bent on creating doubts and public distrust about the legitimacy of our recent election, which was won by Asiwaju Bola A...

Rihanna's house became the center of some serious police action after one man showed up wanting to ask for her hand in marriage. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the man, who traveled from South Carolina, walked up to Rihanna's home Thursday where he was almost immediately greeted by her security. Sources say the man claimed he was there to propose to the singer, and Rihanna's team called the cops right away. When officers arrived, they put the man in handcuffs, got him in a car and had a talk with him about his intentions. The man -- dressed in a red Nike hoodie -- had not broken any laws, though he was asked to leave and told not to return. One more photo below.