PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

Bishop Nwokolo Lays Foundation Stone for N10b Buildings as University On The Niger Kicks Off January 27 By Uzo Ugwunze The Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt Rev. Dr. Owen Nwokolo has laid foundation stone for seven gigantic buildings worth over N10 billion dedicated to the University on the Niger Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Iyienu Ogidi campus, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State. Laying the foundation stone of the buildings, the prelate said that University on the Niger(UON) is a new University with a different concept that would remain a center of excellence, preaching, teaching and healing. "We know there are many private and other universities existing but University on the Niger is on board to bring a new dimension to teaching and learning that willl bring total transformation in quality of character, spirituality and professionalism in any given area of one's choice. "UON is a university that is open to bring restoration to what man has lost in time past...

Family blames husband for pregnant wife’s death The family of a three-month-old pregnant mother of six, Deborah Fawolere, who died at the Gbagada General Hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, has accused the husband of having a hand in the death of his wife. The sister of the late wife, Toluwalase Adedoyin, that the husband, Idowu Fawolere, did not at any point in their relationship resist the urge to physically assault the wife, even while she was carrying his seventh child. Although the husband denied the allegation during an interview with PUNCH Metro that he had never physically assaulted his wife, Adedoyin claimed that her late sister had left Fawolere’s house on account of assault and violence at different times in the past. Adedoyin said, “My younger sister died this morning. The husband had been beating her before she died today. He used to beat her up. We believe the physical assault caused damage to her health, considering her condition. She had given birth to six children ...

Adeyanju Kicks Against Arrest Of Female Soldier Who ‘Exposed’  Human rights activist and convener of Concerned Nigerians, Comrade Deji Adeyanju, has condemned the recent arrest and subsequent transfer of the female soldier who bravely spoke out about sexual harassment within the Nigerian Army. The soldier, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared her harrowing experiences in a viral video, shedding light on th actions of some senior army officers. Adeyanju in a statement said, it was disheartening to learn that instead of the Army Authorities to address the serious allegations made by the soldier, she had been subjected to “further oppression and victimization”. “Her claims of threats to her life, arbitrary punishments, eviction from her accommodation, and false institutionalization in a psychiatric hospital without proper medical assessment are deeply disturbing.” “Additionally, the freezing of her bank account and the denial of her salary without justification are clear violati...

Grant: Kebbi Govt Disburses N3B To 15,000 Beneficiaries       The Kebbi State Government, has commenced the disbursement of N3 billion livelihood support grant to 15,000 beneficiaries across the state under the programme Kebbi Cares. Speaking on occasion, Governor Nasir Idris, assured the administration's readiness to provide support to the scheme.  Governor Idris, advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money by investing in gainful ventures that would generate income and enable them become not only self-reliant but also employers of labour. The Governor assured that, independent verification agents from the World Bank and staff of the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning would monitor the utilisation of the money to ensure its not diverted for other use. He warned officials entrusted with the disbursement to be fair as the government would not condone diversion of the funds to other means other than its purpose meant for.  In a r...

NSCDC Arrests father for attempting to sell 8 year old son for N20m The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp, NSCDC has arrested two suspects for allegedly attempting to sell an eight year old child in Abuja. Parading the suspects, the FCT Commandant of the NSCDC, Olusola Odumosu explained that in an effort to reduce crime to the barest minimum in the FCT, the NSCDC, FCT command through its proactive engagement had arrested a father who conspired with another to trade his eight year old son for the sum of N20M. According to the Commandant, following a tip-off by the intelligence unit of the Corp, the suspect one Mr. Chiana Telpesa and his accomplice, Pius Aondoakaa both of Logo local government area of Benue state were arrested in a garden in Abuja while trying to collect the sum of N20M for the sale of the 8 year old boy, Ushafa Chiana. "In view of this, the acclaimed father of the boy, Mr. Chiana Telpesa was lured on the 10th January, 2024 by the FCT Intelligence Personnel wh...

