PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 EFCC Arrests 17 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja  Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, May 16, 2024 arrested 17 suspected internet fraudsters in Abuja. The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, May 16,  2024  at City College, Karu, Abuja.  Items recovered from them include a car, mobile phones, laptops and incriminating documents.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. 

 OUR PURPOSE IS TO LIBERATE OUR STATE - GOV. FUBARA .  ...Says Adaka Boro stood for equity, justice and fairness ...Charges IYC to be good ambassadors ... Promises to provide Secretariat for the body Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has said the purpose of his government is to liberate the state and that there is no going back on it. Governor Fubara stated this while addressing the leadership and members of the Ijaw Youth Council who were on solidarity rally to Government House, Port Harcourt on Thursday as part of activities to mark the 56th Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro Day. The governor emphasised that every genuine Rivers man and woman, irrespective of tribe or ethnicity, is a liberator, declaring that the forces of oppression have already been defeated. "By the special grace of God what they thought they would have done to us as we celebrate our one year in office has failed. They are now the restless ones having sleepless nights." "It shows that we have

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU RECEIVES PRESIDENT BASSIROU FAYE OF SENEGAL, SAYS WEST AFRICA MUST WORK IN UNISON TO DEFEAT TERRORISM, HUMAN TRAFFICKING  President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and called for an alignment of purpose and structure in West Africa to effectively address the challenges confronting the region.  Speaking during a meeting with the Senegalese President at the State House, President Tinubu said West Africa must work together to defeat the hydra-headed problems of terrorism, banditry, human trafficking and poverty. He advised that leaders in the region must make the people the point of convergence in governance, noting that the essence of democracy is lost when the people are not the focal point. The President emphasized that democratic governance, democratic values, and constitutional order are sacrosanct and must be protected. He also stated that critical institutions and precepts, like the judiciary a

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE 6 TERRORISTS, RESCUE 48 HOSTAGES , RECOVER ARMOURED VEHICLE, ARMS IN BORNO, ZAMFARA In a significant blow to terrorists in the North East and North West , valiant troops of the Nigerian Army engaged in Counter-terrorism operations have successfully exterminated 6 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 48 hostages. The troops had the encounter with the terrorists during a fighting patrol in the Fulatari and Kago villages of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The encounter led to a fierce exchange of fire, after which the overwhelmed terrorists fled the scene, abandoning their hostages . The quick action of the troops resulted in the liberation of the hostages, including one adult male, 20 adult females, and 27 children. Additionally, the troops recovered a Phantom Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) a 60mm mortar tube, a bandolier, three AK-47 rifle magazines, five rounds of 7.62mm x 51mm ammunition and a bicycle. In a separate coordinated effort, troops, along

 LAGOS TASKFORCE DEMOLISHES SHANTIES AT REGIONAL ROAD, LEKKI … Impounds 220 Commercial Motorcycles The Lagos State Taskforce in its bid to curb environmental degradation and excesses on the part of miscreants and criminal elements who erect shanties and makeshift buildings haphazardly round the State, has carried out an extensive clean up exercise along Regional Road in Lekki.  The exercise, which was led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, saw the demolition of shanties across the entire stretch of the Road defacing the metropolis and constituting environmental and safety concerns to residents and commuters in the State.  CSP Jejeloye described the clearing out exercise as a step carried out by the Agency to restore the environment of the Metropolis to its original master plan and give room for developmental activities which have been witnessed across the state. “It's no longer news to anyone that there is a concerted effort by the State Government to restore sanity

 LASG TRAINS OFFICERS ON DATA ENTRY, ANALYTIC TOOL As part of the strategy to equip officers with the necessary skills for data capturing for effective performance at work, the Ministry of Establishments and Training has organised a specialised workshop for Admin/Human Resource and Information and Communication Technology Officers. The workshop, held on Wednesday at the State Treasury Office (STO), Alausa with the theme, "The Use of Data Entry and Analytic tool  Training Needs, Budget and Performance", is a pilot scheme which involved Officers from 10 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training, Mrs. Olubusola Abidakun, who was represented by the Director of Training, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, commended the effort of the State Government for identitying and investing in a tool that will not only help in developing and empowering officers to harness the power of data optimisation in training programmes but

