PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 German luxury carmaker Audi has removed its iconic four rings logo in China, a move that has sparked shock and debate on social media.  The logo, a symbol of Audi’s legacy since the 1930s, was missing from the new E Concept electric sportback showcased in Shanghai earlier this month. Instead, the car featured “AUDI” written in bold capital letters on the front. This decision comes as other automakers, like Jaguar, face criticism for their rebranding efforts, with many users online labeling Audi’s change as a “bad move” and “confusing.” The rebranding is part of a collaboration between Audi and Chinese automaker SAIC to co-develop electric vehicles targeted at younger customers in the world’s largest auto market. The move aims to appeal to China’s younger premium car buyers, with an average age of 30-35 years compared to 55 in other global markets. According to Fermin Soneira, CEO of the project, the new EV series will prioritize advanced features such as driver-assistance sys...

  Louis Vuitton flagship store disguised as stack of luggage trunks The Louis Vuitton flagship store on 5th Ave at 57 St in Manhattan which is being demolished & rebuilt is now covered in the most innovative “scaffolding” made to look like its iconic luggage.  Fashion brand Louis Vuitton has concealed its under-renovation New York flagship store with a luggage facade and relocated to a temporary store that features OMA-designed sculptures.  Louis Vuitton covered its flagship at East 57th Street and 5th Avenue in a facade modelled after the brand's distinctive trunks, while simultaneously opening a temporary location around the corner, with sculptures developed with OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu that rise through an atrium Designed by Louis Vuitton's in-house team, the luggage facade wraps completely around the construction underway at the New York City flagship. It resembles six, grey trunks of various sizes stacked in descending size. The six trunks stacked in descen...

 SECURITY REPORT IN ANAMBRA: POLICE SWIFTLY RESPOND TO INCIDENTS TO AVERT FURTHER LOSS OF LIVES AND PROPERTIES IN THE STATE Police-led Security Forces on Sunday 24th November 2024 by 2.30 pm responded swiftly to an attack on members of the Anambra State Vigilantes of Umuchu extraction along Amesi/, Uga Road and rescued one wounded Vigilante Operative. The Joint Security Forces quickly rushed the victim to the hospital where he is currently responding to treatment and activated intelligent-information-led patrols in the area aimed to deny the criminals the space they enjoy to cause havoc and possibly arrest.  Unfortunately, during the gun duel bullets hit the fuel tank of the Toyota Frontier Van belonging to the AVG. As a result, the van was razed down.  In another development, on 24th November 2024 by 4.30 pm, the Police Operatives from Okpoko Divisional headquarters responded to a distress call of a fire outbreak at Chukwunonso Street along Obodoukwu Road Okpoko and cord...

 A 58-year-old rapist, Aphane Fenkana Coccen, has been sentenced to 125 years imprisonment by the Polokwane High Court for facing eleven counts of rape. The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has welcomed the sentence. The accused was found guilty of raping victims aged between 12 and 23 during 2010, 2011, and 2012, in various policing areas under the Sekhukhune district. In one incident, he threatened four young girls with a firearm, took them to a bushy terrain, and raped them. The accused was arrested, positively linked to the incidents, and kept in custody until sentencing. The court sentenced him to 25 years imprisonment for each of the eleven counts of rape, with the sentences running concurrently, totaling 125 years imprisonment.

  As part of ongoing clearance operations targeting remnants of IPOB elements in the South East, troops of OPERATION UDO KA  conducted a rigorous fighting patrol along the Ekeututu–Ihiteunansa Road in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State. During the operation, the troops encountered suspected IPOB/ESN members. In the ensuing engagement, several of the suspected criminals were neutralized. Captured items included pump-action guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and IED-making materials, as well as charms. The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain their efforts in eliminating criminal elements from their hideouts. He also reassured the peace-loving people of the South East to carry on with their daily activities without fear. More photos below. 

