PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 "The pastor said he won’t wed us" - Nigerian groom sent out of church on wedding day due to beard, trims it roadside to return and get married, sparking online debate. What do you think?  Watch video below. 

 He didn’t propose to DJ Cuppy but wasted years dating her” – Netizens react as Davido’s manager Asa Asika engages his girlfriend Social media users are divided over the news of music star Davido’s manager engaging his girlfriend, Leona Adesanya. In a video trending online, Asa was captured popping the question to a surprised Leona on Friday, September 13th, and she said yes. The couple-to-be blushed in their black outfits as family and friends celebrated with them, including his boss, Davido,, and the 30BG crew. Social media users are divided over the news of music star Davido’s manager engaging his girlfriend, Leona Adesanya. In a video trending online, Asa was captured popping the question to a surprised Leona on Friday, September 13th, and she said yes. The couple-to-be blushed in their black outfits as family and friends celebrated with them, including his boss, Davido,, and the 30BG crew.

 “I am proud to say I saw your ring first” – Davido reacts as manager, Asa Asika proposes to his girlfriend Award-winning music star David Adeleke better known by his stage name Davido has reacted as his manager, Asa Asika proposes to his girlfriend. We reported hours ago that Asa Asika had popped the question to his heartthrob. In a video trending online, Asa was captured popping the question to a surprised Leona on Friday, September 13th, and she said yes. The couple-to-be blushed in their black outfits as family and friends celebrated with them, including his boss, Davido, and the 30BG crew. Taking to his Instagram story, Davido revealed that he was the first person to see the ring as he expressed excitement over their upcoming nuptial. “We gotta wedding to plan. I’m proud to say I saw ur ring first”.

 Actress Nkechi Blessing’s lists 200 cows, 5 iPhone 16 Promax, 5 mansions in Dubai, and more as her bride price Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing has created a stir online with her exorbitant bride price list. The movie star, who weeks back revealed her desire to get married, via her Instagram page, showed off the list of things she would be requiring as bride price before any man can marry her. In the list, she demanded 5 iPhone 16 Promax, 5 private jets, 500 million for her parents, 5 boutiques, 200 cows, 200 bags of rice, 10 bone straight for her sisters, 40 plots of land in Lekki, 80 tubers of yams, 5 mansion in Dubai, 5 Range Rover Sport, 2 Tesla Cars and more as her bride price.

 I am forever in your debt” – Davido’s brother Adewale Adeleke tells wife as they welcome baby boy It is raining babies this month for many celebrities as Adewale Adeleke, the elder brother of music star Davido, and his wife welcome their second child. Taking to his Instagram page, Chairman KHN, as he is fondly known, revealed that he and his wife have welcomed their second child, a baby boy. Sharing a photo of the hand of his newborn son, he expressed gratitude to his wife as he stated that he is forever indebted to her. Adewale appreciated her for all the sacrifices she had made to make their family complete as he welcomed his son into the world. The proud father of two went on to reveal his son’s name as Adewale Jamie Itam Adeleke. “Adewale Jamie Itam Adeleke! AJ, welcome to the world, my son! Daddy loves you. My loving wife @kani41 I’m forever in your debt. Thank you for all the sacrifices you have made to make our family complete”. It is raining babies this month for many cele...

 Newly Hired Kaduna Nurses Raise Alarm Over Unpaid Salaries, Call For Urgent Intervention Two hundred and seventy-three newly recruited nurses in Kaduna State have lamented the non-payment of eight months' salary arrears. They stated that they were recruited in April 2023.  The nurses, speaking through their representatives, said they began receiving salaries in June this year, with eight months' worth of arrears still outstanding. According to them, their appointment letters specified a monthly salary of sixty-nine thousand naira, but they have only been receiving forty-five thousand naira since they started receiving payments in February this year. Expressing concern, the representatives noted that some of their colleagues have since resigned from their positions as they are unable to cope with the challenges of economic hardship and rising transportation costs. They added that they have contacted the State Commissioner of Health, who made efforts to resolve the issue, but t...