 Parents in shock, as motorcyclist disappears with three kids in Abia Three kids of the same parents have been stolen by an unidentified motorcyclist in Amaba Ime Oboro, Ikwuano LGA of Abia state. According to the mother of the missing children, Mrs Glory Osinachi, her kids, named Gideon Osinachi (8 years), Divine Osinachi (6 years) Israel Osinachi (4 years) were stolen on Friday and taken to an unknown place by the unidentified motorcyclist. Mrs Osinachi, who is presently in a devastated condition, said her children visited their grandmother’s home in the same Amaba Ime community on Friday, last week after returning from school but were stolen. The distraught mother who said the incident has been reported to the Police in Ikwuano, is begging all security agencies and the general public to assist the family recover her missing children. While Gideon is a primary two pupil, Divine and Israel are both in Nursery 3 and 1 respectively. When contacted on a phone line provided by the family

 Many crushed to death at police checkpoint in Abia At least 18 travellers were killed in a crash on the Umuahia-Enugu axis of the Port Harcourt Enugu Highway on Thursday morning. It was gathered that the accident occurred at a police checkpoint around the Lokpanta area of Abia State in the wee hours of Thursday. It was also learned that an 18-seater commercial bus was at the checkpoint awaiting police clearance when a truck driver lost control and rammed into them killing the driver and all the passengers. An eyewitness, Bananas Okereke, told our reporter on the telephone that the bodies of victims still littered the scene at 8:20 am. He said: “The road is blocked by protesting bus drivers and other motorists who are asking that the policemen who caused the accident be brought back to the scene. “Colleagues of the bus driver and other road users have taken over the road, demanding Justice for the victims. They vowed to remain there until Governor Alex Otti visits the scene.” More deta

 Cleric Advocates Concerted Efforts to Tackling Moral Decadence Among Youths By David Okpala and Stella Okpala Parish Priest, Holy Family Catholic Church, Umueze Village, Akpo, Rev Fr Philip Okoye has advocated concerted effort to checking moral decadence among youths for better society. "Children upbringing is everybody's business hence this Igbo dictum; (Nwa bu nwa ora), which means one's child is everybody's child." He said this while interacting with information officers, at the Church rectory in Aguata LGA on May 14. The cleric emphasized that the Church is doing its utmost to provide moral guidance through daily homilies during Mass. Additionally, the Church dedicates an entire week each year to addressing issues related to the laity, known as Laity Week.  "These programs aimed to educate parents on effective child-rearing practices and to shape and mentor young people for the betterment of society.  "While the Church's efforts are commendable,

 *Desecrating Ochanja Water Fountain In Onitsha*     The video of an obviously sponsored and amateurish drama at Ochanja Roundabout Water Fountain where a water vendor is pretending to supply water to the supposedly dry fountain is mischievous and not well thought through.  For lack of what to discredit and denounce the publicly acclaimed hard working Governor of Anambra State, opposition politicians have gone bazerk in orchestrating all manner of infantile images to drive none existent point. Unlike the ordinary tap which flows from the tank that could be depleted over time, a water fountain recycles its water continously and the one in question, installed barely a month ago  couldn't have evaporated into the air. Secondly, the Anambra State Ministry of Power and Water Resources have reticulated water within five kilometres radius of the neighbourhood and there is no way water supply to the Ochanja Roundabout Water Fountain could have been a challenge. Government frowns at the unw

 ONLINE REGISTRATION FOR 87 REGULAR RECRUITS INTAKE RECRUITMENT EXERCISE IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY  Ndị Anambra are hereby informed that the Nigerian Army has commenced  online registration for 87 Regular Recruits Intake Recruitment Exercise for Trades/Non-tradesmen and Women from 3rd May,2024 to 7th June,2024. According to a statement by the Director, Directorate of Army Recruitment, Resettlement and Reserve, Brigadier General Chibueze Ogbuabo, applicants must be single and must be a Nigerian citizen by birth, even as they must be medically, physically and psychologically fit in line with Nigerian Army standard. "An applicant must not be less than 18 years and not more than 22 years for non-tradesmen/women, while tradesmen/women must not be more than 26 years as at 30th June,2024". Selected candidates will participate in the state recruitment screening exercise scheduled to hold from 20th June to 3rd July, 2024. While emphasizing that Nigerian Army recruitment is free, the statem

