PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU MEETS NIPCO EXECUTIVES, COMMENDS INVESTMENTS IN THE CNG SECTOR   President Bola Tinubu thanked NIPCO for investing in Nigeria’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector during a meeting with the company’s executives at the State House in Abuja.   The President commended NIPCO’s contributions to the nation’s energy transition efforts, particularly its support for the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI).   During the meeting, President Tinubu acknowledged NIPCO’s role as a critical player in enhancing the adoption of CNG as an alternative fuel, noting that such investments align with his administration’s energy security and economic diversification strategy.   He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition to cleaner and more affordable energy solutions for Nigerians.   The President lauded NIPCO’s efforts in promoting and supporting the “Switch to CNG” campaign, which has been instrumental i

 POLICE ARREST THREE SUSPECTS FOR POSSESSION OF HUMAN PARTS   Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) have arrested two suspects for being in possession of suspected human tongues in Lagos.    The suspects, Isah Amohullahi 'm' aged 30 and Abubakar Isah 'm' aged 32 were arrested in a taxi on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 during a routine stop-and-search on Otedola bridge.    Further investigations led the operatives to the arrest of another suspect from whom the parts were bought, Gbolahan Temidayo ‘m’, in Oyingbo Market, Lagos. Meanwhile, investigation is ongoing at the Command headquarters, at the conclusion of which the suspects would be arraigned if found culpable. SP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra  POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER  LAGOS STATE COMMAND IKEJA OCTOBER 22, 2024.

 5% excise tax: Telcos’ll soon die like NITEL — MTN CEO, Toriola Chief Executive Officer, CEO of MTN, Mr Carl Toriola has warned that the latest attempt to reintroduce the 5% excise tax on telecom services will put the final nail on the activities of telecom operators in Nigeria, including MTN Nigeria. The National Assembly recently proposed the introduction of a 5% excise duty on telecommunications, gaming, and betting services as part of a new effort to reform the nation’s tax system. Although the proposal is included in the “Nigeria Tax Act,” former President, Mohammadu Buhari had exempted telecom from paying the tax. Buhari said it would exacerbate the suffering of Nigerians. Subsequently, President Bola Tinubu, in an Executive Order, also suspended the tax immediately he assumed office. However, the legislators said their current proposal is aimed at overhauling existing tax legislation and consolidating various tax frameworks across the country. Something drastic can happen — Tor

 Yemen says successfully fired hypersonic missile at Israel's military base Tuesday, 22 October 2024 1:57 PM  Yemeni forces say they have successfully targeted an Israeli military base with a hypersonic ballistic missile. In a statement, Yemen’s popular resistance movement Ansarullah said Tuesday that the missile hit the military base east of the occupied Yafo region (Tel Aviv). “The missile successfully reached its target, bypassing both American and ‘Israeli’ interceptive defense systems,” Yemen’s military spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Saree said.

 South Africa: A 41-year-old father from Malelane is set to appear in court today for allegedly raping his two daughters, aged six and ten. This horrific abuse is thought to have gone on since last year, until the eldest sister, 13, shared the disturbing news with a friend at school, who then reported it to teachers. Thankfully, the school authorities sprang into action, alerting the department of social development, who then notified the police. A preliminary investigation was conducted, and the children were taken to a medical facility for further examination. This ultimately led to the father’s arrest on Saturday, 19 October 2024. What’s even more shocking is that the incidents allegedly occurred while the mother was present, either sleeping or watching TV. As a result, all four children have been removed from the home and are now safe in a shelter.