 WHY I APPOINTED FIRST FEMALE SSG - GOV. ALIA The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia says his administration has confidence and trust in Benue’s women ability to deliver on any responsibility given to them. Governor Alia made this known at the Old Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House Makurdi while swearing in the first female Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Aber Serumun Deborah. The governor appointed Barr. Deborah on the 10th of September, 2024. According to him, his administration recognizes the important roles women play in society. He added that the appointment of Barr. Aber, as the first female SSG in the state is a reflection of his government’s determination to elevate merit and diversity in leadership. “As the first woman ever to be appointed as Secretary to the State Government in Benue State, Barr. Aber Serumun Deborah’s appointment is a testament to the confidence I and indeed this administration have in the abilities of the women ...

 POLICE PRESS RELEASE: The Rivers State Police Command is aware of the senseless and sporadic shooting at Abuloma area in the Port-Harcourt City Local Government of the State where the  Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Central Zone were conducting their elections. Consequently, the Commissioner of Police Rivers State has swiftly despatched Tactical Teams to the scene , but before the arrival of the Police, the perpetrators have run into their hidings. The Commissioner of Police has given  marching orders to track down the perpetrators and bring them to face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, the Command wishes to advise all law abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses and report any suspicious movement to the Police, as normalcy has returned to the area please.

 Flooding: FG Warns Of Impending Disaster In Two States The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, on Friday warned of potential river flooding on the Niger and Benue rivers At a press briefing in Abuja, the minister said that a large volume of water is flowing through these rivers towards the Niger Delta region. He called for vigilance in all aspects and proactive measures to address any future flooding events in the southern part of the country. “This flood disaster that affected the Maiduguri and Jere areas of Borno State was largely due to the overflow of water from the Alau Dam, located about 10 kilometres from Maiduguri city centre, caused by the massive inflow from the Ngadda River, a major tributary of the River Yedzaram,” he said. “The Minister of State, Bello Goronyo and I have visited Maiduguri with the Head of Agencies and Parastatals in my Ministry to express solidarity with the Governor, Borno State, and to assess the extent of devastation caused by...

 8-year-old nonverbal child found deceased in water only hours after running away from school. According to officials in Greenville County, SC., 8- year-old Lionel Cervantes ran away from the playground of Bells Crossing Elementary School at around 11:30 a.m., Thursday. When School officials realized Lionel was missing local authorities were contacted and an extensive search ensued. Sadly, deputies discovered Lionel deceased in a body of water near the school around 3 p.m. There is currently no additional information regarding how Lionel was able to run away from school unnoticed or how he came to be in the water.  We will update when more information becomes available. One more photo below. 

 Minnesota family reunited with their pet cat after it spent 2 months trapped underground in a sewer. The Nesseth family had been searching for their beloved pet "Drifter" since he disappeared almost 2 months before. On Tuesday September 10th, there was a breakthrough when neighborhood kids heard meowing coming from a storm drain. This happened after  12-year-old April Nesseth went outside and called for Drifter like she has done everyday since her pet became lost. Drifter had went missing after a construction crew capped a sewer hole down the street and now with hearing underground meowing the family hoped they had found their cat. They quickly jumped into action and dug a hole revealing the drain which was capped with a fabric like material.  They then cut a hole in the fabric covering and Drifter popped his head out to greet his overjoyed family. The happy family pulled him to safety and after a loving reunion they took Drifter to the vet. Drifter had lost 9 lbs while ...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMENDS MILITARY ON SUCCESSFUL OPERATIONS IN NORTH-WEST, PLEDGES SUSTAINED SUPPORT President Bola Tinubu receives with relief the news of the strings of successful operations against security threats in the north-west by troops of the Nigerian military.   He says the success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of  ensuring the peace and security of the nation.   Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday, neutralised a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria. The troops also killed  another terrorist Sani Wala Burki in a Joint Operation in Katsina, and  busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were freed.   The successful operations follow the President's directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is ...

 NSCDC rescues 12-year-old girl locked up, tortured for 2 years in Akwa Ibom Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Akwa Ibom Command said it has rescued a 12-year-old girl, Bright Sunday, who was locked up in a dilapidated building and tortured for two years by her father in Ikot Ukporo Idoro village, Ibiono Ibom local government area of the state. Addressing newsmen in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday, the State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, said the victim’s father, Ndifreke Sunday – 38 years and her stepmother, Victory Sunday – 28 years had accused her of being a witch. He said the rescue and subsequent arrest of the suspects followed a complaint received from the Ministry of Justice. He added that the father of the victim and her stepmother were arrested for child deprivation and abuse in line with Section 10 of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020. The statement in parts, “The arrest was made on Tuesday, Sept. 10 at ...

