PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 PRESS RELEASE (EDITED) TRAGEDY: OAU LOSSES STAFF TO LION ATTACK The management, staff, students and the entire campus of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, have been thrown into mourning following the untimely death of Mr. Olabode Olawuyi. A release by the Public Relations Officer of the University, Abiodun Olarewaju, stated that Mr Olawuyi, a Veterinary Technologist, who has been in charge of the Zoological garden for over a decade, was attacked this afternoon, Monday, 19th February, 2024, by a 9 - year old male lion when he was feeding them in their den at the Zoological garden of the University. The other members of staff who were at the scene of the incident did everything within their power to rescue their boss but the wild cat had already caused severe fatalities. On hearing the sad news, the management team, led by the Vice Chancellor, abruptly ended an on going meeting for an on the spot assessment  Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adebayo Simeon BAMIRE, was inform

 Gunmen Kidnap Corpse, Family Members In Enugu State, Demand 50 Million Naira  Suspected gunmen have kidnapped a corpse and all the family members conveying it from Lagos to Nsukka in Enugu State. The remains of late Mr Ugwuanyi Israel from Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, was being conveyed home by family members when the kidnappers swooped on them. According to the report, the incident happened on Sunday around Umuoka Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to a family source: “His corpse was on its way from Lagos yesterday (Sunday) when the vehicle conveying his body was halted by kidnappers and people in the vehicle alongside the driver were all kidnapped at Umuoka Udi LGA of Enugu State. “The kidnappers have called the family and demanded a N50 million ransom.” The Police are yet to comment on the incident as at the time of filing this report.

 A 41-year-old man identified as David Ubaha on Monday, February 19, staged a lone protest in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State over the harsh economic situation in Nigeria.  The father of two, who tucked a placard in the front and back of his shirt with a list of problems and solutions, said that the situation has become unbearable and that most people can no longer cope. Ubaha, a native of Itu Local Government Area of the state, listed Nigeria’s problems, including depreciation of the naira, unbearable hardship, ravaging insecurity, unplanned subsidy removal, uncontrolled inflation.  The solution on the placard reads; start local production, diversify the economy, invest in mechanical farming, revamp dying industries, stop unnecessary borrowing, equip hospitals, and stop seeking medical attention abroad, among others.  Speaking with the punch in Uyo, Ubaha said he was not embarking on the protest to blow his own trumpet alone, adding when he looks at the situation in the country, his mind always

 PRESS RELEASE     The Editors,       Phone Snatching, Being in Possession of Stolen Property, Offering of Gratification to a Public Servant.  The Operatives attached to the Department of Operation Bauchi Police Command have arrested Suleiman Habibu 'm' aged 25yrs and Atiku Mohammed 'm' aged 30yrs all of Jahun Area of Bauchi metropolis for being in possession of stolen property, receiving stolen property, and offering gratification to a public servant and was rejected. The suspects were arrested during a visibility routine patrol behind Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium and handed over to detectives attached to  'C' Divisional  Police Headquarters for questioning.  Preliminary Investigation revealed that the suspects had robbed the nine (9) mobile phones found in their possession from different locations in Gombe state.  The detectives further recovered dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp as well as the sum of seventy-eight thousand Naira (N78,000) offered as

 FG begins payment of ASUU’s withheld salaries The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the withheld salaries of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). ASUU’s chairperson at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who confirmed the development said: “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.” President Bola Tinubu in October 2023 approved the release of four of the eight months’ ASUU withheld salaries of the workers. The salaries were withheld when the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari invoked a ‘No Work, No Pay policy’ against some university-based unions that embarked on a strike, which lasted for eight months in 2022.