 Elton John Has Lost Sight in Right Eye for Four Months Due to Infection Elton John explained his ongoing eye ailment on “Good Morning America” Monday, an infection that has impaired his ability to work and held up the release of a new album. On the show, Elton gave an update on his previously reported eye infection, which has caused him to lose his eyesight in his right eye earlier this year.  He explained, “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the south of France. And it’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. And my left eye’s not the greatest.” However, he remains optimistic, adding, “So, there’s hope and encouragement that it will be OK. But I’m kind of stuck in the moment because I can do something like this [the interview], but going into the studio and recording, I don’t know. Because I can’t see, a lyric for start. John, who said he is "taking an initiative" to improve his vision, added, "It kind...

  CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ABA Office of the Bishop 25th November, 2024 To the Clergy, Religious and Faithful in Aba,  A TRAGIC CHRIST THE KING FEAST AND PROCESSION  It is with deep regret and sadness that the annual joy ful celebration of our Diocesan Feast Day which occurs every 34th Sunday of the Church year, ended yesterday 23 November. 2024, in a most tragic way. Some of our devout and gallant Catholics, who trooped out as usual to join the annual Eucharistic Procession in a joy ful mood, met their death as a result of overcrowding during the procession. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen. Investigations are still ongoing to ascertain the true narrative, identity of victims, and cause of this awful episode. We condole with the deceased families, and sympathize with those injured, who are still convalescing in the hospital. We carnestly pray for their quick recovery. However, we pledge to support the aff...

 Toyin Abraham sparks concern over her countenance at BON Awards in Kwara State Nollywood actress Toyin Abraham has sparked reactions with her countenance at the just concluded BON awards in Kwara State. On Sunday, November 25th, Nollywood actors, filmmakers, and practitioners gathered at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin, Kwara State, for the Best of Nollywood Awards.  Toyin Abraham, who was in attendance at the event as the host, left many concerned over her facial expression.  The actress, who was fully clothed and dressed like a Muslim, was captured feeling uneasy and comfortable, which could have been due to the cold weather. Many took to the comment section to express concern for her.

 I will still come back here for more awards – Femi Adebayo wins big at BON Awards Nollywood actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has won big at the just-concluded BON Awards We reported on Sunday that Nollywood stars, filmmakers, and practitioners gathered at the Sugar Factory Film Studios in Ilorin Kwara State for the Best of Nollywood awards. Femi Adebayo, who was in attendance, had won big at the event as he went home with 4 awards for his 2023 movie, Jagun Jagun.  He won the Best Actor award, Best Use of Costume, Best Art Design, and Best Use of Effect. His brothers, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami also won Best Director for their Directorial debut in Jagun Jagun. In his speech, Femi stated that this is his first time in Kwara, and he hopes and believes that he will return to the stage for more awards. The actor dedicated his win to the people of Kwara State.

  Bank Manager escape Deah This happen this morning in Mile 2 Apapa Oshodi Expressway today the 25th of November, 2024. Watch video below and more updates later. 

 Dear Heavenly Father – Mama Rainbow writes an open letter to God Veteran Nollywood actress Idowu Philips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, has penned an open letter to God after her 82nd birthday. The energetic Nollywood actress openly appreciated God’s love and faithfulness towards her. Mama Rainbow, one of the oldest living Nollywood veterans, humbly thanked God for guiding and helping her. She shared a video of herself looking young and energetic on her Instagram page, accompanied by the letter. She is thankful for the grace, life and mercy that sustained her from birth through every trial and triumph. She acknowledged God’s unwavering presence, help, and strength during her weakness, as well as her faithfulness and protection.

