PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Actress Sharon Ooja ties the knot with ‘secret’ lover Popular actress Sharon Ooja has tied the knot in a civil way with her lover, who she fondly called ‘Odogwu Silencer’. She announced she has exchanged vows with her beloved in a private civil ceremony. In a heartfelt post on Saturday, Ooja expressed joy and gratitude, sharing intimate details of her journey to marital bliss. “A few months ago I said yes to my odogwu silencer as I call him as he came and silenced the noise, my Igbo king civil ceremony done and dusted ink dried yes I’m fully a mrs as I type this … he brought the calm…I’ll say yes a thousand times to your kindness and good heart… yes a thousand times to the discipline and structure you bring… yes a thousand times to your absolute love and protection you are my best friend bro bro our inside joke !! … dear husband “This is fully the hand of God !!I prayed for this and God gave me fully. Thank you Jesus for this gift of love the testimony is complete You did it Jesus tak

 Bandit leader arrested for burning priest’s house, killing seminarian in Kaduna Operatives of the Kaduna Police Command, have arrested one Yakubu Saidu, a suspected bandit leader, who allegedly masterminded the September 2023 attack on St. Raphael Catholic Church in Kamantan, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area. Bandits razed the Priest’s house, burning a seminarian, Stephen Naaman during the attack.  Kaduna police spolesman ASP Mansir Hassan said the suspect was arrested at Zangon Urban on Friday due to diligent pursuit of the case. According to him: “In a commendable display of swift action and dedication to public safety, the Kaduna State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner CP ALI AUDU DABIGI psc, has successfully apprehended a notorious kidnapper, Yakubu Saidu, also known as Ismail ‘M’ who was involved in Banditry, Culpable homicide and mischief by fire. “On 07 of September 2023, at approximately 2030hrs, the Officer in Charge of Fadan Kamanta, Zonkwa, alerted auth

 Give Finidi Super Eagles job, ex-Eagles player urges NFF Edema Fuludu, ex-Nigerian international, has urged the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to offer fellow Super Eagles player George Finidi, the senior national team job. Jose Peseiro vacated the post after leading Nigeria to the final of  African Cup of Nations tournament in Côte d’Ivoire which the Eagles lost to the hosts 1-2 Fuludu told newsmen  in Lagos on Saturday that with Super Eagles 2-1 victory over Black Stars of Ghana in a friendly match on Friday, Finidi has shown that he is the right man for the job. According to him, the leadership of NFF should look within the shores of the country in the appointment of a new gaffer for the Eagles. “Finidi is calm, composed and having coaching qualifications to handle the team perfectly. “As far as am concerned he is not someone that can be easily influenced. “He is capable of handling the players having understudied the former foreign coach Jose Peseiro,” he said. The ex-internat

 13 fibroids were removed from my body – Toke Makinwa Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa has revealed that she underwent surgery to remove 13 fibroids from her body. Toke Makinwa made this known following the release of Stephanie Coker’s documentary titled “Where the Heck is My Period.” She narrated that fibroids affected the majority of women in her family and some had to remove their wombs. According to her, growing up she knew something was wrong because she had a very big tummy, irregular periods, and a bulge when she lay down. “PCOS I haven’t had but I’ve had fibroids. Just watching the documentary, there are a lot of similarities between symptoms and the bloating. I remember when I started off in this industry and you had to host shows. I remember I had to wear like two waist cinchers or three waist cinchers because I was so tiny but I had a belly and people would always ask if you’re pregnant. I was tired of people asking “are you pregnant?” and you know how there would be

 I don’t think I’ll fall in love again – Shakira admits after split from Pique Colombian pop star Shakira has expressed doubts over finding love again after her split from former Barcelona defender, Gerard Pique. The couple, who had been together for 11 years, announced their separation in June 2022. This came amid allegations of infidelity on Pique’s part. Shakira, who is now 47, said on Zane Lowe’s Apple Music 1 show: “I thought love would be there forever for me, and that’s one of my broken dreams. “I don’t know if I’d like to find that again. Probably not.” Despite the heartbreak, Shakira has focused on her music career. Her long-awaited 12th album, “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran,” was released recently, marking her return to the music scene.