Eiffel Tower Strike: The iconic Eiffel Tower, standing tall against the Parisian skyline, its iron lattice reaching for the heavens. But on February 19th, 2024, something unusual happened—the tower closed its gates. Not due to maintenance or renovation, but because of a strike. Why the Strike? Employees, clad in their Eiffel Tower uniforms, raised their voices. They demanded a review of financial management by Paris City Hall. Their message echoed through the iron beams: “We won’t back down.” What Does It Mean? For visitors planning a romantic ascent or a panoramic view, the timing was unfortunate. The top floor, usually bustling with tourists, remained silent. The elevators stood still, and the observation deck stayed empty. A Symbolic Monument in Limbo The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of Parisian elegance and engineering marvel, took a brief hiatus. But fear not! This temporary closure is a testament to the tower’s significance—a reminder that even steel and rivets can voice their disconte

 As Commissioner Charges Staff to Redouble Efforts in Implementing Policies The Lagos State Government has reassured residents that necessary measures are being taken to address the rising cost of food items and other consumables in the State. The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya gave the assurance recently at the end of the two-day retreat organised by the Ministry for Management Staff at the Orchid Hotels in Lekki. She said that part of the measures in curbing the high cost of food in the metropolis was the recent Market Trader Money launched by the Governor in which #750m was distributed to 15,000 traders across the State. According to her, the first Food Logistics Hub in West Africa being built in Ketu by the present administration would soon be delivered while work will soon commence at the three more Agro Food Hubs in Agege, Abule Ado and Sangotedo in addition to the one built in Mushin. She explained that the first Agro Food Hub established in Mushin is g

 February 19, 2024 Press Statement Edo Election: PDP Approves Delegate List, Sets for Primary, February 22 The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has approved the delegate list for the Edo State Governorship Election Primary to nominate a candidate for the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State. The NWC has also approved the conduct of the Edo State Governorship Election Primary for Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the Lawn Tennis Court of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. The NWC charges all delegates, aspirants, leaders, critical stakeholders, members of our Party and the public to note the official date and venue and be guided accordingly. Signed: Hon. Debo Ologunagba  National Publicity Secretary

 Hardship: Embark on deliberate production, patronizing of locally made goods – Obono-Obla A former presidential adviser, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, has called on the ruling party to deliberately embark on promoting the manufacturing and patronizing of made-in-Nigeria goods. He also emphasised that the country should export these goods to other countries to earn foreign exchange. He was reacting to prevalent hyperinflation and hardship in the country in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Monday morning, blaming undue advantage of the dollar over naira. The All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain warned that the Federal Government cannot peg the exchange rate of the naira to international currency, making the dollar to become over dominant. “We cannot continue to have a dollarised economy when the dollar is not our national currency. Our national currency is the naira, which should be the means of exchange, buying and selling but we descended to the ridiculous level of making the d

 Petrol scarcity hits FCT as NARTO stops lifting products Long queues resurfaced on Monday, February 19, at Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) petrol stations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) halted tanker operations, citing unsustainable high costs. The association has notified the Federal Government and Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria of its plan to suspend operations.  Monitoring the petrol market on Monday morning, The Nation observed that most petrol stations have shutdown. The few Independent marketers who opened to customers dispensed the product for between N648 to N670 per litre. The few Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets that were opened sold the product for N617 per litre amid endless queues. Besides, black marketers sold 10 litres for N850 in plastic containers. Meanwhile, the NARTO President, Alhaji Yusuf Lawal Othman, who spoke with the Nation on phone confirmed that t

 We must endure for a better future, says Seyi Tinubu Seyi, the son of President Bola Tinubu, has encouraged Nigerians to put up with the current hardships in the nation, stating that the President’s decisions ought to have been made years ago.   He also voiced hope that despite the current challenges, the nation’s future remains promising. Seyi Tinubu made this known in a post on his Instagram page on Monday. He wrote: “There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. “I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.”

 Yul Edochie's daughter removes father's name from social media profile Nollywood actor Yul Edochie’s daughter, Danielle, has made a change to her social media profile, removing her father’s name. Previously known as Danielle Yul Edochie, she has now updated her profile to read Danielle Diana Dubem. A quick check on Danielle’s Instagram page confirmed the change. The decision garnered praise from many, applauding Danielle for her courage. Sandypreneur commented, “If na you nko? Do you know what it means to watch your parent embarrass you daily? Smh.” Mr. Azeez commended her bold move, stating,  “SHE JUST TOOK A BOLD STEP TO DISOWN HER DAD! ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.” Phelle shared her own experience, highlighting the emotional toll such actions can have on children, particularly daughters.  “Men do not know the damages this things do to their kids mostly on their daughters. This same act of yul my dad did. Till today I. Ve trust issues with men . It’s externally damaging to daughter . T

