PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Again, national grid collapses  The national electricity grid has collapsed again The grid collapsed at about 6:18 pm on Monday, leaving Nigerians in darkness. Checks by our correspondent confirmed that power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 pm to 3.56GW at 6 pm and 0.00GW at 7 pm and 8 pm. The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company confirmed the grid collapse in a statement on Monday evening. The EEDC informed its customers “of a general system collapse that occurred at 18:48 hours today, 14th October 2024,” saying this has resulted in the loss of supply currently being experienced across the EEDC network.   “Consequently, due to this development, all our interface TCN stations are out of supply, and we are unable to provide services to our customers in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States. “We are on standby awaiting detailed information of the collapse and restoration of supply from the National Control Centre (NCC), Osogbo,” the EEDC stated in the ...

 CLARIFYING THE RECONSTRUCTION OF FALOMO POLICE BARRACKS AND COMBATING MISINFORMATION   The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) wishes to address recent misinformation and sensationalism in the media concerning the reconstruction of the Falomo Police Barracks, Lagos State. The barracks, previously in disrepair, will undergo a complete redesign and reconstruction to provide modern, habitable accommodations that reflect the dignity our officers deserve.   This project was initiated under the leadership of former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba Alkali, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and private sector partners through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The current IGP, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to improving officers’ housing by convening the first Nigeria Police Force Housing Summit on April 23-24, 2024. This summit brought together stakeholders to chart a sustainable path toward improved police welfare. ...

 Arkansas man was arrested for taking the life of a 67-year-old former Indiana police chief who was found with his missing 14-year-old daughter. The whole sad situation began to unfold on Tuesday, October 8th, when 36-year-old Aaron Spencer reported that his daughter was missing. However before deputies could arrive to take a report, things took a deadly turn. At some point after making the call to the police, Aaron located his daughter inside of a vehicle with a man well known to the family. But he wasn't known for a good reason.   Michael Fosler, 67, had a no contact order concerning Aaron's teen daughter. He was facing felony charges of stalking and r****g the young girl. He had been arrested in July in connection to his offenses he had done against Aaron's 14-year-old daughter. Fosler was facing serious felony charges.  When Aaron discovered his daughter with Fosler, the former police chief, a confrontation between the men broke out. At some point the situation s...

 Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi has revealed that she and her husband, singer and politician Banky W, are expecting their second child. On October 10, 2024, Adesua Etomi shared the joyful news on her Instagram page, posting beautiful photos from her maternity shoot. Dressed in a vibrant orange outfit with a hood, the movie star radiated happiness as she cradled her growing baby bump. In her caption, she expressed her excitement, saying, “First, we had each other, then we had your brother, then God sent you and now? NOW, we have everything.” Banky W reacted in the comment section, saying, “May our lives forever be a series of indisputable evidence and unquestionable proof that Jesus is alive, and that He answers prayers. Thank you, God. #SeeWhatTheLordHasDone.” The announcement was met with an outpouring of love and congratulations from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities in the comment section. More photos below. 

  Libyan Football Federation President Resigns The President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, has announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly. According to The Libya Observer, an English and Arabic online newspaper based in Tripoli, Libya, in a post on Monday via its website, the decision was made on Sunday. Shalmani’s resignation comes amid growing tension regarding the treatment of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, who faced significant challenges during their recent trip to Libya for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The Super Eagles were reportedly left stranded at the airport for over 14 hours without access to food, Wi-Fi, or proper accommodations, leading to widespread condemnation from Nigerian officials and fans alike. The treatment of the Nigerian team has drawn sharp criticism and calls for accountability, raising questions about the readiness of Libyan authorities...

 Hezbollah drone attack on army base kills 4 Israeli soldiers and injures dozens Israeli army says four soldiers were killed and seven severely injured in the Hezbollah drone attack that targeted an army base in Binyamina, northern Israel. A total of 61 people were injured, according to Israel's medical services. At least 300 people have been killed by Israeli forces as the military siege of northern Gaza enters a ninth day with tens of thousands trapped by the ground invasion and drone strikes as food and water supplies dwindle.�In Gaza, at least 42,227 people have been killed and 98,464 wounded in Israeli attacks since October 2023.  In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed on October 7, 2023, and more than 200 people taken captive.

 FG to replace foreign cartoons with Nigerian content that promotes values The Federal Government has expressed concern over the increasing adoption of “foreign attitudes” among Nigerian children, attributed to their exposure to foreign cartoons. The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Onilu, disclosed this in Bauchi on Friday during the launch of the campaign to promote the National Anthem and the National Value Charter. Onilu, represented by the National Director, PRS (NOA), Nura Yusuf Kobi, raised concerns about the infiltration of foreign cultures into Nigerian homes through cartoon characters. He revealed that President Bola Tinubu had approved the replacement of foreign cartoons with Nigerian content to promote national values. “We are worried that Nigeria is giving birth to children with foreign behaviours. We have noticed that our kids learn many foreign attitudes through cartoons from other countries. We are going to replace them with local car...