 I was supposed to be YBNL Princess but Olamide unveiled Temmie Ovwasa – Candy Bleakz Singer Candy Bleakz has revealed that she was on the brink of being signed to YBNL Nation in 2015 but lost out to Temmie Ovwasa. According to her, she was supposed to be YBNL Princess but the record label boss, Olamide, unveiled Temmie Ovwasa instead. She disclosed this while featuring in a recent episode of the TV programme, Trending, hosted by reality star KimOprah. She said, “The day Baddo (Olamide) unveiled Temmie Ovwasa, she is my friend but I was really sad. I was supposed to be the YBNL Princess. I was like, ‘Why did they sign someone else?'” Candy Bleakz also spoke on the struggles of being a female artist in Nigeria. “For a female artist, when you’re pretty it’s a problem, when you’re ugly it’s a problem. When you’re too sexy it’s an issue and when you are not it’s an issue. Because I’m bringing something to the table but you will see comments like, ‘She’s not fine. She’s not dressing sex

 In reply, please quote; Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/140Date: March 23, 2024 The Director of News  ……………………………. PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: POLICE SETS TO HONOUR SLAIN OFFICERS WHO WERE GRUESOMELY MURDERED IN DELTA OPERATION Police Confirms Arrests of 5 Suspects, as IGP Orders Immediate Payment of Entitlements to Families; Assures Police Leadership's Commitment to Responsibility, Robust Welfare The Nigeria Police Force is profoundly saddened by the devastating loss of six (6) courageous officers in Delta State, who exhibited exceptional valour in the face of adversity. These brave officers tragically fell victim to a cowardly ambush by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in the Ohoro Forest, Delta State, while six (6) others are currently missing-in-action. Our hearts extend to the families, friends, and colleagues of the fallen officers during this period of profound sorrow. We stand in s

 Congratulations are in order as A 14-year-old JSS boy allegedly impregnated two girls in Asaba,Delta state His soon-to-be baby mama’s are in SSS 1 and SSS 2.

 Ex-Chelsea star, Geremi divorces wife after discovering she had twins for former lover  Former Chelsea star, Geremi Njitap, has filed for divorce after finding out that he raised twins that were never his during 12 years of marriage. The 45-year-old has been married to Toukam Fotso Laure Verline for over a decade. Newsmen gathered that court documents in Geremi’s native Cameroon show Toukam “destroyed the harmony” of their marriage “through her abject behaviour”. They also mention her “repeated lies”, and add: “No children have been born from this union.” Toukam had claimed the twins born in June 2008 — four years before the couple’s marriage — were his, which motivated them to get married. “But the discovery that the children were from her previous partner destroyed the couple’s harmony,” the documents add.

 Edison Ehie Tackles Rivers Assembly For Overriding Fubara The Chief of Staff to Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, Edison Ehie, has challenged the State House of Assembly on the passage into law of the repealed House of Assembly Service Commission Bill, overriding the power of the governor at a plenary on Friday. The law as repealed took away the power to appoint the chairman and members of the State House of Assembly Service Commission from the governor and vested it in the Assembly. Ehie, who was a contender for the speakership of the House during the recent political crisis, said the lawmakers lack the power to do so. He argued that the provision in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission (Amendment) Law, 2024, seeking to vest that power on the House is in clear contravention of the 1999 Constitution, and therefore, a nullity in the eyes of the law. His argument is contained in a piece he titled, “Can the Rivers State House of Assembly remove the power of the

 Easter Celebration: Cleric Charges Traders To Shun Cultism, Barbarism, Others .... As Chairman Unveils Urinal System By Juliana Nwachukwu Rev. Canon Emeka Nwabia, one of the invited clergies  at the recent Easter programmes that is ongoing at Nkpor New Auto Spare Parts Thursday charged traders to shun cultism, barbaric and other forms of maltreatment toward their fellow traders, so that God in his infinite mercy would forgive their sins. Nwabia, who gave this charge during their weekly prayer at the market prayer ground also gave instances on the need for them to amend their ways and seek Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour said, "I am born again today, not because I am poor but because i had tested those lifestyles but sees nothing in them. In his sermon from the Gospel of St luke chapter 10 verse 30, which was about a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho and was attacked by robbers who beat him half dead. He reiterated that one can surpass all challenges, obstacles fro

