PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Lagos-Calabar coastal road: Compensation to affected property owners hits N18bn By  THE payment of compensation to the affected property owners on the Right-of-Way of section one of the ongoing Lagos- Calabar Coastal Road has increased to N18 billion. According to the Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi, the cost increased from the initial N8 billion to N18 billion, representing N10 billion increase. The minister disclosed this on Sunday in Lagos during the National Assembly Joint Committee on Works and the Federal Ministry of Works’ stakeholders’ engagement on the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project to address grey areas in the construction process. He told the audience that the 700-kilometer coastal road from Lagos to Calabar has come to stay,  appealing to affected property owners to cooperate with the Federal Government and consider the payments of compensation being made available to them. Umahi also said within the next 10 days, the ministry will complete the payments of

 2 Kano NNPP reps dump Kwankwasiyya movement Two members of the House of Representatives from Kano State, both representing the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), have announced their exit from the Kwankwasiyya Movement led by former Kano State governor and NNPP leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Aliyu Sani Madakin Gini (Kano Municipal) and Alhassan Rurum (Rano/Kibiya/Bunkure) confirmed they would no longer align with the movement, signalling growing discontent within the NNPP ranks in Kano. Rurum, a former speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, disclosed his departure from Kwankwasiyya in a brief phone conversation with Daily Trust. While he did not provide specific reasons for his decision before a network issue ended the call, Rurum’s exit is widely seen as connected to his recent clashes with the NNPP-led Kano State government, particularly following the government’s controversial dissolution of the five emirates councils. The decision affected Rurum directly, as he holds

 PRESS RELEASE   REPORTS OF NIGERIANS BEING TARGETED IN THE WAKE OF THE DECISION BY THE CONFEDERATION OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL (CAF)   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes  to convey that as of the time of making this statement, Nigerians in Libya are going about their daily activities, devoid of any form of harassment by Libyan authorities, following the verdict of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which indicted the Libyan Football Association for their ill-treatment of the Nigerian team and officials while in Libya for a Nations Cup Qualifying Match. This is contrary to a publication in the Punch newspaper on the 3rd of November, 2024.   The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to reiterate that the wellbeing of Nigerian citizens anywhere in the world is a top priority of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and will continue to strive to safeguard it at all times.     Signed: Amb. Eche Abu-Obe Spokesperson Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 Lobi Stars have appointed a Finnish tactician, Mika Lonnstrom as the team’s new head coach.  The club announced the manager’s arrival in a tweet on X following the Makurdi-based side’s poor start to the new NPFL season. Lonnstrom holds a UEFA Pro licence to his credit.

 The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Bashir Agboola on his recognition as one of Crain's New York Business 2024 Notable Black Leaders in Healthcare.  She praised Agboola for his significant achievements, which have brought positive attention to Nigeria. A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM's Head of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Dabiri-Erewa noted that Agboola’s award highlights his dedication, leadership, and commitment to excellence in the healthcare sector.  Agboola, who serves as Vice President, Associate Chief Information Officer, and Chief Technology Officer at New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, led notable technology initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic.  In recognition of his impact, Agboola was also featured in NiDCOM’s "600+ Diaspora Icons" compendium in 2020. 

 Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced suspension of the ongoing nationwide indefinite strike over withheld salaries for a month. The unions in a joint statement on Sunday said the suspension of the indefinite strike will take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. The statement was signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU.

 South African Police Arrest 540 Illegal Miners South African authorities have forced 540 illegal miners out of an abandoned mine shaft in Orkney, arresting them for illegal mining activities. South African authorities blocked food and water deliveries to the mine, leading to starvation and dehydration among the miners. Thousands of "zama zamas" (illegal miners) operate in South Africa. Since December 2023, 13,690 suspects have been arrested, with R5 million in cash and R32 million in uncut diamonds seized. National Police Commissioner Lt Gen Shadrack Sibiya praised the operation, stating that the rule of law must be restored.