 16th May, 2024 PRESS RELEASE DELTA STATE POLICE ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTED NOTORIOUS KIDNAPPERS/ SUSPECTED ARMED ROBBERS/ CULTISTS; RECOVERS TWO AUTOMATIC PUMP ACTION GUNS, ONE LOCALLY MADE REVOLVER GUN, ONE  LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE DOUBLE BARREL GUN, AND CARTRIDGES Intelligence gathered on some kidnapping incidents in the Warri axis revealed that it is being carried out by one suspect named Yakubu Ya’u, a 20yrs suspect who resides in Kaduna, but always comes to Oha and Ughwagba Communities in Okpe LGA, to kidnap unsuspecting residents for ransom. On 11/05/24 at about 1743hrs, following combined effort from police operatives of the command and operatives from the Force Intelligence Unit, Abuja on the hideout of the suspect, the DPO Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware, immediately mobilized and led his patrol teams to his hideout in Warri, and after a painstaking search of the entire area, the said Yakubu Ya’u was arrested. Preliminary investigation and interrogation of the suspect led to the arr

 PRESS RELEASE  FG COLLABORATES WITH UNODC TO REFORM CORRECTIONAL SERVICE.   The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has reiterated the need to partner with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in upgrading the status of the Correctional Service.    Dr. Tunji- Ojo made this call when the Country Representative, UNODC in Nigeria, Dr. Oliver Stolpe visited him  in his office.    "It is important we implement the inmate audit project as soon as we can. Implementing the inmate audit is key towards actualizing our desire and plan for correctional service". he said.   Dr. Tunji-Ojo, said he is poised to transform the  Correctional Centres, to become correctional and reformative in nature and not destructive.  " These people are vulnerable because they don't have freedom of choice. Correctional centres take the freedom of movement but retain your dignity as a citizen and as a human being. So while we want to retain the dignity of people; while we ar

 GIRL WHO STARTED COLLEGE AT 10 EARNS DOCTORATE DEGREE AT 17 A teen who started college at the age of 10 earned a doctorate degree at 17. Dorothy Jean Tillman II’s participated in Arizona State University’s commencement on May 6. It was the latest step on a higher-education journey the Chicago teen started when she took her first college course at age 10. In between she earned associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees. When Tillman successfully defended her dissertation in December, 2023, she became the youngest person — at age 17 — to earn a doctoral degree in integrated behavioral health at Arizona State, associate professor Leslie Manson told ABC’s “Good Morning America” for a story Monday. “It’s a wonderful celebration, and we hope ... that Dorothy Jean inspires more students,” Manson said. “But this is still something so rare and unique.” Tillman, called “Dorothy Jeanius” by family and friends, is the granddaughter of former Chicago Alderwoman Dorothy Tillman. When most student

 TINUBU APPROVED N90BN TO SUBSIDISE COST OF 2024 HAJJ - SHETTIMA Vice-President Kashim Shettima has revealed that President Bola Tinubu approved N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 hajj pilgrimage. Speaking at the 2024 inaugural hajj airlift held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi capital, on Wednesday, May 15, Shettima said Tinubu places great importance on religious pilgrimage. According to him, it plays a crucial role in changing the social vices of individuals beyond the hajj exercise. He said;   “You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates. “President Bola Tinubu also worked round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians. “A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The President approved the release of N90 billion to subsidise the co

 LADY LEFT HEARTBROKEN AS HER SISTER IS SET TO MARRY HER EX A Nigerian lady has been left heartbroken after she found out her sister is set to marry her ex. In a post shared on her handle, the lady said her younger sister brought a man home as the person she intends to get married to and it was at that time she realized that the man in question is her ex. 

