PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Family of 7 dead after eating cassava meal in Sokoto A family of 7 died after eating cassava delicacy at Runjin Barmo village of Kajiji District in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The village head, Muhammadu Modi Magajin Runjin Barmo, who received the state’s Commissioner for Health, Asabe Balarabe and other officials on a condolence visit, said the incident happened on Wednesday. He said the victims were Malam Abubakar, his wife, A’ishatu and their five children. He thanked Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his concern. In her remarks, the commissioner said they were at the village to assess the cause of the incident for onward communication to the state government for necessary action. She said the ministry would take samples from one teenager who happened to be alive after eating the suspected meal.

 Rwanda’s Kagame sworn in for fourth term Rwandan President Paul Kagame has been sworn in for a fourth term after sweeping to victory in an election last month with more than 99 percent of the vote. Several dozen heads of state and other dignitaries from African nations attended the inauguration ceremony on Sunday at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, where crowds had started gathering from the early morning. Sunday's swearing-in took place at Kigali's Amahoro national Stadium, with thousands in attendance. Rights groups say the margin of his electoral victory is proof of the lack of democracy in Rwanda. Only two candidates were allowed to stand against Mr Kagame in the 15 July election, after eight other candidates including his most vocal critics were barred by the electoral commission. In his oath of office, Mr Kagame vowed to preserve peace and national sovereignty, and to consolidate national unity. He also pledged to "never use the powers conferred upon me for p...

 In reply, please quote; Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/208 Date: August 11, 2024   The Director of News  ……………………………. PRESS RELEASE   YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: NIGERIA POLICE CONVEYS YOUTHS SUMMIT, REITERATES COMMITMENT TO YOUTH INCLUSIVITY IN NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT    The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising the pivotal role of the youths in national security and general development of our dear country. The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, made this known while confirming the readiness of the police to organise the Police Youth Summit, 2024 to commemorate the UN International Youth Day on August 12, 2024. Preparations for the Nigeria Police Youth Summit are in full swing, and we eagerly anticipate engaging with young and brilliant minds from across the country.   The summit promises to be an enriching experience, featuring thought-provoking discussions on youth empowerment, natio...

 PRESS RELEASE  Journey to Los Angeles 2028 start now - Sports Minister Sen. John Owan Enoh  The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh has stated that ,to avoid the mistake of Paris 2024 the road map for Los Angeles 2028 starts immediately.  The Minister made this known in Paris ,pointing out that the upcoming National Youth Games and National Sporting Festival in Ogun state ,in January 2025 will be an avenue to scout for new talents that will be hungry to serve their motherland. Sen. John Owan Enoh noted that despite not winning a medal, the Ministry has spotted some elite talents that have potential to win medals in the next Olympics, and he will ensure they get all the necessary support to aid them to train and compete at the highest level for the next four years. He said: "My takeaway from our performance so far at the Olympics is, from what has happened ,how much does that fire us in terms of what we expect in the next four years. "W...

 Press Release  PBAT GREEN HEROES  PROJECT TO CREATE JOBS FOR YOUTH AND RETIREES NATIONWIDE President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Green Heroes Project will create job opportunities for the teaming Youth and Retirees across the country through the implementation of the special  presidential initiative on climate change mitigation and adaptation. The Presidential Initiative on Climate change will focus on the  plan to create 24 community forests covering 240 hectares of land in 24 local government Areas of the country.  The Minister of state for Environment, Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako made this known recently in Abuja during commemoration of the International Day for Combating Sand and Dust Storm. The Nigerian Youths and Retirees should use the opportunity of the Presidential  Initiative to engage themselves in self empowerment. The Minister urged all relevant stakeholders to support the initiative, most especially at subnational levels to  reduce level of unem...