 20 INMATES RELEASED FROM ONITSHA CORRECTIONAL CENTER By MBUNABO NKIRU/ UCHE AZUKA Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Onochie Anyachebelu, has freed 20 inmates from Onitsha Correctional Center.  The chief Justice was accompanied by some key officers in the Judiciary, Judges from the state high court and members of the Ministry of Justice, Onitsha.  The jail delivery exercise by the chief Justice is a way of addressing the lapses in criminal Justice, including incidents of missing case files and also a part of the constitutional duty of the chief  judge to decongest the center and look into the issues of over detained inmates including the sick ones and bring hope to those behind bars .  The chief judge granted bail and reviewed bail condition of other inmates who their trial will continue in regular court.  The released inmates were advised to become changed persons and avoid what will bring them back to prison also to use the skills they have acquired to better their living.  The D

 “Ghanaian Women are not exposed like Nigerian women. In fact, Ghanaians are not exposed like Nigerians, They are still very backward.“  “You’ll be having a conversation with them and they seem to know nothing. It’s not just the women but Ghanaians are not current. Nigerian women are really exposed, they have an idea of things happening.  Ghana as a whole needs to level up.“  — Ghanaian musician Camidoh has shared his thoughts on Ghanaian women.

 Mauritius Lifts Social Media Ban 24 Hours After Implementation Mauritius has reversed its decision to ban social media platforms just 24 hours after enforcing the block.  The initial ban was imposed following a wire-tapping scandal involving politicians, journalists, and foreign diplomats, with secret recordings surfacing online last month.  The ban had restricted access to popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X, but has now been lifted ahead of the general election on November 11, when it was originally intended to end, one day after the election.

 Equatorial Guinea in Uproar Over Baltasar Ebang’s Alleged Affairs with Hundreds of Women Equatorial Guinea is in turmoil following a major scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, one of the country's well-known public figures.  Rumors suggest that close to 400 private videos show Ebang in intimate moments with a wide range of women, including some from neighboring Cameroon and even alleged wives of government officials. This scandal has sparked widespread concern, with many people fearing the possible release of more compromising videos.  Speculation is also rife that the country’s security services might have leaked the footage, adding to the tension. The situation has particularly impacted the wives of government officials, such as the spouse of Jesus Edu Moto, the head of presidential security.  Many citizens also worry that their own loved ones could become involved in this scandal, leaving the nation on edge.

 Spain's King Felipe VI Faces Public Anger and Mud in Flood-Affected Valencia The death toll from Spain's devastating floods has risen to 217, with thousands more left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. On Sunday, King Felipe VI and top government officials faced the wrath of flood survivors in Paiporta, one of the hardest-hit areas, where over 60 people lost their lives. As the royal contingent walked through the mud-covered streets, they were met with a barrage of mud, shovels, and poles wielded threateningly by the crowd. Police on horseback struggled to keep back the angry protesters, who shouted "Get out! Get out!" and "Killers!" Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was quickly evacuated from the scene, but King Felipe VI remained calm, making efforts to speak to individual residents and offering words of comfort. One person wept on the king's shoulder, while another shook his hand. Queen Letizia also engaged with the crowd, speaking to women w

 Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) has won 15 out the 17 chairmanship posts in the local government elections in Abia State. The ruling Labour Party #LP did not win any seat with over 12 political parties. The Young Progressives Party #YPP won in the two remaining local government areas of the South-East state – Ugwunagbo and Osisioma Ngwa. The chairman of the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) George Chima made the declaration on Saturday in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

 A candidate for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination #UTME  was sentenced to jail by an Abuja magistrate court. Jide Jisos, the candidate is facing a six-month imprisonment for impersonating someone during the 2019 UTME. The judge, Justice Folashade Oyekan, found Jisos guilty on one count of impersonation and convicted him. ACCORDING TO ANOTHER SOURCE: Court jails ‘Professor’ for attempting to write UTME for daughter A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced ‘Professor’ Jide Josiah Jisos to six months in prison for impersonation during the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination,UTME. The convict was apprehended by officials of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,JAMB, while monitoring the 2019 UTME at Brix Academy in Abuja. The board which confirmed this in a statement, Sunday, by its spokesman, Fabian Benjamin, said ‘Prof.’ Jisos had presented himself to JAMB examination officials as a representative of a non-governmental Organisation,