 PRESS RELEASE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: NPF JOINS ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, IMPLEMENTS POLICE GENDER POLICY. As IGP Decorates Newly Appointed DIG Ari. In a continued commitment to combat gender-based violence and support victims, the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with other Governmental groups and NGOs is observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a campaign that aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.  The recent implementation of the comprehensive Police Gender Policy, along with the appointment of a dedicated Gender Advisor, signifies the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to the mission to foster gender inclusivity and a safer society for all.  The Police have a longstanding commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence, sexual violence, harassment, and other associated crimes. This commitment is reflected in the formation of specialized units within the Force, includ...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND_ PRESS RELEASE 25/11/2024 POLICE SMASH NOTORIOUS CRIME SYNDICATE, RECOVER STOLEN GOODS WORTH MILLIONS ...As RRS raids "suck and die" dealer at Bayan Gari_ The Bauchi State Police Command has achieved a significant milestone in its quest to combat crime and ensure public safety. Following a thorough investigation, the command has apprehended a suspect involved in a string of crimes, including criminal conspiracy, trespassing, fabrication of keys, instrument of store breaking, and theft. The suspect, Ukasha Adamu, a 23-year-old male residing around Ajiya Adamu Road, Bauchi metropolis, was arrested on November 11, 2024, at about 1400hrs. Adamu's arrest is the result of a meticulous investigation conducted by the State Intelligence Department (SID), which uncovered a complex web of criminal activities. The investigation revealed that the (defendant) Adamu and his accomplices had been systematically surveilling various stores in Bauchi metropolitan...

 EFCC Arrests 10 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Lagos   Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 10 suspected internet fraudsters.  They were arrested on Friday, November 22, 2024 at Adewale Estate and Sea Side Estate in the Badore axis of Lagos State.   Their arrest followed credible intelligence on the activities of some members of an Organised Cybercrime Syndicate Network, OCSN, suspected to be involved in computer-related fraud.    Items recovered from them include: exotic cars, mobile devices and mobile phones.   The suspects have all volunteered their statements.   They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.  More photos below. 

 EFCC Arrests 15 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Makurdi   Operatives of the Makurdi Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested fifteen suspected internet fraudsters.   The suspects were arrested at Abu King Shuluwe Street Akpehe, Makurdi metropolis based  on actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet fraud.    Items recovered from them include: two  cars, five laptop computers, 17 mobile phones among others   The suspects would be charged to court as soon as their investigations are concluded. More photos below. 

 Kenyan police use teargas to disperse anti-femicide protesters in Nairobi Police in Kenya used tear gas to disperse a peaceful march in Nairobi on Monday, commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, AP reported. Protesters later spoke out against the reaction by security forces and highlighted what they say is a lack of government action. Nairobi resident,  Waithira Karanja, said they want accountability. "The police are the ones who kill women, which is why they do not want us to protest against the killing of women. They are supposed to be protecting us,“ she said. Kenyan police agencies say there have been 97 cases of femicide in various parts of the country in the last three months alone. But activists say many more go unreported. Last week, Kenyan President William Ruto condemned the alarming rise in femicide cases and urged collective efforts to protect women from gender-based violence. As the world marked the start of the 16 Days ...

 Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Stealing Transformer Coil in Yobe A 26-year-old man, Nasiru Lawan, has been sentenced to eight years in a correctional facility for stealing a 37kg transformer coil wire valued at approximately N1 million from the Government Girls Unity College, Damaturu, Yobe State. Lawan was charged on October 11, 2024, by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with two counts of tampering with and stealing transformer coil wire in case No: FHC/DM/CR/40/2024. The prosecution, led by Barrister Jidda Abdulqadir, presented compelling evidence and testimonies from NSCDC’s intelligence and investigation department, leading to Lawan's conviction. Lawan and an accomplice, still at large, vandalized the school's transformer on September 8, 2024. He was arrested the following day while trying to sell the stolen copper coil wire. In her sentencing, Justice Fadima Murtala-Aminu condemned the actions of vandals, labeling them as saboteurs of the state's ec...