Oko-Olowo Expressway: 3 Dies, Others Injured In Kwara Accident  Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has visited the accident scene at Oko-Olowo ExpressWay in Ilorin West local government area of the state, where two heavy trucks collided and caught fire. Three persons have been confirmed dead while some others were injured in the resulting inferno.  Governor Abdulrasaq commiserated with the victims and their families, as he urged motorists to always drive safely and with respect for other road users.  He appreciated the Federal government for its investment on the Oko-Olowo Express Way and other federal road projects in the state, adding that the state government will continue to engage the federal government to construct a flyover on the road to reduce accidents at the busy Malete junction of the expressway. The Governor had earlier paid a condolence visit to Maigida House in Edun community, Ilorin South local government area, where a building had been gu...

 FG inaugurates task team for construction of 50,000 houses Federal Government has inaugurated the Multi-Agency Project Delivery Task Team to develop a roadmap for the construction of over 50,000 houses annually across the country. At the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Ahmed Dangiwa, said the team comprised highly qualified and experienced professionals in the housing sector. The Minister also inaugurated three other task reform teams, they are Housing Institution Reform Task Team, the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team, and the Land Reforms Task Team. According to Mr. Dangiwa, the Land Reforms Task Team was to develop a sustainable blueprint for implementation. He maintained that the Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs Task Team would effectively reduce the dependence on imports and lower the cost of construction materials in the country. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiy...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO NIGERIA  President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership of Nigeria and commitment to probity, propriety, and service. Speaking at the launch of two books on the former President; Working with Buhari: Reflections of a former Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, by Femi Adesina, and Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy, by Dr. Udu Yakubu, President Tinubu said Buhari demonstrated integrity and transparency in leadership. The President said the former President has kept his word not to interfere in government matters after leaving office. “When you left office, you left a lot of pens and files for me for continuity. I inherited the liabilities and assets of my predecessor. “You told me it will be difficult to please everyone as a leader. You advised that I should work hard and satisfy m...

VIRAL VIDEO: LASCOPA ALERTS RESIDENTS ON ‘POISONOUS’ PLANTAIN CHIPS Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) has cautioned consumers of fried plantains popularly known as “Plantain Chips” to be aware of any unwholesome practices in the processing and frying of the plantain for sale. A statement issued by the Agency today stated that the advice was necessary given the viral online picture posted by an eye witness showing a "plantain chips" seller allegedly adding Polythene known as "Rubber" into the hot vegetable oil used for frying the plantain. LASCOPA expresses deep concern about the health implications this may have on consumers. In light of this alarming discovery, the Agency, therefore, advised all consumers to exercise caution and be vigilant about where they purchase their plantain chips in order not to ignorantly expose themselves to any harmful substances or preventable food poisoning.  According to the release, the Agency is presently investigating...

 LAWMA FABRICATES WASTE BINS FOR EKITI STATE … Extends Partnership Offer to Other States at Affordable Rates The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has begun fabricating waste bins for Ekiti State in a partnership aimed at tackling a myriad of waste management and environmental challenges.  Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who disclosed this in his office on Tuesday, noted that LAWMA remained committed to ensuring proper waste management practices, within and outside the State, adding that Lagos State was willing to support and partner with other States in all areas of waste management. He said, "I am happy to announce the partnership between LAWMA and Ekiti State Government, which will see us fabricate their waste bins at a reasonable cost. By fabricating waste bins in-house, we gain greater control over quality, production speed, and ultimately, cost-effectiveness”. “This allows us to not only ensure a steady supply of bins for Lagos, but also hel...

Charismatic football manager, Jose Mourinho has been sacked by Roma with the club ninth in Serie A.   The Giallorossi have won just one of their last six Serie A games and were recently knocked out of the Coppa Italia by city rivals Lazio. Mourinho joined Roma in 2021 and spent two-and-a-half years in the role, leading them to the Europa Conference League title in 2022. He also guided them to the Europa League final last season, where they were defeated by Sevilla on penalties.     A club statement read: "We would like to thank Jose on behalf of all of us at AS Roma for his passion and efforts since his arrival at the club.     "We will always have great memories of his tenure at Roma, but we believe that an immediate change is in the best interests of the club.     "We wish Jose and his assistants all the best in their future endeavours."  