 Flood has displaced thousands of people from their homes in Biseni Kingdom in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Most of the victims from several communities across the Kingdom who are taking refuge on a bridge, road and makeshift camps have sent a passionate save our souls cry to the Federal and Bayelsa State government to come to their rescue. Many homes, schools, health facilities, worship centres, roads and farmlands have been submerged by the rampaging flood waters Deputy Executive Director of the advocacy group, Environmental Defenders Network, Chief Alagoa Morris who led a team of journalists on assessment of the flood situation described the conditions of the Biseni people as pathetic calling for urgent action from government at the federal and state levels as well as interventionist agencies.  More photos below. 

 Two persons have been confirmed dead in Agyaragu Community, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, following a violent clash between a Police Special Constabulary officer and a soldier. The Police Public Relations Officer in Nasarawa, DSP Ramhan Nansel, told Radio Nigeria that two police stations in the community were also attacked.  According to DSP Nansel, the altercation began when a soldier on leave got into a fight with a police Special Constabulary officer in Agyaragu, resulting in both parties stabbing each other, which led to the soldier’s death.

 Thunder lightning kills 13 Children in Uganda  A lighting strike at a refugee camp in Uganda has killed 13 children and one adult, police say. According to reports, the victims were attending a church service on Saturday evening when the lightning struck. Another 34 people were injured. The incident occurred at Palabek Refugee Settlement in the north-west of the country. The area has recently seen heavy rains with thunder and lightning. Kituuma Rusoke, spokesperson for Uganda Police, told BBC News that the adult killed on Saturday was 21 years old. Mr Rusoke did not reveal the exact ages of the children who died. Palabek Refugee Settlement is home to more than 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers. According to the UN's refugee agency,Palabek Refugee Settlement is home to more than 80,000 refugees and asylum seekers.Many who are from neighbouring South Sudan. Four years ago, lightning killed 10 children in the city of Arua, also in north-western Uganda.

 Man shoots Abia youth dead for playing football near his house A 70-year-old man, Mr Stephen Irobunda has escaped being lynched in Ohokobe Ndume, Umuahia North LGA of Abia State for allegedly killing a young man, Mr Bright Odizuru. The victim, Odizuru, was shot dead on Saturday by the suspect during an altercation between the aged man and some youths in the community. Community sources told Dailypost that the victim, together with other youths, were playing football near Irobunda’s house during local government election, which infuriated the suspect and he fired in the air to scare away the youths. The youths in response went back to Irobunda house to know why he was trying to intimidate them with gunshots and that point, the man drew his gun again and shot one of the youths, Bright Odizuru in his abdomen, leading to his death in a hospital. The death of the young man infuriated the Ohokobe Mbaocha youths who pounced on the suspect and attempted to lynch him before he was rescued by s

 Most wanted terrorist, Habu Dogo 'captured' in sokoto The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, disclosed that troops conducting counter-insurgency operations have arrested a notorious and wanted terrorist leader in the North-West known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim aka Habu Dogo who is responsible for killings and kidnappings in Sokoto State.Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said Habu Dogo was arrested in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area, LGA, of the state. He said: “He (Habu Dogo) is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his activities.” Major-General Buba disclosed that during operations across the country, 187 terrorists were neutralised while 311 other criminal elements including perpetrators of oil theft were arrested.�Also, 147 kidnapped victims were said to have been rescued. His words:” In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin

  A 37-year-old married man and father of four, Mr Emmanuel Ighoruemu has been arrested for def!ling an 8-year-old girl in the Egbo community, Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta state.   Activist, Kelvin Ejumudo, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, November 3, 2024, said the suspect confessed to the police to have def!led the minor more than once.    According to Ejumudo, the suspect and the victim’s parents are friends and neighbours.     “The little girl’s parent took her to the house of Mr Emmanuel and traveled for a day trip only for him to forcefully defiled the minor in his matrimonial bedroom and threatened to k!ll her if she ever tells anyone about it and offered her 500 Naira which the little girl rejected,” he wrote.    “I got a distress call from the family of the little girl and immediately swung into action to arrest Mr Emmanuel Ighoruemu. He’s currently cooling off in the cell of the Nigeria Police Force Ughelli area command of Delta state and he will be charg

 POLICE BUSTS, ARRESTS 130 FOREIGN NATIONALS, NIGERIANS FOR CYBERCRIMES, HACKING IGP Orders Thorough Investigation into Possible Security Threats, Networking The Nigeria Police Force has arrested 130 suspects comprising 113 foreign nationals (87 males and 26 females), primarily of Chinese and Malaysian origin, and their 17 Nigerian collaborators (4 males and 13 females) for their alleged involvement in high-level cybercrimes, hacking, and activities that threaten national security. This strategic operation was conducted through a coordinated raid on a building at the Next Cash and Carry area of Jahi, Abuja, where the suspects were reportedly using computers and other sophisticated devices to facilitate criminal activities.  The operation which was led by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja, AIG Benneth Igweh, on Saturday, 2nd November 2024, comprised officers of the Nigeria Police Force Zone 7 Command Abuja and the National Cyber Crime Centre (NPF-N

 Emmanuel Charles Mbokota, a 33-year-old man, has been sentenced to three life terms for a string of heinous crimes in South Africa. He was found guilty of murdering former University of Limpopo professor Mohamed Saber Tayob, 53, in Sterkpark, Polokwane, on March 13, 2022. In another incident, Mbokota shot and killed Malatji Putana Lucas, 33, in Mabocha village, Tubatse, on April 1, 2022. Lucas was building a house for Mbokota at the time. Additionally, Mbokota was convicted of shooting and killing Luvhimbi Edward Muofhe, 57, at a BMW dealership in Nirvana, Polokwane, on April 4, 2022. He had demanded the keys to a grey BMW X6 and assaulted employees during the incident. Mbokota’s crimes were investigated by Sergeant Florence Concilia Tlhatlha of the Provincial Organised Crime Unit, leading to his arrest and subsequent sentencing

 WORKS ONGOING ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF ATANI ROAD By Okoli Sunday  Rehabilitation works is ongoing on the project, the reconstruction of Atani Road in Ogbaru LGA, Anambra State. The 10km road which was awarded in June this year has a 14-month completion timeframe which is in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo's vision to make the state the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and living. The contract was awarded to a competent contractor Mideast Construction Company Ltd. The road when completed, will not only ease traffic along the ever busy Enugu -Onitsha Expressway, it would drastically reduce accidents and criminality on the road and also help to evacuate farm produce as the people of Ogbaru are agrarian communities. * Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State * More photos below. 

 Anambra Govt Kicks Off Iconic Light of Nation Tower and Water Fountain Project By Sunday Okoli In a bid to transform the environment to the admiration of all, the Anambra State Government has handed over site for the construction of Light of Nation Tower and Water Fountain at Ekwulobia, Aguata LGA. Performing the handing over ceremony at Ekwulobia roundabout, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Mr Ifeanyi Okoma said that Governor  Chukwuma Soludo is creating a smart mega city to enhance the environment. The commissioner who was represented by the Director of Maintenance Department in the Ministry, Mr Amobi Anthony, charged the contractor to adhere strictly to the four months completion period. The Managing Director of the Constructing firm, IDC Construction Ltd, Mr Maher Dib, thanked the state government for awarding the contract to their company, promising to deliver on schedule and according to specifications. * Okoli is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State * More ph