 Court discharges Sowore, Bakare, orders DSS to release seized items A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, discharged Omoyele Sowore and Olawale Bakare of alleged treasonable felony charge by the Attorney-General.of the Federation (AGF), Mr Lateef Fagbemi, SAN. Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling after counsel for the AGF, A.R. Tahir, withdrew the charge, struck out the matter. Justice Nwite also ordered the Department of State Service (DSS) to immediately release three phones and the sum of N10, 000 seized from Sowore during his arrest. The judge also ordered the DSS to release a phone belonging to Bakare and the sum of N1, 500 confiscated from him during his arrest. Justice Nwite equally ordered that Sowore’s international passport be released. The orders followed an application by lawyer to Sowore and Bakare, Mr Femi Falana, SAN, to tye effect. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sowore and Bakare were earlier arraigned before Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu in 2019 before the matter

 Drama As Edo APC Aspirant Storms Ganduje’s Office, Demands Certificate Of Return One of the three aspirants claiming to be candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 21 governorship election in Edo State, Hon. Anamero Dekeri, on Monday stormed the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, where he demanded its national chairman, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, to issue him certificate of return. Recall that the APC had last Saturday conducted parallel primary polls in Benin, the Edo State capital, where three aspirants were announced winners at different locations of the city. While a member of the House of Representatives, Dennis Idahosa, was earlier announced winner by the chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Hope Uzodimma, at Protea Hotel, Senator Monday Okpebholo was declared winner by the Returning Officer for the election, Dr Stanley Ugboaja, at the residence of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, while the spokesman of the local government return

 Ibadan residents protest hardship under Tinubu Some Nigerians in Oyo State, South-West Nigeria are currently protesting the high cost of living, food inflation and economic hardship in the country.  Recall that Nigerians have continued to face various degrees of economics hardships since President Bola Tinubu announced the removal of petrol subsidy on May 29, 2023. Staged in the Mokola area of Ibadan, the state capital, placard-carrying youths in their numbers chanting songs to drive home their points. Some of the placards have inscriptions such as ‘No more Emilokan’, ‘End food hike and inflation’, ‘The poor is starving’, ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises’, amongst others. Armed policemen were seen at the protest scene even as demonstrators held the peaceful rally against the economic hardship in the land occasioned by the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange windows. The police had warned that no breach of peace would be allowed during any protest i

 Insecurity: RCCG members engage in prayer walk, seek divine intervention for Nigeria’s challenges Thousands of members from the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) congregated in Abuja on Sunday for a prayer walk, seeking divine intervention for Nigeria’s current security and economic challenges. Led by Pastor Tunde Benjamin Laniyi of RCCG Throne Room, Transcorp Abuja, the prayer walk is an annual event held by the RCCG, taking place in 190 countries globally, with this year’s theme titled “HEALING.” During the prayer walk, Pastor Laniyi emphasized the belief that there is no challenge beyond divine intervention. The congregation prayed for healing in the country and called on God to answer Nigeria’s pressing issues. In his sermon, Pastor Laniyi urged Nigerians to continue praying for divine guidance for the country’s leaders, expressing confidence that through intercession, Nigeria would experience healing. Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (retired), who addressed

 Ogun govt to prosecute SS3 student and parents for @ss@ulting principal and teacher A Senior Secondary School (SSS III) student of Agbara Grammar School, in Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State and his parents, allegedly ass@ulted the Principal, Mr. Ajibola Olanrewaju and one of the teachers of the school. It was gathered that the incident occurred on Wednesday, February 14 when the Principal reportedly seized Olawale’s uniform for allegedly behaving unruly and in a manner that constituted a lack of respect for constituted authority. According to glonat newsonline, the principal was also said to have maintained that since Olawale had gone to register for the May/June West African Senior Secondary School Examinations in another private school, he had no business parading himself as a student of the school hence the decision to seize his uniform. “Olawale would however not take this kindly as he went back home and stormed the school some minutes later with his parents,” a sou