 Kaduna: Repent or face indignation – NSCDC warns bandits, criminals The Kaduna State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has warned bandits and criminal elements to repent or face the consequences of their heinous actions. The new Commandant of the command, Mr Nuhu Muhammad, gave the warning during the visit of acting Zonal Commander, NSCDC Zone B, Kaduna, Mr Amos Abiodun, on Friday in Kaduna. Muhammad said criminals disturbing the peace and stability of the state should repent from their nefarious attitudes and be good citizens, or face the consequence of their criminal behaviours. He explained that the mandate of NSCDC as a security agency was to protect lives, property and critical national assets and infrastructure. The new Commandant said NSCDC in Kaduna would pursue its mandates vigorously. He appealed to residents across the state to always volunteer information of suspected criminals around their environments to the corps and other security age...

 NIGERIAN ARMY DISMANTLES TERRORIST STRONGHOLDS- RESCUES KIDNAPPED STUDENTS In a series of strategic operations against terrorism and insurgency, troops of the Nigerian Army have struck a significant blow to terrorist networks, rescuing kidnapped students and seizing a large cache of weapons and ammunition. Several insurgents were neutralized, and others were captured during these coordinated efforts. On September 12, 2024, acting on credible intelligence, Nigerian Army troops in Kaduna State executed a meticulously planned operation to free abducted individuals from extremist camps. Engaging in a fierce battle in Chigbolu village, Kachia Local Government Area, the troops successfully overwhelmed the terrorists, forcing them to abandon their captives. A thorough search of the area led to the rescue of 13 individuals—6 males and 7 females—along with the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.63mm ammunition, 4 magazines, a locally made rifle, and ₦192,220.00. Additionally, 5 so...

 Portugal Celebrates Cristiano Ronaldo's Legendary Legacy With Stunning CR7 Euros Coin In a gesture of immense respect and admiration,Portugal has issued a special CR7 Euro coin to honour Ronaldo. This commemorative coin celebrates his status as one of the greatest football players in history and pays tribute to his remarkable achievements. Ronaldo's influence extends far beyond his impressive statistics and trophies. He embodies more than just athletic prowess; he is a true leader both on and off the pitch. His role as captain is matched by his dedication to charitable causes. Ronaldo's support for children's hospitals, disaster relief efforts, and educational initiatives showcases his commitment to using his success for the greater good. Speaking of Ronaldo's record , he is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner and five-time UEFA Champions League champion, he has set the bar extraordinarily high in the world of football. With over 900 career goals, Ronaldo is the all...

 Ballerina Michaela DePrince, who danced for Beyoncé, dies at age 29 Sierra Leonean ballerina Michaela Mabinty DePrince, who starred in TV show "Dancing with the Stars" and Beyonce's "Lemonade" music video album, died on Friday at the age of 29, her family said. DePrince's family confirmed the news of her passing on social media, writing in a Friday post they were making the announcement with "profound sadness." DePrince's death was "sudden," but other details surrounding the circumstances of her death were not immediately available, according to the post. "The family thanks you for their privacy as they navigate this very difficult time. Services will be private," according to the post. Decades before DePrince became a world-renowned ballerina, she was living at an orphanage in Sierra Leone, hoping to be adopted, and she was. Born in Kenema, Sierra Leone, in 1995, DePrince was sent to an orphanage at the age of three after...

 Niger House of Assembly member dies The member representing Munya Constituency in the Niger state House of Assembly, Comdt. Joseph Haruna Sduzaof has died. It was learnt that he died on Friday evening after a brief illness. The deceased was the Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Security and Intelligence. The Head of Media and Public Relations of the Niger State House of Assembly, Farouq Isah confirmed his death. Farouq said in a statement: “The death occurred this evening Friday, 13th September 2024 after a brief illness. “We pray that God Almighty grant his soul eternal rest and give the family, leadership, members, and staff of Niger State House of Assembly, Constituents of Munya local government Area the fortitude to bear this loss.”