 Dualization of Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi -Ozubulu-Okija Road Begins  By Sunday Okoli  Anambra State Government has commenced the dualization of Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi -Ozubulu-Okija Road with a 370-meter Spur, three (3) Span Bridge Across Ulasi River. Performing the handing over ceremony at Nwagu Agulu, Commissioner for Works, Engr. Ifeanyi Okoma who was represented by the Director of Highways, Engr. Noel Okoye said that the Lot One of the project which is the 18.6km Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi-Nnewi Road is with a completion period of 12 months.  He charged the contractor Lebtech Construction Company to adhere strictly to the completion period and work according to specifications. At Nkwo Triangle Nnewi, the commissioner said that the Lot 2, which is the 16.51km dualization of Nnewi-Ozubulu-Okija Road with a bridge across Ulasi River was awarded to Ferotex Const. Ltd at a completion period of 15-months. He noted that Governor Soludo is a gift to Ndi Anambra by awarding legacy projects that woul

 52 Children Detained on Alleged Charges of Treason: Minister Assures Public of Their Rights and Fair Judicial Process The Ministry of Women Affairs expresses deep concern over the recent detention of 52 children who were reportedly arrested on August 3, 2024, during the End Bad Governance protest in Kano and Kaduna states. Public concern about the treatment, safety, and rights of these detained children is duly acknowledged, and the Ministry is taking active steps to address these issues. Ensuring the rights of every child is paramount, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Child Rights Act, and international treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory. Every child, regardless of circumstance, is entitled to protection, dignity, and a fair judicial process under the law. Demonstrating her commitment to the welfare of these children, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs made a personal visit to the detention facility late at night, where she engaged

 PRESS RELEASE  PRESIDENT TINUBU UNVEILS NATIONAL LOTTERY TRUST FUND 4-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN  President Bola Tinubu, has unveiled a comprehensive 4-year (2024-2028) Strategic Plan aimed at repositioning the National Lottery Trust Fund to deliver good cause projects to Nigerans.  Speaking on behalf of the President in Abuja yesterday, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume,  expressed the confidence that  the strategic document, will no doubt  complement the present administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.  “This move is part of President Tinubu's efforts to drive economic transformation, ensure security, enhance food production, and improve social services. Through the National Lottery Trust Fund, the President believes that help will reach many Nigerians, providing support to vulnerable individuals and communities.”  He commended the Executive Secretary, NLTF, Comrade Tosin Adeyanju, for his visionary leadership while looking forward to more prosper

 Under-Dispensing of Petrol: Frustration, anger as fuel stations increase hardship •Pump manipulation rampant – Consumers •Outlets caught to face heavy sanctions — NMDPRA •Close monitoring needed – Association of Public Policy Analysis Despite the hike in petrol prices beyond the reach of the average Nigerian, many filling stations engage in under-dispensing of petroleum products by manipulating their pumps, findings revealed. The practice, which didn’t start in this dispensation, has increased the hardship faced by citizens, who currently pay through their nose for petrol for commercial and domestic purposes. With under-dispensing, consumers get little at higher prices, thereby increasing the hardship being experienced across the country. The current official retail price of petrol is N1, 030 per litre while independent marketers sell between N1,200 and N1,300, depending on location. From October to date, the rate at which the product is purchased has increased three times, thereby co

 Jagun Jagun master Femi Adebayo won the 2024 AMAA Award for best actor Congratulations have been pouring to the Nigeria Actor and film makers Actor Femi Adebayo on his new Award presented by AMAA. The actors was presented the 2024 AMAA award for best Actor. Femi Adebayo was happy and excited as his movies Jagun Jagun bag multiple award as the actor rush to his verified social media handle to celebrate the award and given thanks to the organizers and the team members who help him to achieve the success. On his caption posted a long with the award video Femi Adebayo said Hey Guys, we’ve done it again!! Grateful to Almighty Allah for this award. Happy to announce that I won the 2024 AMAA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for my performance in JAGUN JAGUN - The Warrior : A Netflix Original Film. Thanks to the Jagun Jagun Team! Guys We Did it Again.  More photos below.