I’m very religious but don’t go to church – Iyabo Ojo Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo has stated that unknown to many, she is “very religious”. She, however, said that she is not a churchgoer. Ojo recalled that she was the first person that gave her life to Christ in her family. The thespian stated this in the latest episode of Celebrities Quickies when she was asked to reveal something people don’t know about her. She said, “I am a very religious person. I don’t know if people know that about me though. But I don’t go to church. Is that not weird? “Growing up, I think I am the first person that gave her life to Christ in my home. And I joined the choir. I was in the choir for about four years. And I read the bible from Genesis to Revelations back-and-forth trying to know God before backsliding.” She also revealed that her dream city to visit is Paris, in France.  

Nigerian Soldier ‘Battling Depression’ Sh00ts Self To Dëäth Over ‘Low Morale’ Inside Ogun Barracks An army officer in the 353 Artillery regiment, Ojo cantonment, Lagos identified as Boyi ThankGod has k!lled himself. The soldier, attached to Headquarters 35 Artillery Brigade Abeokuta, Ogun State, was said to have suddenly cocked his rifle and shot himself in the head. The incident happened on Monday, a colleague of the deceased told SaharaReporters. He was said to have complained about his unpaid allowances and showed signs of depression before he eventually took his life. “The Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration of yesterday (Monday) turned out to be a very unpleasant and sorrowful day for the 35 Artillery brigade, as a young soldier identified as Boyi Thankgod, an officer in the 353 Artillery regiment Ojo cantonment, Lagos killed himself. “The soldier who was attached to Headquarters 35 Artillery brigade Abeokuta, Ogun State, and was detailed for barracks standby duty at the brig...

NCS GENERATES OVER 206 MILLION NAIRA LAST YEAR. The Niger Kogi Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has generated over two hundred and six million naira from sixty five seizures last year. Similarly the Command has generated over seventy seven million naira from demand on notices during the same period under review. Customs Comptroller incharge of Niger Kogi Area Command Mr Busayo Kadejo stated this while addressing Newsmen in Minna the Niger state capital. Mr Busayo Kadejo however explained that this feat was achieved through massive deployment of intelligence and the application of their rules of engagements. According to him the Command made seizures ranging from 35 (25 litres) of petroleum motor spirit PMS from some undisclosed number of smugglers and some eight exotic cars with duty paod value of over one hundred and ninety five million naira. Mr Busayo Kadejo also said the command has changed eight suspects to court for alleged smuggling. The suspects were said to ...

Minister Inaugurates NIPR Governing Board, Vows Collaboration to Drive Renewed Hope Agenda  The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has expressed his unwavering determination to collaborate closely with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in crafting communication strategies that will drive the transformative vision encapsulated in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. Idris made the remarks in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the Governing Council of the NIPR. “As a professional and a Fellow of the Institute, I fully understand the importance of reputation and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is determined to partner with the NIPR to design communication strategies that will drive the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Administration.   “I must say that I am impressed with the initiatives and programmes of the current Council led by Dr. Ike Neliaku, as contained in a document presente...

Bandits kidnap two Katsina varsity students Gunmen suspected to be bandits have kidnapped two female students of Al-Qalam University, Katsina State.     The victims, Habiba Ango Shantali and Maryam Abubakar Musa were abducted on their way back to school on Monday, January 15, 2024.      The president of the National Association Of Niger State Students (NANISS), Comrade Gambo Idris Shehu, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Secretary-General, Comr. Mohammmed Ibrahim.    “The National Executives Council just received a sad news that two of our students from Niger State who are studying at Al-Qalam University Katsina have been kidnapped on their way back to school,” the statement read.    "The victims, both from Borgu Local Government, are: Habiba Ango Shantali, a 200-level student from Political Science department and Maryam Abubakar Musa, a 400 level student from the department of Micro Biology.   “May Allah rescue them fr...

 Nigerian Man Who Began 200-Hour Ironing Marathon In Kogi Stops After 142 Hours Over Health Condition ANigerian man identified as Dauda Abdulfata on Tuesday stopped his 200-hour ironing marathon after he reached 142 hours.   Dauda began his goal to break the Guinness World Record for the longest ironing marathon and started the marathon last Wednesday morning at Ganaja Village, Lokoja, Kogi State.  This was seen in a video, where Dauda was heard saying he took the decision because continuing the marathon would jeopardise his health.  He said, “I appreciate your efforts, your encouragement and your support to see this dream come true. I’m a Kogite, a Nigeria who has broken the 2015 record of 100 hours ironing marathon and already on the set to set mine to 200 and above as promised, but due to report from my health and my medical personnel.  “I deem it fit to let you know, But I know you. You don’t want to hear this. You want to see me go through the 200 hour...