 PRESS RELEASE NATIONAL CLEAN COOKING POLICY IMPLEMENTATION  TO ATTRACTS  MILLION DIRECT EMPLOYMENT AMONG YOUTHS- Balarabe   The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has stated that the full implementation of  National Clean Cooking Policy of Nigeria will attract about Ten million direct jobs among youths ranging from assembling of local raw materials to production and chains of distribution of clean cookstoves in addition to the carbon credit earning which the development of national carbon market framework is in process.   The Minister disclosed this recently in Abuja  that the approved National Clean Cooking Policy in Nigeria by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), is to mitigate greenhouse gas emission, improve health, create jobs, build livelihoods, protect the environment, prevent deforestation, help families, institutions and businesses save time and money.  Balarabe said the full  implementation of the policy would ...

 Cannabis with an estimated value of more than €16m (£14m) has been seized in County Wexford. Revenue officers and gardaí (Irish police) discovered the drugs on Saturday after a unaccompanied freight unit, which had disembarked a ferry from Bilbao, Spain, was searched at Rosslare Europort. About 783kg of herbal cannabis and 70kg of cannabis resin, with an estimated value of €16.09m (£13.8m) was seized in the operation. Gardaí said no arrests have been made, but the drugs are now being analysed and investigations are ongoing.

 LAGOS CELEBRATES WORLD INDIGENOUS DAY  Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, joined others across the globe to commemorate World Indigenous Day with an event held at Freedom Park, Lagos, Nigeria on Friday. The event, which includes a vibrant display of traditional music, cultural performances, and delicious local cuisine, was organised by the Ministry to promote and protect the rights of indigenous peoples in Lagos and Nigeria at large. According to the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, "World Indigenous Day is a significant occasion to recognise and celebrate the contributions of Indigenous people to our society. We are committed to promoting and protecting their rights and interests". The attendees were treated to a colourful display of cultural performances, showcasing the rich diversity of Nigeria's and Lagos' indigenous communities. Traditional food exhibitions offered a delicious glimpse into t...

 LASG EMPHASISES IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SANITATION PRACTICES  … As Weekly Sanitation Advocacy Campaign Train Moves To Bariga LCDA The Lagos State Government on Sunday emphasised the importance of good sanitation practices amongst all residents to ensure a clean, flood-free, safe and sustainable environment across the state.  The State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab disclosed this during the Weekly Community-Based Environmental Sanitation Advocacy campaign held at Omobokun Street, Ekimogun Underbridge Iyana-Oworo, Bariga Local Council Development Area, adding that all residents must make good sanitation practices a daily affair.  He said the Advocacy campaign was introduced to promote good sanitation practices amongst residents before the formal commencement of the monthly Sanitation Exercise.  According to him, some houses in the area have been investigated and  were found to have channelled their septic tanks into the drain...

 Mississippi attorney (pictured below) arrested for smuggling contraband into jail while claiming to meet with clients.  Daniel Dale, a Mississippi attorney, was arrested and charged with conspiracy and introducing contraband. These charges come after video showed him giving an incarcerated "client" a cell phone and a brown envelope from inside of a silver briefcase.  When he was taken into custody as he attempted to consult with a "client" he was found to have 2 cell phones, 4 vacuum sealed bags of Marijuana, 4 packs of cigarettes (also vacuum sealed), cigar wraps, and digital scales inside of the same briefcase. There are no reports on whether or not he has bonded out or when his first court appearance is.

  11 Killed, Including 2 Babies In Abia Auto Crash  At least eleven persons were killed on Sunday, including two babies following a tragic road accident near Umuika Junction on the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway in Abia State.  More photos below. 

 The Sangamon County Sheriff, Jack Campbell, has resigned.  He expressed remorse for Sonya Massey and her family. He stated he tried to be transparent but those efforts were to no avail. I don't know every "tiny" thing that happened but I do know the most important things. I know for sure Sonya should still be with us, and never forgotten.  I will be a reporter and be honest with my readers as always. However as just a human, I have to admit that body cam footage has replayed in my head every single day. I see horrible videos and then evaluate them for a living. But that video was difficult. I received it unblurred. It was awful. For many days I've found comfort, hope and respite in several different songs and civil rights leader's words as well as mid century poetry. I've been listening to Pete Seeger sing We Shall Overcome in my hardest times dealing with the video, for many different reasons I'm not going to dive into.  We shall overcome We shall overco...