 LASPEMA HARPS ON ROLE OF INFORMAL SPACE PLANNING IN LAGOS  General Manager. Lagos State Planning, Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA), TPL. Daisi Oso has stated that  professional planning of land, both formal and informal, should precede utilisation and physical developments; otherwise, planning infractions will automatically lead to chaotic misuse and environmental challenges, hence the essence of proper planning in a megacity like Lagos State. He stated this recently at the Lagos State Physical Planning Summit, themed, 'Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision For A Regional And Integrated Megacity' held in Victoria Island. The summit was the much-required opportunity for Oso to intimate professionals, stakeholders and participants about the crucial role the Agency plays in the evolving vision for an integrated Lagos. Oso said, "In achieving the new vision for an integrated megacity, we play an essential part in designating, coordinating and regulating the informal urba

 In a shocking turn of events in Uttar Pradesh, a woman allegedly killed her husband shortly after completing a Karwa Chauth fast intended to pray for his long life. Officials from the Kada Dham police station in Kaushambi district reported that 32-year-old Shailesh Kumar was poisoned by his wife, Savita, who suspected him of infidelity. The incident took place in the Lal Bahadur Shastri Nagar area during an evening argument between Savita and Shailesh as she broke her fast. Shailesh’s brother, Akhilesh, stated that Savita had poisoned his brother’s food. Shailesh was taken to the hospital, where he recorded a video statement accusing Savita of poisoning him. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his condition. Following the complaint, a case was registered against Savita under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 123 (poisoning) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as stated by Sirathu Circle Officer Awadhesh Kumar Vishwakarma. Kaushambi Superintendent of

 Anambra Ministry of Transport Inaugurates Committee on Driving Schools Standardization  By Florence Okpeti/Chidimma Ajemba/Ngozi Omenankiti Mrs Patricia Igwebuike,  Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, had recently inaugurated the state Committee on Driving Schools Standardization Programme to standardize the activities of driving schools across the state. Mrs Igwebuike said that all Driving Schools would operate to the same level, explaining that the regulation on the standardization of driving schools would be gazetted soon. The Commissioner who would be the Chairman of the committee said that the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Engr Mike Obiekwe would act as the Chairman in her absence. Members of the committee include the Chairman, Anambra State Internal Revenue Service, Dr Greg Ezilo, State Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), Commander Joyce Alexander, Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, MacDonald Achuam.  Others are, Chairman, Driving Schools Association of Anamb

 The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations, HOIO, has said its collaboration with Nigeria on the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is yielding positive results as evident by the streak of successes being recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, in recent times.   Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen stated this when she led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja on Monday 21st October 2024.   While thanking Marwa for an “excellent cooperation”, Pullen said “the issue of drug trafficking is a huge global issue, and like many big challenges such as drug trafficking, it takes a huge global effort to try and counter that. I think it's evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities

 PRESS RELEASE POLICE WELFARE: IGP SET TO COMMISSION ULTRA MODERN OFFICES, BARRACKS ACROSS STATES As Police Procures Additional Operational Assets. As part of a broader initiative aimed at improving personnel welfare, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., is set to commission several ultra-modern police barracks, buildings, and command headquarters across various states including Adamawa, Sokoto, Jigawa, Nassarawa, and Katsina. Other structures like Police Stations, Area Command Headquarters and office accommodations are also billed for commissioning in some states, in continuation of the commissioning process to create a supportive working environment for officers while improving their overall well-being. It is also worthy of note that consistent with the goal of enhancing police infrastructure, the Inspector-General of Police has previously launched major projects aimed at strengthening the operational framework of the Nigeria Police Force. Notabl

  Farouk Lawan completes Five Years Jail Term Over $500000 Bribe From Femi Otedola   A former member of the House of Representative, Farouk Lawan, who was jailed for bribery in 2021, has been released from Kuje prison. Lawan was convicted and sentenced to prison in 2021 for accepting a $500,000 bribe from a prominent businessman, Femi Otedola. Otedola was then Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Limited. The Supreme Court also early this year upheld the five years sentence of the former House of Representatives member. His appeal sought to set aside the February 24, 2022 judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which sentenced him to a five-year jail term and discharged him on two out of the three counts on the corruption charge brought against him by the Federal Government failed. Farouk stepped out of Kuje prison on Tuesday after completing his jail term. The lawmaker announced his freedom in a statement he personally penned and made available to The Eagle Online on Tuesday.   The sta