 EFCC Arraigns One for N7.1m Fraud in Sokoto The Sokoto Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday March 21, 2024 arraigned one Ibrahim Salisu Isah before Justice Bashar Ibrahim Tambuwal of the Sokoto State High Court sitting in Sokoto. He was arraigned on a one count charge of criminal breach of trust to the tune of N7,110,000.00 (Seven Million One Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira only). The charge reads: "That you Ibrahim Salisu Isah Adult, Male, sometimes in November 2022 at Sokoto within the Judicial Division of the High Court of Sokoto State, while being entrusted with the sum of N7,110,000.00 (Seven Million One Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira) by one Buhari Hammani Gumbi to purchase and supply 1,800 bags of BUA cement at the rate of N3,950 per bag, dishonestly misappropriated the money to your personal use in violation of the mode in which the trust is to be discharged and thereby committed the offence of criminal breach of trust contrary t

 Port Harcourt Court Jails One for Currency Racketeering   The Port Harcourt Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 secured the conviction and sentencing of Azubuike Mamwu Obasi  before Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for currency racketeering.  Obasi was jailed after pleading guilty to a four-count charge bordering on illegal acquisition of bank notes and carrying out banking services without an appropriate licence. One of the charges reads: "That you, Azubuike Manwu Obasi, on or about the 15th day of February, 2024, at Port Harcourt, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, acquired and retained the cumulative sum of N554,600.00 (Five Hundred and Fifty-four Thousand, Six Hundred Naira)  which you knew or reasonably ought to have known, forms part of your unlawful acts, selling or trading in Naira notes and carrying on banking business in Nigeria without a valid

 NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS NEUTRALIZE TERRORISTS, RESCUE WOMEN AND CHILDREN Gallant troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army have continued to pounce on the vestiges of the Islamic State of West African Province and their JAS counterpart in North East Nigeria.  In an aggressive  clearance patrol conducted on Friday, 22 March 2024,  by a Combat Team (CT) of the Division, troops  successfully cleared 6 villages where terrorists hibernated with their hostages.  During the operation, the CT came in contact with the terrorists and fiercely engaged them in a gun battle, eliminating 5  of the terrorists. The valiant troops also rescued 78 persons, comprising 35 women and 43 children held hostage by the terrorists. The enclaves and villages cleared by the CT include Ngurusoye, Sabon Gari, Mairamri 1 and 2, Bula Dalo, and Bula Dalo extension. Other areas also cleared are Yamanci and Gargaji general areas. Items recovered are one terrorists' flag, a mobile phone belonging to the terrorists. The rescued

 How fake news almost ruined my 40-year old marriage – Lai Mohammed   Alhaji Lai Mohammed, immediate past Minister of Information and National Orientation has recounted how fake news peddled on social media almost crashed his 40-year old marriage. The ex-minister gave the account in Lagos at an event to commemorate the 90th birthday anniversary of Prof. Wole Soyinka, Africa’s first Nobel laureate for literature. The text of Mohammed presentation at the event, on the topic, “The Media in the Age of Disinformation” was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday. Mohammed, the Managing Partner of Bruit Costard, a lobbyist and public relations firm, recalled that one of the pressing challenges he faced in office as minister was the spate of fake news, misinformation and disinformation. Speaking specifically on how the menace almost ruined his marriage, Mohammed stressed that the consequences of fake news, disinformation and misinformation were far-reaching. “Permit me t

 Lasisi is Ibadan Polytechnic Acting Rector Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the appointment of Dr. Taiwo Lasisi as Acting Rector of The Ibadan Polytechnic.  A statement by Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Salihu Adelabu said Lasisi is to serve in an acting capacity for six months from March 25- September 25, 2024. The statement explained the appointment became imperative following the expiration of the tenure of Prof. Kazeem Adebiyi on March 24, 2024. He said the government looks forward to his hard work, diligence and professionalism in realizing mission for the institution. According to the statement, Lasisi is a committed academic with wide experience in applied sciences with special skills in Statistics for national development. It said: “He received a Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Statistics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and a Doctorate of Philosophy Degree in Statistics (Time Series Analysis) from the University of Botswana, Botswana, S

 Sheath your swords, Yoruba Group appeals to Iba Gani Adams, Igboho, others Foremost Yoruba socio- cultural organisation, the Yoruba Alliance Forum (YAF) at the weekend urged the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland Iba Gani Adams, the Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly called Sunday Igboho and many others that have been bothered by the recent viral audio content credited to Iba Gani Adams, to sheath their swords and unite to fight the common enemies of Yoruba race. The leaders of the pan Yoruba organisation made the appeal on Saturday, after reaching out to Iba Gani Adams on telephone, as part of efforts to ensure peace in Yoruba land. YAF, in a statement by the chairman, Chief Onitolo-Ariyo Adejare and the secretary, Comrade Adedeji Oluwaseun, described the unity of the Yoruba as the best weapon to fight common enemies. The YAF chieftains also added that Yoruba sons and daughters, both home and in the diaspora are worried about the ongoing social media attacks between loyalis