British influencer dies after fall from Spain’s highest bridge A British influencer has tragically died after falling from Spain’s highest bridge. The 26-year-old digital creator, whose name remains undisclosed by the police, fell from the 630ft Castilla-La Mancha bridge in Talavera de la Reina, situated about 90 minutes southwest, at 7:15am on Sunday. He was with a 24-year-old English companion who was unharmed but left in a state of shock, local police reported. Footage from the scene showed police cordoning off the area where the fall occurred. Police and firefighters arrived swiftly after the accident was reported, but were unable to save him. A British influencer has tragically died after falling from Spain’s highest bridge. The 26-year-old digital creator, whose name remains undisclosed by the police, fell from the 630ft Castilla-La Mancha bridge in Talavera de la Reina, situated about 90 minutes southwest, at 7:15am on Sunday. He was with a 24-year-old English companion who was ...

 A blood racket has been exposed at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) following the arrest of an HIV-positive man involved in selling blood. Brokers were found selling blood for Rs. 2,000 per unit, with many youths from Dhubri and Mankachar participating in this illegal trade. On Monday, authorities apprehended two brokers, one identified as Lalbahadur Sheikh, revealing the extent of the operation at GMCH. Alarmingly, the second individual apprehended, who admitted to selling blood for money, is also HIV-positive and had donated blood at GMCH just a month ago, unknowingly jeopardizing numerous lives. Security personnel intercepted him while he attempted to sell blood again. He claimed he was unaware of his HIV-positive status, stating, “I did not know. Believe me, I would never do such a thing if I had known,” and mentioned that he had previously sold blood once for money. Meanwhile, Lalbahadur Sheikh informed reporters that many youths are coerced into selling blood for ...

 PRESS RELEASE  NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE EXTENDS VERIFICATION EXERCISE ON IMPORT DUTY RECOVERY FOR PRIVATELY OWNED AIRCRAFT  1. The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) wishes to inform the general public, particularly operators of privately-owned aircraft, that the verification exercise for the recovery of import duties on illegally imported private aircraft has been extended by one month, from Monday, 14th October 2024, to Thursday, 14th November 2024.  2. This extension is to further engage operators who have expressed willingness to regularize their import duties, providing them with an additional window to comply with the necessary regulations. The NCS is committed to ensuring that all illegally imported aircraft meet the legal requirements, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the aviation sector.  3. In light of this extension, the NCS encourages aircraft operators to take full advantage of the extended period to fulfill their obligations, avoidin...

 Alleged N71.5m Fraud: Court Adjourns Okoronkwo’s Trial till Oct 29 Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State has adjourned the trial of an alleged notorious ponzi scheme operator, Chinedu Roland Okoronkwo, standing trial for  N71, 580, 000 (Seventy One Million, Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira) fraud till October 29, 2024. Okoronkwo is being prosecuted alongside his company, Reliance Microfinance Cooperative Society Limited by the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on  36- count charges bordering on carrying out banking businesses without a valid licence, forgery and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N71, 580, 000. When the matter came up on Thursday, October 10, 2024, counsel to the EFCC, Blessing Obasi presented the Ninth Prosecution Witness, PW9, Abubakar Abubakar Abubakar, an operative of the Commission, who narrated how a petitioner alleged that he was ...

 Kwara Courts Jail Bureau de-change Operator, Two  Others for Fraud Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced one Yakubu Aminu  to 200 (Two Hundred) hours community service for carrying out bureau de change businesses  without a valid licence. Similarly, a Kwara State High Court presided over by Justice Hammed Gegele also jailed the duo of Abdulalahi Abdulrasaq Omotosho and Akeem Ibrahim Salaudeen  for involvement  in internet fraud -related crime. The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC had on Wednesday October 9, 2024 arraigned the trio before the courts on separate charges. The charge against Yakubu reads:  “That you, Yakubu Aminu sometime in July 2024, at Chikanda Market, Yashikira District, Baruten Local Government Area, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did carry on, other financial business, to wit: Bureau De Change Business without a...

 Alleged £1million Fraud: Court Overrules Defence Counsel’s  Objection  in Trial of Seven Suspects  Justice R.A. Osodi  of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, October 11, 2024, overruled the objection raised by the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN to seven suspects facing trial over an alleged £1m fraud and also admitted in evidence a flash drive containing the video recording of the sixth defendant tendered by the prosecution.   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 r...