 Taiwan rejects South Africa demand to move diplomatic office from capital Taiwan has again rejected South Africa’s demand that it move its representative office in the country from the capital, Pretoria, to the commercial center of Johannesburg, AP reported. Taiwan Foreign Ministry spokesperson Jeff Liu said at a news conference on Tuesday that the demand to move or shut the office entirely violated a 1997 agreement between the sides on the location of their mutual representative offices following the severing of formal diplomatic relations. “Facing this kind of unreasonable demand, our side cannot grant our acceptance,” Liu said. South Africa maintains a liaison office in Taiwan’s capital, Taipei, and the sides have a strong commercial relationship. Liu repeated Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s avowal at the legislature on Monday that Taiwan “was prepared for all eventualities” over the issue. The office is Taiwanese property and Taipei retains the right to determine its location and

 Sudan army strike on mosque 'kills dozens' A committee of local activists on Tuesday said 31 people were killed in a military air strike on a mosque in Sudan's central city of Wad Madani two days earlier. The attack occurred "after evening prayers" on Sunday in the capital of Al-Jazira state just south of Khartoum, the Wad Madani Resistance Committee, one of hundreds of volunteer groups coordinating aid across the war-torn country, said in a statement to AFP early on Tuesday. They accused the army of using "barrel bombs", adding that over half of the dead remained unidentified as rescuers combed through the remains of "dozens of charred and mutilated bodies". War has raged between the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces since April 2023, killing tens of thousands of people and creating the world's largest displacement and humanitarian crises. The two forces are locked in brutal combat over central Sudan's ag

 Team Bus Of Kano Pillars Football Club Involved In An Accident  Kano Pillars FC U-19 team was involved in a road accident on Monday while travelling to Jos for their matchday 5 fixture in the U-19 Youth League. The accident occurred as the team bus was en route to New Jos Stadium for a match against Plateau United U-19. According to a statement from the club, several players and the driver sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported. “We are deeply saddened by this incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the players and everyone affected. The medical team is doing everything to ensure a speedy recovery for those injured,” said a club spokesperson. Eyewitnesses said the bus swerved before coming to a stop. “It was terrifying. The bus suddenly veered off the road, and we were all scared for the boys. Thankfully, help arrived quickly, and they were taken to the hospital,” said one bystander. The club assu

 Go and ask about me in Abuja” – Portable replies Very Dark Man as he makes case against online bullying following alleged assault video Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, has replied to social media activist Very Dark Man over accusations of assaulting a man We reported that Very Dark Man had called for the arrest of Portable for allegedly assaulting a man in the toilet at the just-concluded Felabration event in Lagos. Sharing a clip of the singer and the alleged man, he called for the singer’s arrest as he urged the victim to reach out to him. Reacting to it, Portable, in a video posted on his Instagram page, told the activist to ask about him in Abuja as he made him know that online madness is different from real-life madness.

 The hustle is real” – Funke Akindele shows off her hustling spirit Box office record breaking Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele had spoken about how hard she hustles to succeed. Sharing a video on her official verified Instagram page, Funke Akindele revealed behind-the-scenes moments of promoted her film Everybody Loves Jenifa. Sharing the video, the mother of two prayed that God would crown all efforts with success. The hustle is real. May the good Lord crown all our efforts with success.” Recall that Funke Akindele opened up on the hard times she encountered before her rise to stardom a few days ago. Funke Akindele shared a video of herself being active on the set of her highest-grossing billion movie, A Tribe Called Judah, on her Instagram page She spoke about how the film depicted the present challenges of single mothers in raising children. She counted herself as a testimony of believing in herself, saying she faced different challenges but learned to stand tall and encourage oth

 Very Dark Man calls for the arrest of Portable for allegedly assaulting a man in a toilet Social media activist Very Dark Man has called for the arrest of controversial singer, Portable Taking to his Instagram page, he accused the controversial singer of allegedly assaulting a man in the toilet at the just-concluded Felabration event in Lagos.  Sharing a clip of the singer and the alleged man, he called for the singer’s arrest as he urged the victim to reach out to him. “Imagine what Portable did to this guy, is this fair? Why is he being treated like an animal? Is this even right?  Please, this guy should reach out to me if he feels his right has been tempered; things like this have to stop in Nigeria because you get connected or you are a celebrity; you just choose to abus€ other people’s rights why