 Gunmen kill two police operatives, bomb patrol vehicle in Imo At least two police officers were killed when gunmen attacked their patrol vehicle along old Gariki Road Okigwe in Imo State. The incident, which took place in the early hours of Saturday, occurred when the personnel of MOPOL 18, Owerri were ambushed while on patrol duty. The gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) were said to have thrown dynamite on the officers’ patrol vehicle and engaged them in a protracted gunfight. It was learnt in the process, two officers were killed while four others sustained multiple injuries. Confirming the incident, Imo Police spokesman, Henry Okoye said: “The state Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma has condemned the attack and gruesome murder of personnel of Mopol 18, Owerri, by gunmen suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Easter

 Anambra not making expected progress under APGA – Ganduje The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, said Anambra State is not making the progress it is expected to make because it is not connected to the central government. Ganduje, the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma and other APC stalwarts are currently attending the APC South-East Colloquium taking place in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Friday. The colloquium themed, ‘De-marginalisation of South-East zone and integration into national politics’, is being hosted by the Senator representing Anambra South, Ifeanyi Ubah. Speaking during the event, Ganduje said, “We are most grateful to participate in this dialogue that affects the South-East region. The Ndigbo are an ingredient of national integration because they are mostly travelled across the country. “Anambra is a strategic state in the South-East, but it is not making the progress that a state is expected to make because it is not connected to the centr

 Adamawa/Taraba Customs Thwarts Smuggling of PMS Amidst Violent Attack on Personnel   Following the unwavering efforts of the Nigeria Customs Service Officers for effective border management and to suppress smuggling activities at the nation's border, the Adamawa/Taraba Command officers, on Sunday, March 17, 2024, chased down smugglers on the Mubi-Sahuda road to prevent smuggling at the territorial borders.   According to the Statement by the public relations officer of the command, Naomi Titus stated that during the operation, three tricycles loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) suspected to be smuggled out of the country into the Republic of Cameroon were intercepted.   The officers, according to her, encountered fierce resistance from the smugglers, who launched a violent attack, trying to set both the officers and their official vehicles on fire. Fortunately, after a call for reinforcement, the Nigerian Army intervened, averting a potential disaster.   "However, one offi

Anambra State Igbo Apprenticeship Bill, 2024 Passes Second Reading  By Anastasia Agunwa/Chizoba Okeke/Gloria Abugu A Bill for a Law to provide for the regulation of Igbo Apprenticeship System ('Igba boi' and Trainee) and for related matters has passed through its second reading on the floor of the state legislature. This followed a motion moved for the Bill to pass through second reading by the member representing Anaocha 11 constiuency, Mr.  Ejike Okechukwu and seconded by Mr. Noble Igwe representing Ogbaru 1 constituency during plenary on March 19. The Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze who presided over the plenary had moved for the adoption of the second reading on the Bill while the lawmakers unanimously adopted it through voice votes. Dwelling on the Bill, the sponsor of the Bill,  Ejike Okechukwu noted that the major problem in Nigeria is  unemployment. He explained  that  in the late 70's, 80's and 90's that the major employment of labour in Anambra

 Ogun Govt Assures Clerics On Agbado-Oke Aro- Akute Road, Says 16km Already Done  The Ogun State government, on Friday, said it is already working on the rehabilitation of Agbado-Oke Aro-Akute road. The government was reacting to a video that captured 500 pastors urging Governor Dapo Abiodun to rehabilitate the road in fulfilment of his re-election pledge. In a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, the state government, affirmed that it had never shirked its responsibilities in the area of road construction, having constructed over 600 kilometres of roads since coming on board in 2019. It added that it had already completed half of the Alagbole-Sango Ota road and that the remaining axis was captured in this year's budget. It, however, added that the slight delay experienced in executing the project is due to budgetary issues and the spike in the cost of construction materials, saying that the constraints were being addressed.