As LASPPPA Unveils Sensitization Tools The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), has cautioned stakeholders in the construction industry and residents of Lagos to be cautious of counterfeit building approvals and planning permits not issued by the authorised government office. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Oluyinka Olumide gave the advice at the unveiling of LASPPPA’s Sensitization Tools and The Face of LASPPPA at the Authority’s Headquarters in Ikeja, on Tuesday. Dr. Olumide, who unveiled the Sensitization Tools for the promotion of sustainable development geared towards increasing public awareness about physical planning issues in Lagos, emphasised the importance of verifying building permit documents from LASPPPA to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and imposters. He averred that the importance of Town Planners in creating sustainable and resilient villages, towns and cities through decisive

 Dubai Police Leadership Convenes Under His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri’s Chairmanship   His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, presided over the meeting of the Dubai Police High Command and Executive Council.   The meeting was attended by the assistant commandants, directors of general departments and police stations, representatives of Dubai Police councils, and several senior officers.   The meeting began with a review of the decisions from the previous meeting and the progress of their implementation. Discussions included programs and plans set for execution across various departments and police stations, along with the latest administrative updates.   Lieutenant General Al Marri then listened to a briefing from Lieutenant Colonel Ahmad Al Hafiti, Director of Initiatives and Projects and Head of the Employee and Customer Governance Team. The briefing covered the results of the past five years of t

 Singer Peter Okoye Undergoes Hair Transplant In Turkey Nigerian singer, Peter Okoye, also called Mr. P., has revealed that he is undergoing a hair transplant in Istanbul, Turkey. Okoye shared the news on his Instagram story on Wednesday, posting a video captioned "Say goodbye to baldness."  In the video, Okoye revealed that he is at MedHair Clinic in Istanbul, where he is being treated by a doctor. "You guys know that I've been uncomfortable about it," Okoye said in the video, adding, "But see the before and after of the magic this guy is about to do." Okoye continued explaining in the next video, saying, "The extraction part is done; we have about 2,400. I feel better 100%, just to look good for you guys." On Thursday morning, Okoye shared another video update, showing the progress of the first day of his transplant. The caption for the video read, "Day 1. It is well." It was reported in February that Nigerian record producer and

 Police parade ex-Oyo motor park boss, Auxiliary for mürdêr, others Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Hamzat Adebola, on Thursday, paraded the former Chairman,  Park Management System, Lamidi Mukaila, popularly called Auxiliary. The Department of State Services penultimate Tuesday arrested Auxillary at his Olodo residence in Ibadan, the state capital, months after the police had declared him wanted for allegedly involving in a series of armed robbery, kidnapping, and murder cases. Adebola, while parading the suspect at the state police command,  said he would be charged in court. He said, “Discreet intelligence-led search commenced for the sacked PMS chieftain with the help of technology, collaborative efforts with sister services and community policing, many locations were identified, traced and combed for months until his recent arrest in a concerted effort with our sister services. “Exhibits recovered in his possession at his Diamond Hotel residence around Alakia-Isebo Egbeda under

 Governing council: FG begs ASUU over strike threat The acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki, said, on Wednesday, that the Federal Government was working to reconstitute the governing councils of universities. He said the Minister of Education, Prof Tahir Mamman, had put in place a panel to work on the list. The NUC Executive Secretary said the councils would be inaugurated once the list was consummated. Maiyaki spoke at a media parley with education reporters in Abuja on Wednesday. He was responding to the two-week ultimatum issued by the Academic Staff Union of Universities to the government to reconstitute the governing councils of public universities. ASUU had on Tuesday given the government a two-week ultimatum to reconstitute the governing councils of federal universities. “To reconstitute the councils of 61 universities is not a small feat. The government is working to ensure that people who are qualified and with the right pedigree a

 ICPC to Tackle Terrorism Financing as A Way of Preventing Illicit Financial Flows Amid rampant terrorism and financial misconduct, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reaffirmed its dedication to combating terrorism financing as a means to curtail illicit financial activities. This commitment was reiterated yesterday by the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN during a Multi-Stakeholders' National Dialogue on preventing terrorism financing and violent extremism, organized by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in partnership with Transparency International in Nigeria (TI-Nigeria) and the Inter-Governmental Action Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA ECOWAS), held at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja. In his address, Dr. Aliyu emphasized the Commission's role as a beacon of hope, particularly in Nigeria's North-Eastern region. He underscored ICPC's relentless efforts in conveying a resolute