 See ‘Bingo’ with better bed and good food” – Kanayo Kanayo laments over the poverty in Nigeria as he shares video of dogs living better lives Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo Kanayo has joined many in bemoaning the hardship in the country The veteran, via his Instagram page, shared a TikTok video of two dogs living a better lifestyle overseas. In the clips, the dogs, who were dressed in pajamas and sleeping on a luxury bed, were woken up by their owner. The owner of the dogs shared a glimpse of the luxury breakfast she makes for her dog daily. Reacting to it, Kanayo said he woke up unhappy after seeing the video because of the hunger in Nigeria. He expressed sadness at how dogs could be sleeping on better beds and eating better food than most Nigerians. He questioned how people can compare living as a human dig or being in Nigeria. Sending a message to Nigerians, he told the citizens that God would be with them as he prayed for them. Watch video below. 

 Seyi Shay reveals how gospel singer, Travis Greene changed her life as she shares adorable video of her and her daughter singing Nigerian singer Seyi Shay has revealed how gospel singer, Travis Greene changed her life. Sharing an adorable video of her and her daughter, Seyi revealed that when she was pregnant, she was always singing his song, ‘Be Still,’ and that song has stuck with her daughter as she came out of her belly also singing it. When I told @travisgreenetv that his songs changed my life, this is what I meant. I listened to ‘Be Still’ so much throughout my pregnancy that the girl came out singing it, and she still does… guess which part is her favorite.

 Na only for Lagos you get mouth. He will cripple you” – Fans slam Portable for challenging Very Dark Man over assault video Fans of controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, better known as Portable, have slammed him for challenging social media activist Very Dark Man over accusations of assaulting a man. We reported that Very Dark Man had called for the arrest of Portable for allegedly assaulting a man in the toilet at the just-concluded Felabration event in Lagos. Sharing a clip of the singer and the alleged man, he called for the singer’s arrest as he urged the victim to reach out to him. Reacting to it, Portable, in a video posted on his Instagram page, told the activist to ask about him in Abuja as he made him know that online madness is different from real-life madness. The controversial singer called for his fans and supporters to say no to ripping and online bullying. Unfortunately for him, many of his fans didn’t support him as they slammed him for challenging the activi

 Court Jails Eight Internet Fraudsters in Benin City Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin has convicted and sentenced eight internet fraudsters to various jail terms. The convicts are: Akhigbe Andrew Okhaifoh, Collins Osagie, Wisdom Imaduerehie, Imade Destiny, Chibueze Onyeji, Edubi Favour, David Precious, and Michael Osas Iguma. They were prosecuted by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charges, bordering on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Osagie reads: "That you Collins Osagie (m) on or about the 30th of September, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences

 Two Internet Fraudsters Bag Jail Terms in Kaduna   Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna has convicted and jailed one Olayinka Abdulraheem Saidu( a.k.a Lily Bright) and Adams Shedrack (a.k.a Kellie Hamza) for fraud.   The convicts were prosecuted by the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on one-count separate charges, bordering on impersonation, cybercrime and money laundering.   Saidu’s charge reads: “That you Olayinka Abdulraheem Saidu (a.k.a Lily Bright)(M) sometime in 2022 at Minna, Niger  State,within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, with intent to defraud, converted the total sum of $100.00(One Hundred US Dollars)from one Chad Beatty, living in the United States of America, which you reasonably ought to have known that such fund forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2) (B) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable

 Bobrisky transferred to FCID, spent night behind bars Controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris, otherwise known as Bobrisky, is currently in detention at the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex, Alagbon, Lagos State, where he spent the night in a cell at the police facility. A source, who confirmed the development to our correspondent, said further directives were being awaited regarding Okuneye’s case, adding that he was taken to the FCID for safekeeping following his arrest by officials of the Nigeria Immigration Service during his attempt to exit the country through the Seme border. The source said, “Bobrisky was brought to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 p.m. on Monday. Immigration arrested him at Seme Boarder and brought him for safekeeping. “He is in detention at the FCID, Alagbon. He was arrested on Sunday, detained overnight, and taken to the FCID, Alagbon, around 10 pm on Monday. He is still at the FCID.” Confirming Okuneye’s detention, the spokesperson for the FCID,