 I give Portable three days to apologise to slapped pastor – Testimony Jaga Gospel singer Testimony Jaga has condemned Portable‘s recent physical altercation with a pastor, demanding an apology within three days. Portable slapped a pastor who came to preach at his bar, claiming the cleric was driving customers away. Testimony Jaga, who angrily posted a series of videos on Instagram, said: “@portablebaeby I am giving you three days to apologize to that man.” He emphasised that if the pastor had erred, Portable should have involved authorities, not resort to violence. “If Portable felt the pastor was doing something wrong, why not call the police or law enforcement to handle the situation? There was no need to slap him. “That man is someone’s father and husband. All I ask is for Portable to apologize—to the pastor and his family. If he doesn’t, he might find himself setting an example for why such behavior won’t be tolerated,” he said. The gospel artist’s ultimatum comes as many Nige...

 ‘Five killed’ as Okpebholo’s campaign convoy rams into car in Edo Five people have reportedly died in an accident that involved the campaign convoy of Monday Okpebholo, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Edo. TheCable understands that the accident occurred on Thursday at Warrake road in Uzebba of Owan west LGA, Edo state. It was learnt that one of the vehicles in Okpebholo’s campaign convoy hit a Toyota Camry conveying five persons, killing the occupants, including the driver. The victims were said to be returning home after attending a burial ceremony. The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a mortuary in Edo State University, Uzaurie, in Etsako west LGA of the state. One of the victims was identified as Emmanuel Edionwe. According to the Punch, a relative of Edionwe, who did not want to be named, said the family is devastated about the news of their son. “We just learnt that five of them have died after the collision with Okpebholo’s conv...

 Kate Henshaw slams fan for N35m request Actress Kate Henshaw has expressed shock and frustration after receiving an outrageous direct message from a fan, requesting N35 million. Henshaw took to her X account to share the astonishing message, venting her disbelief and annoyance. She wrote: “There must be a thought process that goes through people’s minds that I can’t fathom.  “How do you send a DM to someone and ask for N35 million? How? Why? If you can’t afford what you want, why not wait till you can or defer until you’ve saved enough? Stop it! Just stop!!”

 I never agreed to be VP to anyone in 2027 – Peter Obi Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has denied saying he has agreed a deal to become a vice-presidential candidate in the 2027 elections. Obi made the clarifications on X on Saturday while reacting to reactions that trailed a recent interview on News Central TV.  He stated that contrary to reports, he remains committed to the Labour Party and anyone looking for a collaboration must state their true intentions. The former Anambra Governor also said he is not desperate to become President but determined to see Nigeria work. He wrote: “I have been inundated with calls and concerns regarding the interview I granted to News Central TV. “In that interview, I took the opportunity it provided to explain my position in detail. However, some fifth columnists have resorted to propaganda, deliberately distorting the narrative. “Let me reiterate clearly what I said, which is on record. “I do not want to be one ...

 ‘I met native doctor on Tiktok’ – 20-year-old narrates how he killed Kogi varsity student for money ritual The Kogi State Police Command has paraded four suspects in connection with the killing of Damilola Olowoyo, a 19-year-old 100 level student at the Federal University Lokoja, FUL, Kogi State. The four suspects paraded are Jeremiah Paul, Emmanuel Otitoju, Banabas Olugbenga and Ajayi Basit Ayomide. Parading the suspects at the Police headquarter in Lokoja on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO SP William Ovye Aya noted that the prime suspect, Jeremiah Paul, lured the deceased to the bush and killed her for money ritual. Narrating how Paul was arrested, Aya said, “There was a complaint to the Commissioner of Police about the disappearance of Damilola Orowoyo, a 100 level student in the department Biological Science, Federal University Lokoja. “The Commissioner of Police swung into action and assigned the matter to the State Intelligence Department. The operatives swu...

 Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio will fight – Primate Ayodele The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has prophesied that there would be a fight between President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima. Ayodele said the fight with Shettima would cause political problems for Tinubu. In a video on his X page, the popular prophet also prophesied that a fight would break out between Tinubu and the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Ayodele said: “Tinubu and Shettima will fight and that will cause a political problem for the President. Also, Akpabio and Tinubu will fight because Ganduje is going; these are the things that would cause problems for the APC.” Primate Ayodele also noted that some northerners Tinubu depended on would attempt to betray him. He further prophesied that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike would be used to destroy the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. “On the part of the PDP, they would use Wike to dest...

 I plan to have children – Bobrisky reveals Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has revealed that he plans to have children in the next five years. He disclosed this in a recent interview with content creator, Egungun of Lagos. Egungun: “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Bobrisky: “I see myself in five years with beautiful children.” The cross-dresser also revealed that he spent 6 million Naira on butt enlargement surgery. “My BBL cost about 6 million Naira,” he said.