 Landslide at Uganda rubbish dump kills at least 18 people Torrential rains trigger deadly landslide at a Kampala landfill, burying homes in Uganda’s capital. A landslide at a rubbish dump in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, has killed at least 18 people, authorities have reported as they continue to search for survivors.. Police announced the death toll on Sunday, two days after torrential rain broke off a huge chunk of rubbish at Kiteezi, the city’s only landfill site. The landslide buried people, livestock and homes as residents slept..

 Israeli army orders Gaza ‘humanitarian zone’ evacuation Tens of thousands of Palestinians flee as Israel warns of expanded military action in southern city of Khan Younis.  The Israeli military has ordered more evacuations in southern Gaza after a deadly air strike on a school-turned-shelter in the north killed more than 100 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.. Hundreds of families carrying their belongings in their arms left their homes and shelters in Khan Younis early on Sunday, seeking elusive refuge.. Israel has repeatedly ordered mass evacuations as its troops have returned to heavily damaged areas where they had previously battled Palestinian fighters. The vast majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people has been displaced by the 10-month war, often multiple times.. Hundreds of thousands have crammed into squalid tent camps with few public services or have sought shelter in schools like the one struck on Saturday in Gaza City. Palestinians say nowhere in the...

 “Dear South Africans, We saw the love you showed our sister Chidima during your Miss South Africa competition. Just because her name is Chidima, which is Nigerian, you showered her with ‘love’ by b#llying and h#r#ssing her until she had to le@ve the competition even though she was a finalist. I thought that after she left, you would have the perfect Miss South Africa, but I was surprised to see that you crowned a lady whose parents are from France as Miss South Africa 2024. It really shows how much you love Africa, and I'm sure Mandela would be so proud of you. Congratulations  🥳” ~ VeryDarkmam sends a message to South Africa

 Borno State Government Provides Urgent Relief to a Malnourished Family.   The Borno State Government has swiftly responded by addressing a humanitarian crisis that gained widespread attention through social media, particularly on Facebook, with a viral post showing the plight of a family battling acute malnutrition in the Bayan Texaco area of Maiduguri.   Upon learning of the family’s unfortunate situation, the Borno State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development swiftly mobilised resources to provide comprehensive support.    The Hon. Commissioner, Hajiya Zuwaira Gambo, personally oversaw the relief efforts, ensuring that the family received the necessary assistance without delay.   ... Assessment of the Family's Needs   The family's situation was dire, characterised by malnutrition and significant health challenges, particularly affecting the vision of three children. One child had previously undergone eye surgery in Kaduna.   In respon...

  Bach to step down as Olympic chief next year. International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach says he intends to stand down after the end of his second term next year. The German lawyer, who has been in charge since 2013, surprised members at a session during the Paris Games, saying he would not continue despite being asked to. Others should learn from him.  ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE:  Tonight’s closing ceremony of the Paris 2024 marks a milestone in the administration of Thomas Bach, the German president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). It will be the last time he is presiding over the Olympic Games. The clandestine speculations over his future appears to have now been decided. After 11 years on the saddle, the former Olympic gold medallist at the 1976 Montreal Olympics will step down next year. It means that a new boss will preside over the next Games in Los Angeles in 2028. “Change or be changed”, were his words at the IOC’s 142nd Session ...

 FOUR PEOPLE PERISH IN A BUS & TAXI CRASH ON THE N1  MUSINA : Four lives have been lost on Limpopo roads, this in the Vhembe District on Sunday morning.  This after four people have been killed when the taxi they were traveling in collided with a bus on the N1 near Baobab tollgate outside Musina.  Three other passengers have been injured.  Preliminary investigations indicate that the taxi was trying to avoid another vehicle when it swerved towards on-coming traffic, and collided with the bus. More photos below. 