 Vinícius Júnior to Miss Liverpool Clash Due to Hamstring Injury Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been ruled out of the upcoming Champions League match against Liverpool due to a hamstring injury, the club confirmed on Monday. “After undergoing tests today, Vinícius Júnior has been diagnosed with a hamstring injury in his left leg by Real Madrid’s medical team,” the club stated. Spanish reports suggest that the Brazilian winger is expected to be sidelined for around a month, meaning he will also miss the Champions League match against Atalanta on December 10, in addition to Wednesday's clash at Anfield. Vinícius played the full 90 minutes in Real Madrid's 3-0 La Liga win over Leganés on Sunday, providing the assist for Kylian Mbappé’s opening goal. The 24-year-old has been in exceptional form this season, outshining summer signing Mbappé. He scored four goals in as many Champions League appearances and has netted eight times in 13 La Liga matches. He also finished second...

 FUOYE Re-Marks Exam Papers of Student Failed By Lecturer Over Sex-for-Grade Scandal, Secures Justice The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the remarking of her final-year examination scripts. Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses. In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye's allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked. "The young lady's scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia," the statement read. According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye's revised results, which qualified her for graduation. "The university management has gi...

 NDLEA arrests Chinese drug kingpin in Lagos The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled a drug syndicate controlled by a Chinese man, 58-year-old Tianzhen Yen (alias Jackie,) and arrested the suspect in Lagos. Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who made this known in a statement on Sunday, said Yen was arrested in his hotel in the Ikeja area of Lagos. According to the statement, officers of the Seme Special Area Command of the Agency had on Thursday 21st November intercepted a 40-year-old suspect, Yakubu Emmanuel Mark in a commercial bus going to Ghana at the Gbaji checkpoint along Badagry-Seme expressway based on credible intelligence. When he was searched, a total of 750grams of cocaine were found in his bag.A swift follow up operation was organized to trace and arrest the kingpin behind the trans-border drug trafficking syndicate, who turned out to be a Chinese citizen, Tianzhen Yen. He was eventually traced to MC...

  Bishop TD Jakes ‘stable’ after suffering medical emergency during Sunday sermon Bishop T.D. Jakes is stable after experiencing a “health incident" during his recent Sunday service. The pastor and motivational speaker was speaking at The Potter’s House of Dallas, a nondenominational Christian church, on Nov. 24 when the incident occurred. The 67-year-old was delivering a sermon onstage when he appeared to pause and shake slightly, based on footage of the service livestream shared to social media. Church staff and clergymen quickly came to his aid, while the congregation collectively turned to prayer, interceding for his swift recovery. After the service, The Potter’s House of Dallas shared a statement on Jakes’ official X accountproviding an update on the bishop's health. “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour long message,” the statement said. “Bishop Jakes is stable...

 Chad Ochocinco Says He Soaked Ankles in Teammates' Urine to Avoid Injuries Chad "Ochocino" Johnson shared the gross method he used to evade injuries during his 11-year NFL career. Spoiler alert: It includes his teammates' urine. On the latest episode of podcast 7 PM in Brooklyn with Carmelo Anthony , Ochocinco joined the host , Rudy Gay , The Kid Mero , and Kazeem Famuyid and revealed his ritual of using his fellow players' urine to prevent injuries. The discussion begins around the 1:18:00 of the video below when Mero brings up Ochocinco's 2016 Mike and Mike interview, per CBS Sports , in which he detailed his rehab process for ankle sprains. "You know what I did for ankle sprains?" the former wide receiver said at the time. "I would collect warm urine from my teammates, heat it up and put my ankle in it for 30 minutes." "Yeah, that worked," Ochocinco told Mero after he finished reading the quote. After the rest of the men share...

