PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 PRESS RELEASE ECONOMIC SABOTAGE: POLICE INTENSIFIES STRATEGIES TO CURB OIL THEFT, ARREST 40 SUSPECTS, 2 VESSELS RECOVERED To Arraign Suspects for Prosecution The Nigeria Police Force, as part of its intensified efforts to curb the illegal oil theft and economic sabotage in the country and in conjunction with the military and other relevant security agencies, has been in active liaison on intelligence sharing and collaboration with Private Security Contractors (PSCs) engaged by the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) particularly Tantita Security Services. The efforts led to the arrest of forty (40) suspected individuals and recovery of two (2) Vessels in two different interceptions at the Ogbogoro Oil Field, Brass Area, and Ekeni Area of Southern-Ijaw in Bayelsa State, for conspiracy, tampering with oil pipeline, illegal transportation of crude oil, dealing in crude and storing same without lawful authority or appropriate license amongst others. The suspects were ap...

 Alleged N1.4bn Fraud:  EFCC Re-arraigns Professor, Firms for Defrauding Farmers   The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has re-arraigned  Prof. Uche Chigozie Edwin before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos for allegedly defrauding maize farmers to the tune of N1,473,367,046.04 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-seven Thousand, Forty-six Naira, Four Kobo) only.   Edwin was on Thursday, February 15, 2024 re-arraigned alongside his companies, Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, NEMAD Associates Limited and Revamp Global Enterprise, on 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy, retention and conversion of funds to the tune of N1,473,367,046.04 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-seven Thousand, Forty-six Naira, Four Kobo).   He was first arraigned on March 16, 2023, before Justice Nicholas Owei...

Update on Adachukwu Adachukwu Okafor in Police Net, Set To Be Arraigned In Court In Awka.  By Chidinma Ikeanyionwu One Adachukwu Okafor, the alleged abuser of her 11-year-old housekeeper, has surrendered herself to the Anambra Police Command in Awka.   Recall that the suspect, who is currently in police net, used knives and other sharp objects to inflict injuries on her 11-year-old housekeeper.  This took place after she was declared wanted and a bounty of two million naira placed on her.  Speaking on the development, the Women and Social Welfare Commissioner, Hon Ify Obinabo stated that the suspect Adachukwu will be arraigned before the Children, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Magistrate court in Awka next week.  Meanwhile, the 11-year-old Happiness Nwafor is set to be discharged from the hospital.  The Women Affairs boss visited the survivor to see how she's doing and further interacted with her.  Happiness Nwafor appreciated the state governm...

 I’m losing my eyesight, Tiwa Savage cries out Singer Tiwa Savage has cried out about the poor condition of her eyesight.   The afrobeats sensation took to her Instagram to share the moment she realised her vision was bad.  She acknowledged that for the past two to three years, she has been experiencing difficulties with her eyesight, explaining that when she attempts to read, her vision becomes blurry and the situation has worsened considerably. Tiwa Savage revealed that she finds herself having to take screenshots of messages and then zoom in on them using her camera to read them. Having experienced this, she went visiting an Optician in London, who informed her that while her long-range vision is somewhat acceptable, her short-range vision is problematic. To alleviate the discomfort, the singer has obtained a recommended pair of glasses, although humorously questioning whether she still maintains her beauty charm with them on. Tiwa Savage sparks reactions for plan...

 Ize-Iyamu withdraws from APC primary for Edo guber election Less than 24 hours to the primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC), to elect its flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election in Edo state, a frontline aspirant of the party, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has withdrawn from the race. He announced his withdrawal on Friday, February 16, in a statement made available to journalists. The withdrawal notice was addressed to the national chairman of the party, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and the Acting State Chairman of the party, Emperor Jarrett Tenebe. Full text of the withdrawal letter reads: “Few months ago, after extensively interacting with family, friends, political associates, and supporters, I joined the 2024 Edo state gubernatorial race as a result of my passion and commitment to the cause of rescuing Edo state from the current condition of decrepitude. “I entered the contest as a progressive democrat, with an open mind to keenly contest and accept the ...