 DIKOMA FOOD POISON CLAIMS ONE LIFE. Dikoma food have claimed a life of young man Minkateko from ximungwe, who came to support his friend as they work together for ingoma celebrations. According to Bushbuckridge Media, the young man minkateko came all the way from Ximungwe to support his friend as he was celebrating the return of his 2 sons from Engomeni, In bushbuckridge, Alexander. It happened that the food was meant for the friend who's the owner of the house, therefore because they've served him before his friend who came all the way to support him. He then took his plate of food and gave his friend to eat as he's a visitor, and he's the owner of the house it doesn't matter even though yena he doesn't get any food, coz he's not a visitor. The family of the late young man seems not interested at all in this matter, Hina ngwana wahina i suke afamba hi milenge so we expecting him to return back the way he left, ngu swekeni kwahalani bushbuckridge mimuja sai...

 Ondo farmer killed after receiving compensation for damaged crops A 36-year-old farmer, Sunday Ayenis, from Uba Oka in Akoko Southwest Local Government Area, was killed just days after herders compensated him for damaging his crops. Villagers alleged that the herders were responsible for the killing, saying that Ayenis was found dead in his farm with his intestines exposed. It was gathered that his dog, which had accompanied him to the farm, was also killed and found lying beside him. Sources suggest the attack occurred because the herders were dissatisfied with the amount of compensation they had paid. The compensation was reportedly negotiated by security agents and community elders. According to the source: “He went to his farm with his dog as usual yesterday but he didn’t come back on time and this led to a search party going to the bush. “It was the search party who discovered his lifeless body in pool of his blood with his dog and cutlass beside him.” A farmer and community ...

 Why I cancelled my wedding 48hrs before ceremony – Ngozi Nwosu Veteran actress, Ngozi Nwosu, has shared a personal story revealing that she called off her wedding just two days before the ceremony due to her fiancé’s abusive behaviour. In a recent interview on the “Talk To B” podcast hosted by Biola Bayo, Nwosu explained that her decision was prompted by a violent incident where she was physically assaulted by her ex-partner while pregnant. Nwosu stressed that while infidelity might be forgivable, physical abuse is a non-negotiable reason to end a relationship. She said: “For me, infidelity isn’t enough for you to let go of your man. But, if it’s battery, I advise any woman to, in fact, not take any of their property and run for your life because they will never stop. Once a man lifts his hand on you, he won’t stop. “I called off my wedding two days before because that day, he gave me the beating of my life. I was pregnant then, and I was like, is this what I’m entering? Because h...

 Access, FBN, Fidelity… CBN sells dollars to 26 banks, disqualifies six The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it sold foreign exchange (FX) to banks worth $876.26 million at N1,495 per dollar. According to a statement dated August 7, signed by Omolara Omotunde Duke, CBN’s director of the financial markets department, the apex bank said the auction aimed to reduce demand pressure in the FX market and promote price discovery. The CBN said the transaction was conducted through a retail Dutch auction system (rDAS). According to the apex bank, while bids valued at $876.26 million from 26 banks qualified, bids from six banks were disqualified. The CBN said four banks missed the deadline and two did not provide bids in their submitted templates. Below is the full list of successful and unsuccessful bids. $SUCCESSFUL BIDS: S/N BANK SUCCESSFUL BIDS ($) 1. Access       79,092,862.79 2. Citi       12,001,875.89 3. Coronation        ...

 Obasanjo to n’assembly: It’s immoral to fix your salaries, allowances Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says it is immoral for the members of the national assembly to determine their salaries and allowances. Obasanjo spoke on Friday when he hosted some members of the house of representatives in Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun state. The former president said it is the duty of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMFAC) to determine what public officeholders earn. “Look at your case, with all due respect,” Obasanjo said. “You are not supposed to fix your salaries or your allowances; it is supposed to be done by the RMFAC, but you decide what you pay yourselves, the allowances that you give yourselves — newspaper allowances, pant allowances — you give yourself all sorts of things. With due respect, you know it is not right. “It is not right for me to be the one to declare and determine what I pay myself. It is immoral, and then you are doing it. “The senate...