 UNIBEN students trapped as building collapses amid heavy rain in Benin Many students of the University of Benin, UNIBEN have been reported trapped in a storey building after it collapsed in the state. Sahara Reporters said the incident occurred on Ekhator Street, Ekosodin, an area known for housing students. The building collapsed following a heavy downpour on Saturday morning in Benin City, Edo State. Rescue operations are ongoing as of the time of filing this report. One of the students, who sought anonymity, said a university rescue team managed to extract some of the trapped occupants, though several were severely injured. He added that the injured victims were promptly rushed to the hospital for medical treatment. “The rescue team is still searching for one victim who remains trapped inside the rubble. It was reported that the victim called from inside the building, pleading for help, and efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue them,” the student said. The Dean of Students f...

 Nollywood mourns as actor Big Larry dies The Nollywood film industry is once again plunged into mourning following the death of actor Big Larry. The news was broken by renowned movie producer Stanley Nwoke, also known as Stanley Ontop, who shared the tragic update on his Instagram page. Nwoke’s post read: “Breaking News: Nollywood actor Big Larry just passed away. Je nke Oma big. What caused his demise is yet to be ascertained. May your soul rest in peace, Big Larry. Nollywood Asaba mourns. Shalom!!” The cause of Big Larry’s death has not yet been disclosed, leaving fans and colleagues alike in a state of uncertainty and grief. The news has sent ripples of sadness across the Nollywood community, with many taking to social media to express their condolences. Reactions from the entertainment world have been emotional and reflective of the shock felt by many: Destiny Etiko expressed her disbelief with a single word: “Jesus.” One Teoo wrote, “Ahhh this actor,” reflecting the collectiv...

 Nigeria ranks third in African countries with most generous people By Samuel Oamen Nigeria has been ranked third in the list of countries with the most generous people in Africa according to the World Giving Index 2024. In the list, Kenya ranks number one in Africa and second globally while The Gambia and Liberia rank second and fourth. According to the World Giving Index, by the Charity Aid Foundation (CAF), “Kenya’s position in the World Giving Index is both impressive and encouraging considering the nation’s battle with a rising cost of living and growing unemployment. “As a nation with a young population, the high ranking on volunteering and the willingness to help a stranger is a positive indicator of the “utu” spirit which signifies humanity. Kenyans’ actions around donating money also indicate how important it is to help with what one has,” the report says. The report also revealed that 4.2 billion people gave money, time, or helped someone they didn’t know in 2022. This nu...

 Comoros president's knife attacker dies in prison A man who attacked Comoros President Azali Assoumani with a knife and injured him slightly has been found dead in prison, the national prosecutor said Saturday, a day after the incident, AFP reported.. "He was isolated in a cell so that he could calm down yesterday after his arrest. Investigators found his lifeless body lying on the floor this morning. A doctor declared him dead," Ali Mohamed Djounaid told a press conference. "An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of his death," he added. Government spokeswoman Fatima Ahamada said Saturday that 65-year-old Assoumani was at home with his family and "doing very well". The attack took place during a funeral for a well-known religious leader. The knife injured the president's hand, but the attacker was stopped by another mourner, witnesses said.

 Biden to make first Africa visit with Angola trip in coming weeks, sources say President Joe Biden is planning a trip to Angola in coming weeks, fulfilling an earlier promise that would make him the first U.S. head of state to visit sub-Saharan Africa since Barack Obama in 2015, three sources familiar with the plans said, according to Reuters. The trip, which is still being finalized, is likely to occur after the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September and before the Nov. 5 presidential election, one of the sources said. The White House declined to comment on the trip plans. Biden had hoped to visit Angola late last year but the trip was postponed after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October. Biden has pledged closer U.S. partnership with democracies on the African continent, as Beijing invests heavily in the region.

 Ghana opposition claims 'dead people' added to voter register Ghana’s main opposition party has accused the Electoral Commission of tampering with the voter registry, raising tensions three months before December presidential elections, AFP reported. Already the election is set to be a tight contest between ruling NPP party candidate and current Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia and opposition NDC flagbearer and former president John Mahama. The NDC, or National Democratic Congress, claims the commission has colluded with the ruling party to manipulate the register in its favour to include 50,000 deceased people, illegally transfer votes and omit legitimate voters. The Electoral Commission has rejected the NDC’s demands for an audit, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. The accusations came after the registry was exhibited in August to the public for voters to correct names, delete people who are dead and correct gender mistakes. Rashid Tanko-Computer, the NDC's deputy d...