 After Wike’s N20m bounty, police nab Abuja wanted kidnap kingpin Police in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have arrested a wanted notorious kidnapper, Saidu Abdulkadir. FCT Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igwe, confirmed Dahiru’s arrest to newsmen at the command headquarters, on Friday Igwe said following a raid on kidnappers’ camps bordering Nasarawa and Abuja via Kuje area council, at about midnight on Thursday, the bandits engaged police operatives in a gun duel, but were eventually overpowered. He said, “The Police operatives of the FCT Police Command attached to the Anti-kidnapping unit, in a continued effort against criminality in the Territory, raided two (2) kidnappers’ camps bordering Nasarawa and Abuja via Kuje area council on 15/02/2024 at about 12 am, dislodged the camps and arrested one Saidu Abdulkadir ‘m’ popularly known as (Dahiru Adamu), who is the gang leader and one of the wanted suspects of the kidnapping syndicate paraded by the Police Command on 14th Fe...

 Hardship: Labour declares two-day nationwide protest Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, on Friday, declared a two-day nationwide mass protest.   The protest is scheduled for February 27 and 28. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this at the Labour House, Abuja, during an emergency session on Friday. According to Ajaero, the decision to embark on the nationwide protest was taken after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government over the widespread hardship in the country. The NLC ultimatum was issued to press the demands for reforms to address the current hardship being faced by Nigerians.

 Court Orders Nigerian Government To Reopen Prosecution Of Late Journalist, Dele Giwa’s Killers The court ordered the chief law officer of the country to also open the prosecution of those who killed the journalist. A Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to re-open the investigation into the death of the founder of Newswatch Magazine, Dele Giwa, in 1986. The court ordered the chief law officer of the country to also open the prosecution of those who killed the journalist. Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the ruling, adding that the Nigerian Government, through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, should prosecute and penalise the killers of media practitioners in the country. The court ordered the Nigerian government to ensure that there is proper security and safety for journalists, as enshrined in sections 33 and 39 of the Constitution and Articles 4 and 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples ...

 “It Is Better To Date Nigerian Girls Abroad Than Those At Home" – Timini Egbuson  Popular Nigerian actor, Timini Egbuson has disclosed that he prefers dating Nigerian women living abroad, rather than those at home. Speaking of his experience, he said “This is me talking from my personal experience, honestly I feel like you would get a better dating experience from a Nigerian girl living abroad than those living here. “My reason is because Nigerian girls living in London, Canada or America are the minority in the dating pool over there. So there are options “So when an abroad based Nigerian babe catches you, you are honestly the catch and she would be happy to take care of you. But over here, they have options. Even the ones that aren’t the best looking.”

 Highest Paid Coaches in Africa Yearly 1. Marcel Koller | $1.94 million | Al Ahly 🇪🇬 2. Walid Regragui | $700,000 | Morocco 🇲🇦 3. Jose Peseiro | $600,000 | Nigeria 🇳🇬 4. Rhulani Mokwena | $537,000 | Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦 5. Faouzi Benzarti | $480,000 | Wydad Casablanca 🇲🇦 6. Hugo Broos | $474,000 | South Africa 🇿🇦 7. Manqoba Mngqithi | $474,000 | Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦 8. John Maduka | $458,000 | Royal AM 🇿🇦 9. Jose Riveiro | $411,000 | Orlando Pirates 🇿🇦 10. Eric Tinkler | $411,000 | Cape Town City FC 🇿🇦 11. Aliou Cisse | $388,000 | Senegal 🇸🇳 12. Steve Komphela | $379,000 | Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns 🇿🇦 Source: Africa Facts Zone

 Abiodun Lauds FG's Plan To Link Industrial Clausters By Rail  ...says resuscitation of Ibadan-Abuja narrow gauge will boost trade, commerce  Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said plans by the Federal Government to connect industrial zones in the country through rail lines, if successfully implemented, would reduce pressure on the nation's highways  and prolong their lifespan. The governor also noted that the resuscitation of the narrow gauge from Ibadan to Abuja, when completed, would give investors the opportunity to wheel cargo all the way from Lagos to Kano State and improve trade and commerce. Prince Abiodun stated this on Thursday evening when he received the Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Ahmed Alkali and some commissioners for transportation across the country who were in the state for the 18th edition of the National Council on Transportation. Governor Abiodun commended the minister for the bold steps he is taking to reposition the transpo...

 LASG FLAGS OFF CONSTRUCTION OF 510 METRES ROAD AT GANIYU-ODUNTAN IN IKORODU .. Assures Community of More Grassroots-Based Projects In the bid to continue to bring infrastructural development to the grassroots and fulfil the mandate of Making Lagos State a 21st Century Economy, the Lagos State Government has commenced the construction of a 510-metre road in Ganiyu-Oduntan/Lamidi-Agoro street in Igbogbo-Baiyeku area of Ikorodu Local Government. The project which is intended to improve road networks in the community and to help reduce travel time for vehicles and humans, was flagged off by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development, Dr. Nurudeen Yekinni Agbaje on Thursday. In his address at the flag-off ceremony, the Special Adviser disclosed that the road construction is one of the numerous projects that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has earmarked for rural communities in fulfilment of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda of his administration. He reiterated that the con...

