PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 U.S. Mission Issues Voting Guide for Americans in Nigeria Ahead of 2024 Elections The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a detailed guide for American citizens residing in Nigeria, outlining the steps needed to participate in the upcoming November 5, 2024, elections. According to a statement shared on the Mission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, U.S. citizens living overseas are required to complete three steps to ensure their votes are counted: request a ballot, complete it, and return it. Ballots can either be mailed or dropped off at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos. The Mission urged U.S. citizens to visit the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) website to request their ballots and complete the process promptly to avoid delays. With early voting already underway in some U.S. states, the general election will feature a highly anticipated presidential race between former President Donald Trump and Democratic contender Kamala H...

 KDSG Security Update: Monday, 23rd September 2024.  Notorious bandit commander Kachalla Tukur Sharme, other bandits killed in fratricidal clash  -Several bandits left with life threatening injuries  As the maxim has foretold, those who live by the sword, certainly die by the sword.  After diligent follow-up operations and exploitation of vast human intelligence networks, it can be happily reported that the notorious bandit commander Kachalla Tukur Sharme, and other bandits, have been killed in a fratricidal clash.  Aside Sharme, two other bandits from a rival group were killed in the fierce gun duel, which also enabled some kidnapped citizens escape from captivity.  According to intelligence sources, five bandits were injured in the clash and are presently lurking in the area, seeking paramedics to manage their wounds.  Sharme, a notorious bandit who had butchered many citizens, kidnapped hundreds and rustled innumerable herds of cattle, met his ...

 The Lagos State Government has released the results of the Year 2024 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE). A statement signed by the Director of Lagos State Examinations Board, Mr. Adebayo Orunsolu informed both Public and Approved Private Junior Secondary Schools in the State that the Year 2024 BECE Results have been released The statement urged authorities concerned to visit the Board’s Portal: https://examsboard.lagosstate.gov.ng using their schools’ default or existing Usernames and Passwords provided during the registration of their students to enable them to print out their Schools’ results with effect from Monday, 23rd September, 2024. Mr. Orunsolu pointed out that all concerned schools in the State are allowed to have direct access to their results online to eliminate the burden and stress associated with coming to the Board for the physical collection of the results. The Director added that the initiative would also eliminate the delay usually associat...

 In a bid to ensure transparency and credibility in the admission process, the Lagos State College of Nursing, Igando, has conducted a Computer Assisted Screening (CAS) Entrance Examination for qualified candidates who successfully scored above 200 in the recently concluded Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination for the 2024/2025 academic session on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Addressing the candidates at the College during the exercise, the Acting Provost, Miss. Anuoluwapo Olaiwola Priestley explained that the entrance examination is mandatory for all candidates seeking admission into the institution. She emphasised that the examination is specifically designed to ensure credibility and maintain standards in the admission process, serving as an important criterion for student selection for interviews. Priestley advised the candidates to be conscious of time during the examination, as the system is designed to automatically log out any candidate once their tim...

 HIGHLIGHTS OF DECISIONS AT THE FEDERAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON MONDAY, 23RD SEPTEMBER 2024 1. The meeting reviewed the flooding in some parts of the country, especially the one that destroyed almost 50 per cent of Maiduguri in Borno State. The meeting backed the President’s idea of setting up a Disaster Relief Fund to be funded by a portion of the revenue accruing to the Federation account. Funds will also be solicited from the private sector.  2. The meeting resolved to set up a technical committee to conduct integrity tests on Alau Dam and other dams countrywide. 3. The Council also approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which embody the recommendations of the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reforms set up last year by President Tinubu. The bills seek to amend the income tax laws, promote the export of goods and services, reform the exchange rate regime and unlock foreign exchange liquidity. One of the bills offers tax relief to companies that ...

 I miss you my mom, It really hard without you” – Nollywood Actress Nkechi Blessing emotional as she marks mother’s 3rd remembrance, gives out foodstuffs in Ikeja Nkechi Blessing is marking the 3rd year remembrance of her late mother, Gloria Sunday. Taking to her Instagram page, she shared a video of her giving out foodstuff to the less privileged as she penned an emotional note to her late mother.  She revealed that 3 years without her is really hard as she noted how today makes it 3 years since she left the world. She vowed that just like how she never let her late mother suffer or stress while she was on earth, she would constantly remember her for the rest of her life.

 Thank God for giving me you and Thank God that i didn’t marry a lady who put me under unwarranted pressures and unnecessary constraints” – Mike Bamiloye reflects on his wedding day as he celebrates his wife Pastor Mike Bamiloye is reflecting on his marital journey as he sweetly celebrates his wife, Gloria Bamiloye. Taking to his Instagram page, he revealed that when he got married, he didn’t have any money. According to him, his big sister rented the house they lived in for them, his best man bought the suit and shirt he wore, his sister-in-law bought the shoes and socks he wore, and a sister gave his wife money to sew her wedding gown. He stated that they couldn’t even afford to pay for the registry, and all the money they got on their wedding day was used to settle debts, but here they are today.  He expressed gratitude to God that he didn’t marry a lady who put him under unwarranted pressures and unnecessary constraints.