 Kwara Court Jails Two Chinese for Illegal Mining  Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday, May 15, 2024   convicted and  sentenced  two Chinese:  Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi to one year imprisonment  for offences bordering on illegal mining and possession of solid minerals without requisite licences. The duo were arraigned on Monday, April 22, 2024 alongside their company, Ebuy Concept Limited on one-count charge bordering on illegal mining The lone-count charge reads: “That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig. LTD, Duan Ya Hong, Xiao Yi sometime in the Month of February 2024 at Banni, in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court, without lawful authority, purchased minerals to wit; 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a Truck, with Registration Number JJJ 386 XT and thereby committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act 1984”. They pleaded not gu

 WOMAN CRIES FOR HELP AFTER HUSBAND ALLEGEDLY ABANDONED HER IN A LAGOS HOSPITAL AND 'USED MONEY FOR HER CS TO BUY A PHONE AND DOG' A new mum has cried out for help after her husband allegedly abandoned her at the Alimoshso General Hospital in Igando, Lagos State. The newlywed explained that she got pregnant shortly after their wedding and as her due date approached, she developed severe pain and breathlessness and was taken to the hospital where doctors told her she would have to give birth via cesarean section, CS. She said her husband objected and told doctors to discharge her. She alleged that when they got home, he bought herbal concoction for her and asked her to drink it to help her give birth naturally. She said her pain intensified after drinking it and she was rushed to the hospital for the surgery. She cried out for help on Facebook and a kind Nigerian sent her N500,000. According to the lady, she gave some of the money to her husband to pay for the surgery but when i

 Portable’s babymama Ashabi shed tears as she makes an appeal to God Nollywood actress and mother of singer Portable’s son, Omobolarinde Akinyanju, better known as Ashabi, has made an appeal to her Maker following the completion of her movie. Taking to her Instagram page to share a video of her in tears, surrounded by her cast mates, she expressed gratitude to her Maker for a successful project as she noted how she cried and laughed, but God knows what her real feelings were. She disclosed that her latest movie is her biggest movie so far, as it is a multimillion project. She further disclosed that the devil made it look invisible, but God said it was visible. “It can only b GOD , agbekele eniyan asan ni. Thank you GOD for another successful one; I cried, I laugh but GOD knows what d real feelings was; this is my biggest movie so far, a multiple million project, devil made it look invisible, but GOD said it’s visible, just emotional, let me plead in advance please anticipate for FITILA

 TROOPS AMBUSH TERRORISTS ON TRANSIT TO COMMIT MAYHEM IN KADUNA, KILL ONE, RECOVER ARMS Troops of Nigerian Army deployed for Counter-terrorism operations in Kaduna State have in a response to actionable intelligence ambushed terrorists transiting with arms in the Birnin Gwari axis of the state on Wednesday 15 May 2024. The troops laid in ambush around Kwaga Village for the terrorists, known for causing mayhem within the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, neutralizing one terrorist, while others fled in disarray.  The quick reaction of the troops not only prevented a potential attack on innocent citizens in the area,  but also led to the recovery of 2 AK 47 Rifles with magazines, as well as 2 motorbikes.  Troops are currently in pursuit of the fleeing terrorists. More photos below.

 BENUE ASSEMBLY URGES PROBE INTO ALLEGED ASSASSINATION PLOT OF MEMBER  The Benue state House of Assembly has taken decisive action in response to alleged threat against the life of its member, Jonathan Agbidyeh, who represents the Katsina Ala East constituency. The assembly also directed Chief Joseph Har, the security adviser to the governor to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged threats against the life of Agbidyeh saying it was a seriously matter that needs urgent investigation. During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Aondona Dajoh, Agbidyeh Tuesday raised urgent concerns about his safety. The urgent call to action came after Agbidyeh moved a motion of urgent public importance claiming that a conspiracy to end his life had been hatched by the caretaker chairman of Katsina Ala, Justin Shaku, in collusion with key members of the Benue state Volunteer Guards. Agbidyeh’s allegations paint a harrowing picture of political intrigue and potential violence. He asserts