 LASG TO COLLABORATE WITH PRIVATE INVESTORS TO BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOMES … As Government Plans to Increase Housing Units in 2024  The Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai today in a media parley held in his office in Ikeja gave a brief on the plans of the State Government in housing intervention in the year.  Akinderu-Fatai, while briefing the pressmen, said the government is aware of the uncontrolled influx of people into Lagos State as this has put pressure on the state government to build more homes to bridge the gap of the housing deficit.  According to him, partnership with private investors is one of the strategies being used by the State Government to increase the availability of decent homes in the State. "We will continue to respond to the challenges of housing deficit, particularly the low-income earners, through the involvement of the Private Sector, he said.  Akinderu-Fatai posited that to achieve the goals of sustainable provision o...

 As the crackdown on hoarding and price fixing is initiated, the FG has taken action to seal off the Sahad Store in Abuja Twenty-four hours following President Bola Tinubu’s announcement to address the root causes of the food crisis, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) took action by closing down Sahad Store, a well-known supermarket located in the Garki district of Abuja. The supermarket management has been alleged of misleading customers by applying different prices than those indicated on the shelves. The implementation was spearheaded by Adamu Ahmed Abdullahi, the Acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC….

 Kylian Mbappé has also informed his teammates at PSG about his decision to leave the club as free agent in the summer  It happened during today’s training session by direct speech made by Kylian to inform them, as per RMC. Mbappé didn’t mention his future club to them or Real Madrid move, he just confirmed that he’s set to leave. Anyway, in both Real Madrid and PSG dressing rooms many players feel that “it’s gonna be Madrid”.  

 Representatives Call For Subsidy In Hajj Fares House of Representatives has resolved to call on the Federal Government to provide subsidy in the Hajj fare to enable thousands of intending pilgrims from Nigeria perform the 2024 religious ritual in Saudi Arabia. This was one of the resolutions adopted by the lawmakers in a motion sponsored by a member from Kaduna State, Alhaji Umar Shehu Ajilo during plenary session. Alhaji Umar Shehu Ajilo, who was worried over the high cost of this year's Hajj fare amounting to five million naira said it is unsuitable and will discourage many middle and low-income intending pilgrims who have the intention of participating during the annual exercise. He explained that considering prevailing economic reality, it has become necessary for the house  to ensure downward review the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission to arrive at an affordable amount to the intending pilgrims. The lawmaker also noted that Hajj as an impo...

 KDSG Orders Investigation Into Alleged Misconduct By KASTLEA Official Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has ordered for thorough investigation into the alleged misconduct by an official of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) which was captured in a video that has now gone viral.  In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mohammed Lawal Shehu says the said official was seen on video diverting money meant for government coffers to personal account by using Point of Sale POS machine.  According to the Statement, Kaduna State Government reiterates its zero-tolerance for corrupt practices in its Ministries, Departments, Agencies and other state-owned institutions.  It says the administration remains committed to protecting its citizens against fraudulent actions by a few bad eggs.  The statement encourages residents to report any infractions to the appropriate authorities, as any official found guilty after thorough invest...

 We'll produce a better Electoral Act for 2027 elections – Speaker The Speaker of the House of Representatives Dr. Abbas Tajudeen,  says  the 10th House would work to produce a better Electoral Act that would ensure improved elections in the year 2027. The Speaker  also said the House had already identified some areas in the electoral law that need to be strengthened ahead of the next election cycle.   Dr. Tajudeen stated this when he received a European Union delegation to Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States led by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, at his office in Abuja.  The 9th National Assembly had reviewed the Electoral Act 2010, leading to the emergence and application of the Electoral Act 2022 for the 2023 elections. However, the Speaker stated that a further review of the current Act would produce better results in the 2027 elections.  He said the Green Chamber under his leadership would do its best to pass legi...

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTED AS AU CHAMPION FOR HEALTH President Bola Tinubu has been appointed as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership against the backdrop of his ambitious, innovative, and people-focused efforts in the sector. In recognition of President Tinubu's commitment to train 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide within 16 months and to double the number of primary health facilities in communities across all local government areas of the federation from 8,800 to over 17,000 over the next three years; his doubling of health personnel enrollment capacity from accredited nursing and midwifery institutions to accommodate the new demand created by new facilities across Nigeria, and his resolve to establish a paid volunteer youth force of social accountability officers to monitor the operational functioning and financial integrity of primary health centres, the African Union has ide...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES IMMEDIATE UPGRADE OF KEY HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE ACROSS NIGERIA'S SIX GEO-POLITICAL ZONES  President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians. Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu's Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-qualit...