 Paul Okoye affirms love for his pregnant wife as he sweetly celebrates her on her birthday It is the birthday of Ivy Ifeoma, the wife of a music star and the second half of the famous music group Psquare Paul Okoye Taking to his Instagram page, her singer husband shared some throwback photos of his beautiful wife as he sweetly celebrated her. Expressing his love for his wife and gave a special birthday shout-out to her.

 Ryan Routh letter: Trump gunman’s note offering $150k to ‘finish the job’ Ryan Routh kept a handwritten list of dates and locations of Trump’s movements and wrote a note months earlier stating his intention to kill The suspect in an assassination attempt on Donald Trump wrote a note offering an unidentified person $150,000 to “finish the job”, prosecutors said. Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, appeared in court on Monday morning charged with firearms offences following his suspected assassination attempt of the former president. Trump was the target of a second suspected assassination attempt by a gunman armed with an AK-47 rifle while golfing on Sunday 15 September. According to court filings, Mr Routh wrote a note months earlier saying that he intended to kill the former president. The note, addressed “Dear World,” read: “This was an assassination attempt on Donald Trump but I failed you. I tried my best and gave it all the gumption I could muster. It is up to you now to finish the job; a...

  Francis Ngannou to Earn Over $10 Million in PFL Debut Against Renan Ferreira Cameroonian MMA star Francis Ngannou is set to pocket more than $10 million when he makes his debut in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). His first fight will be against Renan Ferreira in the "Battle of the Giants" event, hosted in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou, also known as "The Predator," secured a unique clause in his PFL contract, ensuring that his opponents receive a guaranteed minimum payout of $2 million per fight. Renan Ferreira praised Ngannou for this move, calling it a show of sportsmanship and respect. This fight could be one of the most lucrative in PFL history.

 At least 30 bodies found on boat off Senegal coast At least 30 bodies were found on a boat drifting off the coast of Senegal's capital, the military said on Monday, as the number of migrants leaving West Africa increases, according to AP. The navy was informed of the vessel's presence on Sunday evening and sent out a boat patrol to the area, 70 kilometres (38 nautical miles) from Dakar, Ibrahima Sow, spokesperson for Senegal's military said in a statement. "So far, 30 bodies have been counted," Sow said. The advanced state of decomposition of the bodies is making the identification process very difficult, the military said, adding that investigations will provide more information on the death toll and the boat's origin. Earlier this month, a boat carrying 89 people on board capsized off the coast of Senegal. At least 37 people died, according to Senegalese authorities. Many of the migrants leaving West Africa through Senegal flee conflict, poverty and a lack ...

  LUTH, SCFN INTRODUCE BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT TO CURE SICKLE CELL DISEASE IN NIGERIA The Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) and the Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN) have joined forces to introduce a bone marrow transplant program aimed at curing sickle cell disease in Nigeria. In a statement signed by the Chief Medical Director of LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, and the National Director of SCFN, Dr. Annette Akinsete, they emphasized the urgent need for the program. According to the statement,“Recognising the gaps in care for individuals affected by the disease in Nigeria, SCFN and LUTH established a bone marrow transplant programme at LUTH.”  The program includes comprehensive care programs such as newborn screening, penicillin prophylaxis, and Transcranial Doppler screening in children to identify those at risk of stroke. The statement also noted that the first patients have started undergoing bone marrow transplants at LUTH, receiving treatment to prepare them for th...

  Joe Biden forgets to introduce India’s  PM Modi US President Joe Biden forgot he was supposed to introduce Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.  The octogenarian appeared visibly confused after addressing the Cancer Moonshot launch event and eventually asked what he was supposed to be doing next. Not only did Biden forget, but he also asked repeatedly who he was supposed to introduce next, despite the fact that PM Modi was on the dais alongside other Quad leaders, Australian PM Anthony Albanese and Japanese PM Fumio Kishida. The event moderator then intervened to announce PM Modi as the latter stepped forward to deliver his address. In a video surfacing on social media, Biden can be seen thanking those present at the event. All four Quad leaders are seated onstage. So I want to thank you all for being here," Biden added. However, he loses his train of thought soon after. "Who am I introducing next?" he asks, looking at his aides. The moderator of the event th...