 Abiodun Approves N77,000 as Minimum Wage in Ogun ...takes immediate effect Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the sum of N77,000 as the minimum wage for the lowest worker in the state, and the payment takes immediate effect. This decision was revealed after a meeting of the State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the leadership of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage. Talabi said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Abiodun, who he stated has directed that no worker in the state should earn less than N77,000 starting from the month of October. He stated that Prince Abiodun means well for the people of the state and has proactively taken steps to further ameliorate the suffering of the people, adding that the Governor has also advised the...

 STOP ILLEGAL REVENUE COLLECTIONS, TOR-TIV URGES BIRS 14th October, 2024     The Paramount ruler of the Tiv nation, Tor Tiv, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Ayatse has urged the Chairman, Benue Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) to apply relevant laws  to put to end the menace of illegal check points and the extortion of farmers and buyers in markets across the state. Tor Tiv also distanced himself from the alleged involvement of some traditional rulers in the persistent illegal check points and the frivolous collection of revenue in markets emphasizing that Tiv Area Traditional Council  has not mandated any traditional ruler to interfere in revenue collection which is the sole responsibility of BIRS. A statement by the Special Assistant to the Tor Tiv on Media and ICT Freddie Adamgbe quoted the Tor Tiv as saying the  BIRS is the only agency shouldered with the responsibility to collect revenue for the state government, insisting that any traditional ru...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS STATEMENT   PRESIDENT TINUBU WELCOMES THE SAFE RETURN OF THE SUPER EAGLES AND DEMANDS SWIFT JUSTICE AFTER THEIR INHUMAN TREATMENT     President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria.   The harrowing experience of the national football team at the hands of their hosts and the Libyan authorities prompted the Nigerian Football Federation to withdraw the Super Eagles from the scheduled match on Tuesday.    President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations.   The President commends the proactive coordination between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development in addressing the unfortunate epis...

 MEDIA RELEASE - COMMUNIQUÉ DE PRESSE 14 0CTOBER 2024  CAF views the disturbing and unacceptable experiences of the Nigerian National Football Team ("Super Eagles") at an airport in Libya in a very serious light. The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) has been in contact with the Libyan and Nigerian authorities after it had been informed that the Nigerian National Football Team ("Super Eagles") and their technical team were stranded in disturbing conditions for several hours at an airport that they were allegedly instructed to land by the Libyan authorities. The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations.  Further Inquiries: CAF| CommunicationDepartment Email: communications@cafonline.com

 Tragic Road Accident Claims Six Lives in Ibadan A devastating road accident in Ibadan, Oyo State, claimed six lives and left five others injured on Monday morning when a trailer lost control and collided with two tricycles.  The crash, which occurred on Akanran Road, involved a trailer carrying tiles and a lorry loaded with soft drinks, resulting in severe injuries, including that of a child whose mother tragically died in the incident. Eyewitnesses report that the trailer’s brake failure caused the chaos, while the local hospital confirmed they treated several victims, including two school children.

 A recent study published in The Lancet highlights that India has the highest number of oral cancer cases linked to the use of smokeless tobacco and areca nut (also known as betel nut) in South Asia. In 2022, India reported 83,400 of the 120,200 global cases. The research indicates that smokeless tobacco contributes to over 30 percent of all oral cancer cases worldwide. The study found that South-Central Asia had the highest number of oral cancer cases associated with smokeless tobacco and areca nut use, with India leading at 83,400 cases, followed by Bangladesh (9,700), Pakistan (8,900), and Sri Lanka (1,300). High incidence rates were also noted in South-East and East Asia. In India, the study revealed that 30% of women consumed areca nuts, while 28% used betel quid with tobacco. Both gutka and khaini were used by 21% of women. Among men, khaini was linked to 47% of oral cancer cases, followed by gutka at 43%, betel quid with tobacco at 33%, and areca nut at 32%. Dr. Pankaj Chatu...

 A horrific road rage incident in Mahikeng resulted in the tragic loss of two lives.  A violent altercation between a Polo driver and a taxi driver escalated into a fatal stabbing, leaving one man dead at the scene. The other victim was rushed to the hospital by family members but sadly succumbed to his injuries.

  Salman Khan, under Y-plus security due to death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang, faces challenges with crowd management during public appearances.  His bodyguard Shera emphasizes the difficulty in keeping Khan safe amid escalating threats. Recently, Khan’s friend Baba Siddique was murdered by the gang, further heightening security concerns. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Salman Khan has been facing death threats from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang for some time now. Earlier this year, his home was even shot at, prompting the actor to rely on his long-time bodyguard, Shera, for protection. Following these alarming incidents, Salman’s security was enhanced to Y-plus level last year. Despite a robust security team dedicated to keeping him safe, Shera has mentioned a particular challenge they encounter in their efforts. Speaking with ANI, Shera said, “Salman Khan has a threat to his life, the stars who have a threat to life it is difficult for them to go into the crowd. When you are...

 Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) Unveils "PAPA AJASCO GEN Z PAPI" Wale Adenuga has launched a new comedy series, "PAPA AJASCO & COMPANY: GEN Z PAPI." This fresh take on the iconic "PAPA AJASCO" franchise will begin airing on October 15, 2024.

  Kanye West’s former assistant, Lauren Pisciotta, has filed a lawsuit accusing him of drugging and sexually assaulting her during a studio session in Santa Monica, California.  According to the lawsuit, Pisciotta claims West gave her a drink that was laced with a drug, causing her to feel disoriented and lose control. The incident allegedly took place during a session that West co-hosted with Sean “Diddy” Combs, although Combs is not accused of any wrongdoing. Pisciotta had previously filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against West, in which she accused him of sending her explicit messages and pornographic content before firing her. The latest amended complaint, filed on October 8 in Los Angeles County Court, expands on these claims, alleging that West sexually assaulted her after the drugged drink incident. She says West later admitted they “kind of hooked up” that night, which Pisciotta says she had no memory of. The lawsuit also includes another allegation, claiming that...

 A 16-year-old boy in Chennai was injured after being hit by a pillar while dangerously riding on the footboard of a moving train.  The boy, Abilash, a Hotel Management student, was attempting a stunt with his friends, which was recorded on video and has since gone viral on social media. The incident happened on October 9 between Royapuram and Washermanpet. Abilash, from the Madhavaram area, regularly travels to college by train. On this occasion, he was hanging out of the moving train and trying to dodge pillars as the train sped up. Unfortunately, he misjudged the speed and was struck by one of the pillars, causing him to fall from the train. He was quickly taken to Stanley Government Hospital, where he is receiving treatment for his injuries. Thankfully, his condition is stable, but he remains under medical care. The Royapuram Police have started an investigation into the incident. Authorities are also warning against such dangerous behavior, reminding the public that ridin...

 Uttar Pradesh minister and BJP leader Sanjay Singh Gangwar made unusual claims on Sunday, stating that cleaning cowsheds and lying in them could cure cancer.  He also said that petting cows could reduce the dosage of blood pressure medicines by half. Gangwar made these comments while addressing a gathering at the inauguration of Kanha Gaushala, a cow shelter built at a cost of Rs. 55 lakh in Pilibhit district. The minister encouraged people to pet cows, claiming it would help lower blood pressure. He suggested that after regularly petting cows, a person could reduce their blood pressure medicine dosage. Gangwar also urged people to celebrate special occasions, like anniversaries and birthdays, at cow shelters and donate fodder to support the cows. He went on to claim that cancer patients could benefit from spending time cleaning and lying in cowsheds, and that burning cow dung cakes could provide relief from mosquitoes. Gangwar even encouraged Muslims to come to the cowshed o...

  GOV. ALIA ELATED AS BENUE SUBEB WINS NIGERIA GOVTECH PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD  Sunday, October 13th, 2024 The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), on Friday, October 11th, 2024, won the GovTech Public Service Award, in the Category of the Best State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), in ICT integration.  The award was presented to the Benue SUBEB Chairman, Dr. Grace Adagba, at the event tagged "Digital Innovations as a catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda," put together by the Bureau for Public Service Reforms, in Abuja, on Friday.  The Benue State Universal Education Board, won the award in recognition of the outstanding Digital initiatives undertaken at the Board under the Alia led government, significantly contributing to President Tinubu's Digital Transformation agenda in Public Service. Recall that under the Alia led administration, several digital initiatives such as the verification and implementation of a centralized and automated payroll ...

 NIGERIAN ARMY BOOSTS EDUCATION IN ENUGU STATE The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has commissioned a renovated one-story, 10-block classroom and functional computer hall at Community Secondary School in Mbu, Enugu State. This project is part of the COAS Special Civil-Military Intervention Projects, aimed at supporting communities of Nigerian Army senior officers who have attained the rank of Maj Gen. Represented by Maj Gen Hassan Dada, the GOC 82 Division, Lt Gen Lagbaja encouraged the people of Enugu State to continue supporting the Nigerian Army and to apply for recruitment to serve the country. Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah, represented by Deputy Governor Mr Ifeanyi Ossai, praised the Nigerian Army's efforts in reducing insecurity incidents in the state. He urged the Isi-Uzo council area to safeguard the project and support government programs. Maj Gen Jonathan Ugwuoke, Project Executor and Commander of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps, thanked Lt Gen Lagbaja...