 *Anambra State Government Seals Off Markets Over Poor Waste Management System* Clara Omuluzua Madubuike | I-Witness News The popular Uwamgbede and Shoe Site Markets in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State were yesterday, February 15, 2024 sealed off by the State Government due to inability of the traders and market leaders to maintain a Clean and healthy environment. The Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu while on inspection visit to the markets frowned at the state of the environment in the market. He therefore charged the market leaders and traders to take ownership of the environment; form a sustainable waste management system to maintain a clean, green, liveable and healthy environment for their daily markets activities.  He added that every shop owner must be provided with a waste bin for easy waste disposal to curb illegal disposal of waste into the drainage and with active monitoring and enforcement to see to the proper waste management sys...

 Greece legalises same-sex marriage, adoption. Greece's parliament has overwhelmingly adopted a bill legalising same-sex marriage and adoption in a landmark reform promoted by the conservative government despite opposition from the powerful Orthodox Church. Once the law is promulgated, Greece will become the 37th country in the world and the first Orthodox Christian one to legalise adoption by same-sex families.

Senegal's Constitutional Council has overturned President Sall's decision to postpone the presidential election, ruling it unlawful.  The Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called on stakeholders in Senegal's electoral process to comply with the decision of the Constitutional Council following a decision to overturn a bid by President Macky Sall to postpone the February 25 presidential election, ruling it unlawful. "The Commission urges all stakeholders in the electoral process to comply with the decision of the Constitutional Council and calls on the competent authorities to set a date for the presidential election in accordance with the decision," ECOWAS said in a press release.  Adding: "The Commission calls on the political class and all stakeholders to show restraint and give priority to inclusive dialogue to preserve the democratic gains of this model ECOWAS Member State."

 BB Speaks On Warning Tinubu On Possible Military Coup General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB), a former Military President of Nigeria on Thursday debunked the purported news report warning President Bola Tinubu of a possible military takeover in Nigeria. The news report sighted by New Telegraph claimed that the former Military President warned President Tinubu about a potential military coup in the country and urged the incumbent leader to be careful. The alleged warning had gained traction after a video of a radio station, VOP, in which it suggested that IBB had issued a warning to Tinubu about a possible military takeover in Nigeria, went viral. Debunking the news report, the media consultant to Babangida, Deyemi Saka, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday, denied any such message originated from Babaginda. Saw a in the statement described the VOP report as baseless and the result of unfounded speculations by certain individuals with malicious intent. Accordi...

 Wicked! Kano kidnapper Adamu demands N4m ransom after killing 14-year-old  A Kano-based 22-year- dreaded kidnapper, Ismail Adamu has given a graphic account of how he kidnapped and killed 14-year-old Abdullahi Sani, before demanding N4 million ransom from the parents. The hapless victim is the son of Ismail”s neighbor. Ismail told police that after kidnapping his neighbour’s son, he took him to a secluded area, stabbed him in the neck, and threw him inside a soakaway, before negotiating for a ransom of N4 million from the victim’s father, with the help of two accomplices who provided a cell phone and other logistics for “smooth” negotiation of ransom. But a distress call by the victim’s father, Rabi’u Abdullahi, informing police that kidnappers were demanding a ransom of N4 million for the release of his kidnapped son led to the arrest of Ismail and two of his accomplices. The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who spoke through the Kano State Police Com...

 Nigerian government to prosecute anyone who engages Under-12 apprentices The Federal Government said it will prosecute anyone engaging an apprentice under the age of 12. The Minister of State for Labour and Employment said this at a roadshow sensitisation rally in the Kugbo Furniture market, on Thursday in Abuja, saying such a person will be charged with child labour. Represented by the Director of Skill Development and Certification, Mohammed Tolani, the minister said the government had begun the enforcement of the 12-year minimum age for individuals to engage in apprenticeship schemes in Nigeria. “This breaches the United Nations and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and standards. The policy has been clearly spelt out under Labour Law, Cap. 198, Sections 49–53 LFN,” she said. According to her, the ministry had started enforcement of the law and sensitisation of the people to the crime in the six geopolitical zones of the country. She said the ministry had star...