 Adelabu invites TCN, NERC over grid collapse Worried by the disturbance on the national grid which threw some sections of the country into darkness twice within the week,  Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu at the weekend summoned the leadership of  the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission company of Nigeria (TCN) to an emergency meeting.   The Minister expressed displeasure over the incident, which he said, was capable of rubbishing the giant strides made in the last one year which has led to an increased generation and distribution of 5, 527 megawatts, a record generation in three years. This was contained in a statement by his Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, from Abuja on Tuesday. The statement said Adelabu also constituted a forensic investigation committee  with a mandate to advise the government on necessary solutions to make the national grid robust and reliable in addition to the ongoing efforts

 Mohbad: US toxicologist’s report received, says Lagos AG The Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), on Monday, said the toxicology report and other forensic analysis conducted in the United States on the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, alias Mohbad, is out. He said the autopsy report is now with the Lagos State Pathologist, as well as the coroner magistrate. Pedro revealed this at a press conference while answering questions from journalists on the upcoming strategic stakeholders’ meeting and commemoration of his first year in office, held at the Ministry of Justice Conference Room, Alausa, Ikeja. He said, “On the Mohbad case, yes, I agree there has been a delay, and the delay is caused by time taken for investigation. “Forensic, analysis, toxicology, all these are part of the investigation. Full proof investigation that can lead at least to conviction in a case that is presented before the courts.” The Attorney General explained that

 UK soft-pedals on Air Peace, lists conditions to secure slots at Heathrow The UK aviation authorities have expressed readiness to discuss the issue of slot allocation to Air Peace, the Nigerian carrier, at the Heathrow Airport, London, TheCable can report. In response to a letter sent to him by Festus Keyamo, the Nigerian minister of aviation and aerospace development, Louise Haigh, the UK secretary of state for transport, said his department would be ready to “further discuss this matter” at the “upcoming International Civil Aviation Negotiations event in October 2024”. “We consider the social, economic and political links between our two countries to be vital. They rely on a vibrant air services market, which I hope we can continue to protect by working together. International connectivity is critical for the continued prosperity of our citizens and businesses, and I therefore very much appreciate your representations on behalf of Nigerian carriers,” Haigh wrote in his response. Thi

 President Paul Biya returns to Cameroon after death rumours President Paul Biya of Cameroon on Monday returned to the country amid rumours of his death. Biya arrived at Yaounde’s international airport, the Cameroonian capital. The 91-year-old appeared on state broadcaster CRTV after the presidential plane landed, shaking hands with officials next to his wife Chantal, as a jubilant crowd waited to greet him. A few weeks ago, questions were raised over Biya’s health and whereabouts following his disappearance from public view. Biya’s whereabouts were unknown after attending the China-Africa summit in Beijing at the beginning of September. “Today the president is on his way and this will put an end to all the speculation,” declared a CRTV presenter. “Welcome home, Mr President of the Republic,” said one billboard with a portrait of Biya on a blue background.

 Fuel import: We’re settling out of court with NNPCL, others — Dangote …Asks court order to void import licenses …Demands N100bn damages for alleged sabotage ABUJA—Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals said yesterday it was settling out of court with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and six others over import licences granted them by the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, to import petrol into the country. Recall that the company had approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, praying it to nullify the licenses and also award it N100billion damages against the 1st defendant which is the NNPCL However, in a statement last night, Dangote said it was ready to settle the case amicably with NNPCL and other defendants in what it described as an old case filed in June. The statement, signed by the Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejine, read: ‘’This is an old issue that started in June and culminated in a matt

 Bola Ahmed University of Languages: Sycophancy taken to ridiculous extent?  By Jideofor Adibe A bill for the establishment of Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Languages has reportedly passed the first reading at the House of Representatives.  Section 2 part I of the bill,  which is sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, provides that the university, when established, shall encourage “the advancement of learning and to hold out to all persons without distinction of race, creed, sex or political conviction, the opportunity of acquiring a higher education in Nigerian languages and cultures”. It further claims that the university is aimed at: “Producing socially mature persons with capacity to communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.” There are several questions begging for answers with respect to the proposed university: One, is the question of whether there is really any need for a University of Languages considering