 Arsonists burn down Redeemed Church in Niger Some unidentified persons have burnt down the Redeemed Christian Church of God (Champion Zonal Headquarters) situated along Federal College of Education (FCE) Road in Kontagora, Niger State. The incident occurred at the early hours of Saturday. It was gathered that a similar incident occurred 10 years ago when the church was set ablaze by some unknown arsonists who had warned that the church building should not be completed. Condemning the latest attack on the church, the state Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Niger State chapter, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, described the incident as barbaric and uncalled for. He noted, “There is freedom of worship in Niger State, I am sure by the time the government and security agencies take action, it will go a long way to address any form of tension that may want to escalate beyond control. “We are hoping that the law will take its course. To be frank, issues like this must be...

 EndBadGovernance: They gave their lives – Peter Obi mourns victims Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi has mourned those who lost their in the just concluded #Endbadgovernance protests in the country. Extending heartfelt sympathies to the families who suffered losses in the struggle, Obi said the deceased gave their lives while advocating for better governance in the nation. In a post on his X handle on Sunday, the former Anambra State Governor said that addressing insecurity, fighting corruption, alleviating hardship, and combating poverty were urgent matters that required immediate attention. He, therefore, called on all leaders to take decisive action to resolve those critical issues. Obi said: “With the #Endbadgovernance protests officially concluded yesterday, I want to once again express my deepest condolences to all who have lost their lives, including the security personnel, during these protests. “These individuals gave their lives while ad...

 Nigerian woman tears husband’s international passport on arrival at airport A yet-to-be identified lady tore her husband’s international passport on their arrival at the airport. A video of the incident was shared by a Nigerian, Chude Nnamdi on his X handle on Sunday. “This lady destroyed her husband’s international passport on their arrival. Omo,” Chude Nnamdi @Chude_ wrote on X. The woman didn’t state the reason for her strange action. However, the husband remained calm and later picked up the pieces of the passport from the floor. The post did not disclose the particular Nigerian airport where the incident occurred. The video of the incident, which is trending across various social media platforms, is also generating reactions from Nigerians. Watch video below. 

 Entertainment‘ I want to be Ned Nwoko’s 8th wife’ – Actress, Esther Nwachukwu Controversial Nollywood actress Esther Nwachukwu, aka Esther Sky, has expressed her desire to be Senator Ned Nwoko’s eighth wife. Speaking in the teaser of the upcoming episode of ‘The Honest Bunch’, Esther Sky said she won’t marry for love but money. “I want to be Ned Nwoko’s eighth wife…. In this generation, women love money more than love,” she said. The co-host, Nedu, asked: “So, you don’t care about love?” Nwachukwu replied: “Nobody marries for love these days. Did Dangote’s daughter marry a poor man?” Nedu: “Those ones are used to money already.” Nwachukwu: “You can’t be from a poor background and marry someone from a poor background. I’m from a very humble background and I’m an only child.”

  Mia Le Roux is the new Miss South Africa. The Free State-born model was crowned at a ceremony held at the Sun Bet Arena at Time Square in Menlyn, Pretoria. Mia Le Roux is the first Miss SA Winner who is deaf & has a cochlear implant. She will be the first contestant at the Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico with such a disability to take part in the competition.  For her tenure, she walks away with the Mowana crown, a lavish fully furnished apartment, a Mercedes Benz, R1 million and more prizes.

 LASTMA, FRSC COMMIT TO STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP ON TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT IN LAGOS The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have agreed to strengthen their partnership in managing traffic across Lagos State. This agreement was announced recently by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki during a courtesy visit by the FRSC Zonal Commanding Officer, Assistant Corps Marshal Jonathan Owoade and his team to LASTMA Headquarters in Oshodi, Lagos. Mr. Bakare-Oki welcomed the initiative and reiterated LASTMA's commitment to collaborating with the FRSC on traffic decongestion, public enlightenment, and the enforcement of traffic regulations. He expressed confidence that the partnership would bring about positive outcomes for road users in Lagos. He further disclosed that between January and June 2024, a total of 9,370 vehicles were penalised for traffic violations in Lagos.  "Let me emphasise that 50% of these contraven...