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the remand of one Monday Odeh in the Nigerian Correctional Service Facility, over the alleged m¥rder of a 54-year-old man, Abdulahi Yinusa. Justice Adenike Coker made the remand order on Monday, January 15, 2024, of Odeh after he was arraigned on a count of m¥rder preferred against him by the state government. During the arraignment, the state prosecuting counsel, Ms Titi Adeegbe, told the court that the defendant unlawfully murdered Yinusa on April 4, 2019, in the Magodo area of the state. Odeh and Yinusa worked as security guards at Magodo before the murder.  The employer of the duo, Bola Ikupoluyi, who reported the matter to the police station, said the deceased and the suspect had an argument.  Yinusa had accused Odey of stealing the clothing items of the boss.  During the argument, Odey hit Yinusa with a shovel on his head and face. head on the floor, which caused his death.  The suspect picked offence and ...

A jackpot winner has revealed how her relationship with her family collapsed after winning Euromillions lottery.   Gillian Bayford won £148million from a lucky ticket in 2012, but things quickly fell apart with her family members.   The Scot lived, Suffolk, UK, with her then-husband Adrian Bayford when she won the life-changing amount and despite giving "£20million" to family members over the next few years a rift appeared in the family. Her parents stopped talking to her after she gained attention in the press, she told The Sun in 2016. More photos below. 

Wild footage taken from a police officer's bodycam has captured the moment a naked man was shot by officers after he flung poo and attempted to attack them with a machete.   Russom Gebretsadik, 37, was seen naked around West Pratt Street in southwest Baltimore, US before he was confronted by police at around 9.14am on December 30.    Reports say he flung poo at cops after they pursued him as he entered a corner shop wearing only a pair of socks. More photos below. 

Argentine football legend, Diego Maradona’s son, Diego Armando Maradona Junior, says he’s convinced his father did not die a natural death.   Diego Maradona passed away in November 2020 as a result of heart failure and pulmonary edema according to medical reports provided to his family. Before his death, Maradona was recuperating from brain surgery at his home in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But his son Maradona Junior says he knows the person responsible for the death of his father and will continue to fight for justice until the last day of his life.     “There is an open investigation. We – his children – have a lot of faith in Argentine justice. I’m convinced that this should not have ended like this,” he told Mediaset.     “They killed my father. It is not my job to say who did it, I have my own idea but I can’t say it. They left him to his fate when something could have been done. I made a promise: until the last day of my life, I’ll fight for justice.”

A Nigerian transwoman dragged a man to a Lagos magistrate court for allegedly ass@ulting and robbing her. The victim, whose identity remains confidential for safety reasons, said she was lured to the perpetrator’s home last year, where she allegedly experienced violent assault and theft due to her gender identity.  Assisted by Minority Watch Nigeria, a human rights-focused non-profit organization, the trans woman pursued justice by filing a two-count charge of assault and theft against the perpetrator. The organization recently shared details of the case on Instagram, revealing that an out-of-court settlement was reached on Jan. 9, 2024, leading to the withdrawal of charges after both parties reached an agreement. Upon this resolution, the Honourable Magistrate Mrs. M.O Alao issued a stern warning to the perpetrator: “If it is something that is in your nature to do, desist. Assault is not the way. If something is not for you, step away. But it is not for you to corner somebody and ...

Shell agrees to sell SPDC, announces plan to exit Nigeria A leading international oil company, Shell, has agreed to sell its Nigerian onshore subsidiary, Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited, SPDC, to Renaissance, a consortium of five companies based in Nigeria, and an international energy group, for up to $2.4 billion. The company disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday. The development will bring an end to the British oil giant’s core operation in Nigeria years after its formation in 1979. However, the company stated that completion of the transaction is subject to approvals by the Federal Government of Nigeria, who has a 55 per cent stake, and other conditions. Explaining the implication of the development, Shell noted that the transaction had been designed to preserve the full range of SPDC’s operating capabilities following the change of ownership. These include the technical expertise, management systems and processes that SPDC implements on behalf of all the c...