Nigerian students are refusing to pursue their undergraduate studies in the United Kingdom, a new report has revealed. Official statistics released reveal that the number of applicants from Nigeria to study in the UK for graduate and postgraduate degrees has declined by a staggering 46 per cent, more than any other country in the period under review. According to reports by the UK Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS), the notable decrease in applications from Nigerian students is believed to be closely associated with the weakening of the naira and the visa restrictions preventing them from bringing along dependents or close family members to the UK. The report highlighted that Nigerian students had the highest number of dependents brought in by international students as of September 2023. Nigerian applications witnessed a sharp decline of 46 per cent, totalling 1,590 applications, more than any other country. Data from the UK Universities and College Admissions Service (

EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, EFCC, have arrested 11(eleven) suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Monday, February 19, 2024 at a nightclub in the Wuse area of Abuja following credible intelligence about their suspicious involvement in internet-related activities.  Items recovered from them include three cars and 13 phones. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. More photos below. 

 Again, EFCC Arrests Two Chinese for Illegal Mining in Ilorin Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Sunday, February 18, 2024, arrested another two Chinese over offences bordering on illegal mining activities. The suspects are Xiao Yi, 50 and Duan Yahong, 52. The two expatriates were arrested alongside two others suspected to be accomplices in the illegal business. They are Mumini Jamiu and Israel Nwachukwu. The latest arrest brings to 48 the number of persons arrested for suspected illegal mining activities within the last two weeks by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC. The suspects were trailed to their mining sites located at Isolo in Oshodi/Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State, where they were arrested on Sunday, February 18, 2024, after days of surveillance by the EFCC operatives.  Jamiu, a driver, was arrested while conveying a truck loaded with solid minerals from Banni in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwa

 LASG ORDERS TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF MARKETS WITHIN MANDILAS BUILDING FOR PUBLIC SAFETY  ... EXTENDS 2-WEEKS ULTIMATUM NOTICE FOR CLEAN-UP EXERCISE  Lagos State Government has ordered the immediate closure of markets adjoining the Mandilas building for the next two days to enable the marketers and shop owners comply with its directive for self-removal of illegal make-shift structures erected on road setbacks within and around the market environment.  The closure notice was issued on Saturday during a joint inspection and enforcement exercise carried out by Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA in conjunction with some law enforcement agencies and other relevant government agencies in charge of emergency related matters.  The enforcement exercise followed the expiration of the fourteen day self-removal notice earlier given by the State Government to the traders to remove their wares and shops from the roads especially around Mandilas on Lagos Island.  The Special Adviser eGIS and Urb

RMD advised me to go back to school when I was working as a bartender – Comedian, AY Popular comedian and filmmaker, Ayo Makun, aka AY, has revealed that he was once a bartender. He said he only quit and started a degree programme after veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, advised him to do so when he accosted him at the bar where he was working and told him about his passion to become an entertainer someday. The comedian disclosed this in a candid interview with Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo. He said, “I was doing all that it takes to get into the entertainment space. And somewhere along the line, I started working with NNPC Junior Staff Club as a bartender. “That was what inspired my series, ‘Call To Bar.’ Everything around me; my stories, and my movies are all inspired by my experiences. “When I was working as a bartender, I would see a lot of people the likes of Alex O and Shina Peters coming to perform. I would say to myself that someday, somehow, somewhere, sometime in life, I’m go

 I will expose you – Angela Okorie drags Zubby Michael, makes staggering accusations  Popular actress, Angela Okorie stirs frenzy as she makes staggering accusations against her colleague, Zubby Michael in a video that has captured attention online. The movie star took to social media to vent at colleagues who are acting as impediment for others. According to her, there are many big names in the industry who are always trying to use intimidation to oppress those who are beneath them. She named Zubby Michael as one of such people on the list, and went on to describe how he conspires against her and try to derail her career. Angela Okorie noted that there are a lot of backstabbing going on in the industry and she has decided to cut off connections from most of her colleagues. Speaking further, she alleged that some of her colleagues secretly pay trolls to come online and insult her, since they cannot do it themselves.