 Alleged £1million Fraud: Police Witness Reveals How Suspects Were Apprehended In Ikorodu The third prosecution witness, PW3, in the ongoing trial of seven suspects over an alleged £1m fraud,  Giwa Wasiu, an Assistant  Superintendent of the Police, ASP has told Justice R.A.Osodi  of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos how the defendants were apprehended in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. The Lagos Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had on February 3, 2022 arraigned Morufu Adewale, (a.k.a Gbegunleri Adelana), Abayomi Alaka(a.k.a. Dauda Usman Alashe), Omitogun Ajayi and Ajisegiri Abiodun before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.  Three other defendants, Taiwo Ahmed, Raufu Raheem and Sanlabiu Teslim, had initially been listed to be at large. However, the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of Justice Taiwo. This prompted the re-assignment of the case file to Justic...

 Trump says he won't run for the presidency again if he loses in November Former US President, Donald Trump, indicated that he likely wouldn’t run in 2028 if he loses the November 5 election against Vice President Kamala Harris. �“No, I don’t. I think … that will be it. I don’t see that at all,” he told TV host Sharyl Attkisson on Sunday, September 22, when asked about vying for the White House for a third time.. �“Hopefully, we’re gonna be successful.”   Trump, 78, had been the Republican party standard bearer since 2016, and if he did hypothetically vie again in four years, he’d be older than President Biden, 81, who is the oldest president in US history. �“I was a very consequential president, and would certainly be, and maybe even more so this time,” Trump declared in the interview on Sinclair broadcastin’s “Full Measure.” “I understand countries, I understand who rips us and who doesn’t.” Trump also suggested there was some benefit to being out of office after losing the ...

  RFK Jr. bragged about having ‘intimate’ photos of reporter Olivia Nuzzi amid sexting scandal Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allegedly bragged about intimate photos of journalist Olivia Nuzzi, leading to her suspension after she admitted to sending them. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. allegedly boasted about having ‘intimate’ photos of star New York Magazine reporter Olivia Nuzzi, which ultimately led to their exposure. A report from the Daily Beast indicates that details about the photos reached editor-in-chief David Haskell, who confronted Nuzzi on September 13. Initially denying the affair, she later confessed to sending the photos, resulting in her suspension and an ongoing investigation into her journalistic ethics. The relationship between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Olivia Nuzzi reportedly began late last year after her profile on him, but it has only recently come to light. Although the Kennedy camp denies the claims, Nuzzi’s admission of a personal—if not physical—relationship with her repor...

 Iran's Guards Ban Communications Devices After Israel Strike On Hezbollah. Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) has ordered all members to stop using any type of communication devices after thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon blew up in deadly attacks last week, two senior Iranian security officials told Reuters, Report informs. One of the security officials said a large-scale operation is underway by the IRGC to inspect all devices, not just communication equipment. He said most of these devices were either homemade or imported from China and Russia. Iran was concerned about infiltration by Israeli agents, including Iranians on Israel's payroll and a thorough investigation of personnel has already begun, targeting mid and high-ranking members of the IRGC, added the official, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. "This includes scrutiny of their bank accounts both in Iran and abroad...

Jamie Foxx proudly escorted his eldest daughter, Corinne Foxx, down the aisle during her beautiful wedding to college sweetheart Joe Hooten in Los Angeles on Saturday. The 56-year-old Oscar winner also shared a heartfelt daddy-daughter dance with the 30-year-old bride at the reception.  Notably, the heartfelt ceremony comes just 17 months after experiencing a "near-death" medical complication that left him in a 20-day coma and unable to walk. Corinne Foxx and Joe Hooten, who met in 2018 and got engaged in December 2023, are now married.  More photos below. 

 Edo Guber: Damage You Caused Will Haunt Your Children – Peter Obi Tells INEC, Others Peter Obi of the Labour Party, LP, has described the Edo State governorship election as a blatant example of ‘state capture’ and continued gross undermining of the nation’s democratic process and values. Obi said that the society will eventually take its revenge on the agencies and individuals being used to undermine democracy in future.

  Flooding: FEC sets up Technical Committee to review all existing dams in Nigeria  Following the recent flooding incident in Borno State, the Federal Government has approved the setting up of a technical committee to review all existing dams in the country. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed this on Monday after the Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu. He said the FEC approved the technical committee in order to enable the country mitigate issues that necessitate flooding in the country. According to the Information Minister, the government is not unmindful that some of the dams which were constructed over some decades might be in need of maintenance, hence the need for the technical committee to review their durability.

 Edo Poll: ‘Your Sacrifices Won’t Be Forgotten’, Ighodalo Thanks Supporters Following the conclusion of the 2024 Edo State governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Asue Ighodalo, has thanked his supporters, assuring them that all their sacrifices will not be forgotten. According to the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, Ighodalo came second with 247,274 votes behind Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who scored 291,667 votes. Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP) came a distant third in the race with 22,763 votes. Even when he said the election result was theft of mandate, Ighodalo hailed his supporters, saying, “You are the true heroes of our democracy, and your sacrifices for a better Edo State will never be forgotten.” He said added that their “overwhelming support was evident in the ballots before our progress was unjustly halted on September 21st, 2024 by people who do not mean...