 More than a dozen missing after yacht carrying tourists sinks off Egypt's east coast in Red Sea At least 17 people are missing after a tourist cruise vessel sank in the Red Sea, officials in Egypt have said. The governor of the Red Sea region, Amr Hanafy, said rescuers saved 28 people from the vessel south of the coastal town of Marsa Alam and some were airlifted to receive medical treatment. Mr Hanafy said 31 tourists of various nationalities were on board along with 14 crew members. The governorate received a report of a distress call from the yacht shortly before dawn on Monday, after it left Marsa Alam on Saturday for a five-day journey. It was not immediately clear what caused the four-deck, wooden-hulled motor yacht to sink.  According to its maker's website, the Sea Story was built in 2022 and can hold 36 passengers. Mr Hanafy said in a statement Egyptian military units were coordinating rescue operations with the governorate. Many tourist companies have stopped or lim...

  Kanye West to 'renew his vows' with Bianca Censori in 'nude ceremony' and plans to invite Kim Kanye West is reportedly planning an X-rated vow renewal with his wife Bianca Censori.  The US rapper, 47, is said to be desperate to put rumours of their marriage woes to rest. Despite speculation his relationship with the Australian architect, 29, has been rocky, West allegedly intends to walk down the aisle with Censori almost completely nude, Radar Online reports.  'It's no secret people have been whispering that Censori is walking away, so this wedding is as much about celebrating their love as it is about showing the world that they're solid,' an insider revealed to the outlet.  With the couple's second anniversary on the horizon next month, the source claimed West wanted to take things to the next level to prove his commitment to Censori.  Known for their bold public fashion choices—which often sees Censori wearing very provocative outfits while Wes...

 Novelist Barbara Taylor Bradford dies aged 91 Barbara Taylor Bradford, the bestselling author of novels including A Woman of Substance, has died aged 91, her publisher has confirmed. The novelist died peacefully at her home on Sunday after a short illness, “surrounded by loved ones to the very end”. Described as “the grande dame of blockbusters”, Taylor Bradford published her 40th novel in 2023, the third in her Victorian family saga House of Falconer series. Cumulative sales of her books across her lifetime reached more than 91m copies, and were published in more than 40 languages and in 90 countries. Lynne Drew, Barbara’s long-term publisher and editor at HarperCollins, said working with the writer “was a huge privilege but also a huge amount of fun. Perennially curious, interested in everyone and extraordinarily driven, she loved writing, and the conversations we had about her characters were unfailingly the best hours of my week. “She was an inspiration for millions of readers...

 Anambra Government Moves To Boost Food Production Through 20,000 Organic Fertilizers By Chukwuka Ugokwe Anambra State Government is set to commence distribution of no fewer than 20,000 organic fertilizers to farmers across the 326 wards in the state. Each of the wards is expected to receive an average of 55 bags of organic fertilizers for onward distribution to beneficiaries for farming purposes. This was the outcome of a One-day stakeholders meeting organised by the Ministry of Agriculture at its Conference Hall. The meeting brought together group of stakeholders including Heads of Department of Agriculture, Supervisors of Agriculture and Leaders of Congress of councillors drawn from the 21 Local Government Areas. At the event, the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, told the meeting that the federal government in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria had donated 9,000 bags of inorganic fertilizers to the state. He, however, added that since the sta...

 Anaocha Mayor Ibekwe Launches Erosion Control Project, Ultra-Modern Plaza By Chidimma Okoye / Ngozi Nnajiofor  Anaocha Local Government Area Mayor, Mr. Romanus Ibekwe  has flagged off the immediate commencement of work at erosion site by the Okacha / Nimo axis. Speaking at the site, Mr. Ibekwe said that he flagged off the erosion site for menace control, for the maintenance of existing drainage system and for the construction of an ultra modern plaza that will create over 300 shops for businesses which will enhance economic growth and value in the local government area. "The Governor's construction of dual roads from Agulu to Nnewi, Amawbia to Ekwulobia and so on, makes Aniocha the centre of epic development, Aniocha is fast becoming the fifth Urban city in Anambra State after Ekwulobia in line with the Governor's proposal," Ibekwe said,   enjoining Anaocha people to imbibe the 'Akuluo Uno Philosophy' to help quicken development that will bring about employme...