 Court Sends Internet Fraudster to Jail in Lagos    The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday,  March 21, 2024, secured the conviction and sentencing of one Ndifreke Okon, before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.    Okon was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on Internet fraud, under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention Etc) Act, 2015.   The charge reads: “That you Ndifreke Edem Okon (aka Binh Nguyen) on the 7th day of December, 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court directly made a false statement wherein you held yourself out as BINH NGUYEN in your Instagram account knowing same to be false and with intent that the representation is relied upon for the purpose of procuring the issuance of financial instrument to yourself and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 22 (3) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Preventi

 EFCC Arrests 20 Alleged Internet Fraudsters in Ibadan Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty (20) suspected internet fraudsters in Oyo State. The alleged fraudsters were arrested on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Akobo area of Ibadan, following actionable intelligence on their suspected fraudulent internet -related activities. Items recovered from them include ten exotic cars, twelve laptops, forty-one(41) mobile phones, one play-station 5, one television set and other incriminating documents among others. They would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.   More photos below. 

 Today, I met with the President of Global Affairs at Meta Platforms Inc. (Facebook), Sir Nick Clegg, at Lagos House, Marina.  He assured me of Facebook’s commitment to collaboration in order to enhance the digital space. Our shared interests include utilizing open source technology to train young AI innovators, providing tools for local businesses to grow, and other collaborative efforts.  I emphasized how technology is crucial for propelling our country towards a more advanced economy and I am confident that Lagos will emerge as a global hub of human capital in the years ahead.- Gov. Sanwo-Olu.  More photos below. 

 LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION FOR EMERGENCY REHABILITATION OF ASOLO BRIDGE IN IKORODU In line with the scheduled rehabilitation of Asolo Bridge in Ikorodu axis by the Office of Infrastructure, the Lagos State Government has announced that traffic will be diverted away from the bridge from tomorrow, Saturday, 23rd March, 2024. As a result of the rehabilitation, Asolo Bridge will be cordoned off partly from Mile 12 to Ogolonto. Consequently the following alternatives have been provided for Motorists during the two phases of the repair works. PHASE ONE OF THE PROJECT SCENE 1: During the first phase of the repair, Motorists heading to Ogolonto/Ikorodu Garage from Ketu will be diverted into the BRT Corridor from Orita Aje Bus stop and will exit the lane at Mechanic Workshop to continue their journeys. SCENE 2: Motorists on the service lane heading towards  Ketu/Mile 12 axis from Ogolonto/Ikorodu garage will be diverted to the BRT corridor at Mechanic Workshop and exit by Orita Aje Bus S

 LRMT RED LINE: LASG ANNOUNCES THREE-HOUR TRAFFIC DIVERSION AT IKEJA FOR INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE AT IKEJA ALONG    In a bid to ensure the safety of pedestrians on Ikeja Along connecting with the Ikeja Train Station to access the Lagos Rail Mass Transit, Red Line, the Lagos State Government will be diverting traffic at PWD inwards “Ile Zik” axis of the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, tomorrow, Saturday, 23rd March and Sunday, 24th March, 2024 between 5 am to 8 am (3 hours) each day.   The diversion plan is for the installation of some vital components of the ongoing pedestrian bridge construction at Ikeja Along.   The alternative routes mapped out for Motorists to utilise during the early hours of the two days are as follows:   Scene 1: Traffic from Abule Egba to Oshodi will be diverted to Agege Motor Road by “Ile ZIk” to link Akanni Doherty Road and Oba Akran Avenue and proceed to Kodesoh to access the Airport Ramp to connect Bolade/Oshodi.   Scene 2: Traffic heading to Dopemu/Abu

 Lagos holds a special place in my heart, says Kanwulia Nigerian-American sensation Kanwulia has expressed her love for Lagos, Nigeria and the entertainment scene in the city. Kanwulia made this known while gearing up for her musical adventure in the country with the ‘Who’s That Girl?’ city tour. With the official release of her album, ‘Amerikana,’ Kanwulia is set to light up the stage this Easter with her electrifying blend of Afrobeats, jazz, and pop rhythms and of course infectious energy. Speaking about her upcoming tour, excited Kanwulia said: “Lagos holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to feel the energy of the city pulsating through me as I perform. I very much look forward to performing in Lagos, one of the top global entertainment destinations and I have to thank God and my management and agency Volkano and Inspiro Productions for making this happen.” Kanwulia spices Easter celebration with Amerikana, city tour Kanwulia also explained that the tour isn’t only ab