 Radio Presenter Penny Ntuli is hospitalized after spending 24 hours on N3 traffic and she is suspected to have hypothermia. Another source claimed she died but she came out to say she is alive.  Masikane dispelled rumours of Ntuli's death due to hypothermia, confirming that they had to walk two hours for food and assist other stranded motorists. Ntuli is now recovering at home and is expected to recover fully following the ordeal.

 Planned Outage Alert: Alaoji/Aba 132KV  Line Dear Valued Customer, This is to inform you of a planned outage by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), scheduled to take place from October 1 to 7, 2024, between 08:00 AM and 05:00 PM daily. The outage is necessary for TCN to carry out critical maintenance on the Alaoji-Aba 132kV transmission line. As a result, there will be no power supply within our service areas throughout the maintenance period. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.  Thank you. Management Aba Power 17/09/2024

 TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: KANO DELEGATES IN LAGOS TO UNDERSTUDY LSTMB To enhance traditional medicine practices and foster inter-state collaboration, a delegation from Kano State recently visited the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board (LSTMB) for fact-findings and knowledge-sharing. Welcoming the Kano delegation to the Agency, the Registrar of LSTMB, Prince Babatunde Adele said the visit is a significant step towards sharing knowledge and expertise in traditional healing methods. Prince Adele added that it is encouraging to see such inter-state cooperation in preserving the rich healing heritage for the advancement and growth of both the region and Nigeria at large. Prof. Salisu Ahmed, one of the delegates, said the objective of the visit is to understudy the operations and procedures of the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.  He said, “By observing firsthand the successful practices implemented in Lagos, the Kano State delegation aimed to gather insights that could be a...

 Insecurity: Crackdown as army begins exercises in Southwest, Southeast, others ....Initiative targets rising wave of kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism ....Gunmen kidnap nine in Zamfara State ....17 abducted Ondo worshippers regain freedom ....Two arrested in fresh raid of suspected IPOB camps ....Army begins three exercises to curb kidnapping, cultism, others The Nigerian Army is launching a new initiative amidst the rising wave of kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities across the country. Three exercises are scheduled to be conducted by the army over the next three months in the southern and northern parts with the North East and North West as the only exceptions. The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the North West and the North East currently have Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Hadarin Daji and have no need for fresh preparations to tackle criminalities. Nwachukwu spoke on a day terrorists...

 Abdulrazaq congratulates new Kwara Council chairmen, councillors Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has congratulated all the newly elected 16 local government chairpersons and 193 councillors following their victories at the Saturday’s election. The Governor also congratulated all the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the successful outing at the poll, which he links to the strides of the government, the support of every party member and stakeholders, and sustained relationships that the party has built with the people of the state. He commended the Kwara State Independent Electoral Commission and the security agencies for the peaceful and hugely successful exercise. According to a statement by His Chief Press Secretary Rafiu Anakaye, the Governor said he was confident that insights and experiences from the exercise will help to improve future elections in the state and across the country, especially that leadership of other states’ electoral commis...

 The attention of the Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan has been drawn to news making the rounds and viral videos on the fire incident that occurred in the Hospital in the early hours of Sunday, 22nd September, 2024. Let the fact be stated as follows: * The fire incident occurred at about 8.10am on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024. * The incident was caused by a spark at the change over box at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor of the Hospital.  * The fire outbreak was limited to the change over panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory. * No major damage was recorded.  * The fire was put out immediately by the courageous staff of the Hospital who were on ground.  * The Fire Service officials also arrived on time and rendered excellent service to assuage the effects of the outbreak  * The incident did not in any way disrupt the activities of the Hospital.  * Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are NOT pictur...

 SON Seeks Collaboration with Anambra Market Leaders, ASMATA to fight Against Fake  products By Uzo Ugwunze  The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) has enjoined Market Leaders, Traders and Importers under the auspices of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated  Traders Association (ASMATA) to collaborate with SON in combating the proliferation of substandard products saying that together they could build a healthier, more prosperous, and successful nation. Speaking during the Public/Stakeholders sensitization in Onitsha, Anambra State, the Director General/Chief Executive of SON, Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke  explained that the objective of the ongoing nationwide stakeholder sensitization programmes was not only to educate operators on the provisions of the SON Act No. 14 of 2015 but also to enhance stakeholder engagement and foster stronger collaborations. The DG, represented by the Director, Public Relations Department of the SON, Mrs Folusho Bolaji noted that ...