 South Africa demands veto rights for African nations at UN South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has welcomed Washington's support for two permanent seats for African nations on the UN Security Council, but said refusing them veto rights would make them "second-class citizens". On Thursday, the United States said it supported creating two permanent seats for Africa but they should not wield veto power over council resolutions, unlike the current permanent members —Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. Not having a continent of 1.3 billion people represented on the Security Council diminishes the role of the United Nations, Ramaphosa said at a press conference, according to TRT Afrika. However, refusing them the same rights as the other permanent members "means that we become second-class citizens once again", he said. "We demand and require that we should have serious participation on the UN Security Council," Ramaphosa said. "W...

  MINISTRY OF INTERIOR 13th September, 2024 PRESS STATEMENT FG DECLARES MONDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2024 PUBLIC HOLIDAY TO MARK THE CELEBRATION OF EID-UL-MAWLID The Federal Government has declared Monday, 16th September, 2024 as Public Holiday to mark the celebration of the Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion. Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the Muslim Ummah and, by extension, Nigerians, to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience. While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, the Minister implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation. Signed: Dr. Magdalene Ajani Permanent Secretary

 I’m a pastor, I did not disrespect anyone, says Portable Controversial artist Portable has declared himself a “Pastor” in a video message, days after he was seen assaulting a pastor for preaching at his bar. The pastor, visibly angry in the video, termed Portable’s actions as disrespectful and uncouth and warned that he would soon face consequences for his behaviour. After his action sparked outrage online, Portable responded by donning a celestial outfit and claiming, “I’m a pastor. When I speak, God speaks. I have never disrespected any pastor. If he were one, God would have told me.”

 NERC fines DisCos N9.11bn for overbilling The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has fined the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) 9.11bn for overbilling their customers under estimated billing. The fine was contained under the September 2024 Supplementary Order of the Multi Year Tariff Order of 2024. A review of the documents showed that Abuja Disco had the most fines with N1.69bn, followed by Eko Disco with N1.41bn while Ikeja Disco was fined N1.41bn. Others include Jos Disco with N1.33bn; Port Harcourt Disco, N1.16bn; Benin Disco, N804m; Enugu Disco, N310m; Ibadan Disco, N15m; Kaduna Disco, N115m; Yola Disco, N54m; Kano Disco N20m and Ibadan Disco, N15m. Issued on August 30, the order, signed by NERC Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye, follows a comprehensive investigation into the Discos’ billing practices. This penalty, NERC noted, is a response to the Discos’ non-compliance with previous...

 Omoni Oboli: I used to trade my scripts for roles Filmmaker and actress Omoni Oboli has shared her inspiring story of transitioning from an actress to a director. In an interview with Radionow 95.3 FM, Oboli revealed that she initially traded her scripts for roles in films, only to realise that her vision wasn’t being brought to life. Determined to maintain creative control, Oboli said she decided to take the helm and direct her own projects. According to him, despite initial apprehensions and self-doubt, she found the courage to pursue her dreams. Oboli recounted: “I was trading my scripts, I’d say you know what, just take it, and don’t pay me. Just give me a role in the film. So, I started to do that. But then I’ll watch the film and I realised, Okay it’s not quite what I had in my head when I was writing cos I see what I’m writing, I write in pictures. I see what I’m writing, so when I’m watching the movie it’s so different. Not to say that it wasn’t good because no two directo...

 Hardship: Animal feed now delicacy to some families Following the present economic hardship in the country, occasioned by the hike in fuel prices and food inflation, Nigerians have devised ingenious means to survive. The hardship has driven many to do the unimaginable just to survive such as feeding on animal feeds. Some residents have resorted to selling personal belongings to weather the crisis while some have even taken to urban farming. Many car owners have also abandoned their cars at home and make use of commercial motorcycles tricycles and other means of public transportation to their respective destinations while others have taken to trekking some distances because of the hike in transport fares. PLATEAU: Resort to animal feeds to stay alive In Plateau state, many women in Jos have now resorted to animal feeds to stay alive. A resident, Mrs Gladys Tonggang said, “I was heartbroken when I heard of a pregnant mother of four feeding her children with maize chaffs, which is ca...