 Jubilation As Soludo Inspects Port Harcourt, Niger Roads Onitsha By Juliana Nwachukwu/Patricia Osegbue It was jubilation galore at Port Harcourt road and Niger street, Fegge, Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anambra State, on February 16, as Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, while inspecting the completed Port Harcourt road, had a sort of town hall meeting with Fegge Landlords and residents. Addressing the residents, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with inter-state buses blocking drainages and mandated a five-meter clearance from the drainages. He vowed to make Fegge "the best neighborhood anyone can live in" and announced that a new General Hospital would be built and completed before the end of the year. In his bid to encourage green, clean and sustainable environment, he  also announced N18 million for three cleanest and greenest streets, adding that the best street will smile home with N10million, second best N5million while the third will get N3million. A partnership wit

 EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja,  Keffi   Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, have arrested 40 suspected internet fraudsters.   They were arrested on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Mpape in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja and Keffi, Nasarawa State.   The suspects, comprising 38 male and two female, were arrested following credible information on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.    Items recovered from them include two cars, 56 phones, four smart watches, eight power banks and four laptops.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.   More photos below. 

Israel DMW, singer Shallipopi in car crash after Abuja show Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW, and singer, Shallipopi, were involved in a car accident on Sunday. Israel made this known on his Instagram story on Sunday. Shallipopi had held a concert in Abuja on on Saturday night with Israel providing backstage support. Sharing the clip of the accident, Israel revealed that the crash happened as they were returning from the show early Sunday morning. He expressed gratitude that neither he nor Shallipopi sustained any injury in the incident. “Me and Shalipopi, just had an accident, after a vehicle ran into us on our way back to the hotel after a show. “I sat at the front seat, while Shali sat at the back. Thanks to God Almighty, thanks to Edo’s ancestors. No single scratch of injury at all,” he wrote. Watch video below. 

 Kano Correctional Centre Sets Record Straight On Murja's Release  The spokesperson of Kano Correctional Centre, Musbahu Kofar Naisa has debunked rumours circulating that, a popular Tiktok star Murja Kunya, has fled the prison.   Musbahu explained that Murja had not fled the centre, but was released on Thursday following a court order. According to him, a court brought the accused to the Kano correctional centre for remand, and it was the same court that ordered her release.  Responding, the Public Relations Officer, Kano Shari'a Courts, Muzammil Ibrahim Fagge pointed out that, the presiding judge had ordered that Murja be remanded in a correctional centre till February 20th 2024. "And what transpired in court cannot be changed out of court" . Recalled that last week, a shari’a court sitting in Gama PRP Kano presided over by Justice Nura Yusuf, had ordered the remand of the controversial TikTok star at the Kurmawa correctional facility in Kano.  Earlier, the Kano Stat

 Gunmen assassinate Plateau APC spokesperson, Namang The State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Plateau state, Hon. Sylvanus Namang, has been assassinated. He was killed in Pankshin town in Pankshin local government area of the state. The incident took place on Saturday, February 17. It was gathered that Namang was gunned down by yet to be identified gunmen at a relaxation spot known as sunny Best joint in Pankshin town. The source confirmed that Namang left Jos for Pankshin to attend a funeral programme and was relaxing with others persons when the gunmen killed him and the owner of the joint, sunny Okonkwo.  However, there has been no official statement from the party or family members as at the time of filling this report.  The chairman of the party in the state, Rufus Bature, who spoke to The Nation on phone, confirmed the sad news, that  Namang was killed last night in Pankshin. Bature said: “He was killed in Pankshin last night, saying, the party woul

 Indigenes inviting herdsmen from Niger Republic to Benue, says Alia Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has raised the alarm that certain people were planning to destabilise the state. He said his administration would not allow the individuals to succeed in their nefarious activities. Alia said: “I am quite saddened to speak about what some fellow Benue citizens are doing. What they are planting, planning, and executing, which is not in favour of the state. “The security report has revealed that some Benue indigenes have gone out of their ways to invite herdsmen all the way from Niger Republic to troop into Benue State, all in the name of bringing down his administration and this is unacceptable, but the security agents are doing their work. “Security apparatuses are doing their work and those who would be found guilty of this, will not go unpunished. This is not the Benue we pray for. Electioneering period is over and now is governance.” The governor, who spoke at the Chapel of Grac