PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Six bodies pulled from illegal South African goldmine Six bodies have been recovered over the past two days from an abandoned mine in the town of Stilfontein in South Africa, where hundreds of clandestine miners are still underground, a community leader told AFP. "Six bodies were retrieved in two days, four today and two yesterday," said Johannes Qankase, a spokesperson for the nearby township of Khuma, where most of the miners live. The abandoned gold mines some 150 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of the economic capital Johannesburg have been encircled over the past four weeks by police seeking to dislodge "zama zamas" ("those who try" in the Zulu language) who are working there illegally. It is unclear exactly how many miners are still underground. A local man said he was told there were around 4,000, though police said the figure was probably in the hundreds. Difficult conditions Authorities have been limiting water and food provisions in an attempt t...

 Putting to Rest Rumours about Port Harcourt Refinery Complex:  Our Fact-Finding Mission I was part of a fact-finding team that visited the 60,000 barrels daily Port Harcourt Refining Complex on Wednesday. I will now share our findings. Our mission was to verify the rumours circulating about the refinery's state, and I am pleased to report that we were satisfied with what we saw. Our team, guided by the refinery's Managing Director Ibrahim Onoja, toured the entire complex, from the computerised control room to the loading bay and every section in between. We asked pointed questions and received satisfactory answers, dispelling our doubts and misconceptions. Nigerians must ignore naysayers and false information about the refinery's operations. While it is not currently running at 100%, it is functioning at 70% installed capacity, with plans to increase production shortly. Furthermore, the refinery receives regular crude supplies, contrary to claims that it lacks crude to ref...

 PRESS RELEASE FG ASSURES PARTNERS OF  EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH DATA CENTRE The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal has assured partners of the effective maintenance of Environmental Health  Data Centre. Balarabe stated this in Abuja recently while unveiling and commissioning the  Environmental Health Council of Nigeria( EHCON )  Electronic Data Centre. The Minister noted that the centre will enhance service delivery of EHCON, eliminate fake certificates thereby resulting to presentable results from the centre. He believed that the unveiling of the electronic data centre was a significant step in the commitment of the government in environmental, health sustainability and National Development. Abbas also disclosed that the centre will enhance data centric and evidence based decision making in environmental health such as data integration, accessibility, real time monitoring, early warning system, analystic capability, policy fo...

 British tourist, 30, arrested over rape of girl, 6, while visiting Thai girlfriend in Thailand's 'Sin City' resort Pattaya A British tourist has been arrested over the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Thailand while visiting his Thai girlfriend Luke Adam Lawrence, The 30-year-old from Leeds was identified by sleuths at the National Crime Agency (NCA) in London over an alleged video of the schoolgirl being abused. Officers worked with local police and tracked the Brit down. Police stormed the suspect's rented home at the Private Paradise Pattaya condominium block  in the "Sin City" resort of Pattaya where he was living with a Thai girlfriend.  The Brit was formally arrested over the alleged rape of the young girl, who he is said to have known through a friend. The NCA launched their investigation after tracing alleged child abuse content to Lawrence's phone, which included footage reportedly showing him assaulting a young south east Asian girl. Briti...

  Billboard Names Beyoncé The Greatest Pop Star Of The 21st Century Beyoncé has been named the greatest pop star of the 21st century by Billboard, the music outlet says it picked the artists who have most defined pop stardom for the last 25 years. "Beyoncé tops our staff-chosen editorial list based on her full 25 years of influence, impact, evolution," Billboard's Andrew Unterberger wrote. In their analysis, the publication wrote that Beyoncé's place at the top of their list stems from the record-setting Grammy-winner being a performer and creator "whose commitment to innovation, evolution and all-around excellence has made her the bar against which all other pop stars this century have long been measured" over the past 25 years. Beyoncé is the most Grammy-winning artist, with a record 32 wins, and - after earning 11 more nods for her 2024 album "Cowboy Carter" - is expected to scoop up more trophies come January. The "Texas Hold 'Em"...

 Woman caught on hands & knees eating cat in sick video gets short jail sentence & is branded 'national embarrassment' THE disturbed woman who was caught eating a cat carcass in the middle of her neighborhood will spend a year in jail for the sick act. Ohio resident Allexis Ferrell, 27, heard her fate on Monday from a judge who blasted her for being a national embarrassment “This is repulsive to me,” Stark County Common Pleas Judge Frank Forchione said in court, per the Canton Repository. “I can’t express the disappointment, shock, disgust that this crime has brought me.” In August, Ferrell was caught on all fours gnawing on a dead cat in her neighborhood about an hour south of Cleveland. Grisly bodycam footage of her deranged behavior was released in September, and she became an overnight sensation. Terrified neighbors could be seen watching in horror as cops cuffed the blood-covered woman while she stood in an eerie silence. Judge Forchione said Ferrell’s actions were...

 UK To Deport Controversial Nigerian Pastor, Tobi Adegboyega The British Government is set to deport popular pastor, Tobi Adegboyega, 44, cousin of Star Wars actor John Boyega to Nigeria after losing his case against deportation at the immigration tribunal. The UK government had shut down his church, SPAC Nation, after investigations exposed a misuse of funds by his church. It was gathered that the UK authorities closed the church after Adegboyega failed to properly account for more than £1.87 million of outgoings and operating with a lack of transparency. However, according to The Telegraph, an immigration tribunal ruled that he should be deported back to Nigeria after investigations. After arriving on a visitor’s visa in 2005, Adegboyega has lived in the UK unlawfully ever since. In 2019, the pastor applied for leave to remain under ECHR’s right to a family life. His application was initially dismissed by a first-tier immigration tribunal before he appealed. Having been married t...

 Shameless Houseboy To A Dubious UK Overstayer - Solomon Buchi Drags Daddy Freeze As UK Is Set To Deport Pastor Tobi Adegboyega Nigerian writer and lifecoach, Solomon Buchi has lambasted OAP, Daddy Freeze over reports of Pastor Tobi Adegboyega being deported from the UK. The Nigerian pastor lost his legal battle against deportation from the UK following allegations of financial misconduct. The founder of SPAC Nation was exposed for misusing his church funds amounting to £1.87 million. An immigration tribunal ruled that the clergyman, who has been living in the UK unlawfully since overstaying his visitor’s visa in 2005, should be deported to Nigeria. Reacting to the news, Solomon Buchi noted how Daddy Freeze would have ranted on social media if a Nigerian pastor was involved in such a scandal. Described him as anywhere belle face, Solomon called him a shameless coward houseboy to a dubious UK overstayer. “Where is Daddy Freeze? Shameless coward houseboy to a dubious UK overstayer. I...

 Kwara Teacher Demoted for Alleged Assault on Corps Member The Kwara State Government has demoted a teacher accused of mistreating a youth corps member assigned to Government Day Junior Secondary School, Kulende, Ilorin. Hajia Fatimoh Hamzat Nike has been reduced by two grade levels, as announced in a joint statement by the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Hajia Sa’adatu Modibbo Kawu, and the Executive Chairman of the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission, Mallam Bello Tauheed Abubakar. The government explained that the investigative panel found Hamzat guilty of fighting on duty, using foul language, insubordination, and showing disrespect for the national identity represented by the corps member’s uniform. These actions violated public service rules, leading to her demotion. Additionally, Hamzat will be transferred to another school and required to attend counseling sessions, as per the statement. The government emphasized that such misconduct would not ...

 US Announces Over $1 Billion in Humanitarian Aid to Combat Food Insecurity and Other Challenges in Africa The United States will provide more than $1 billion in additional humanitarian aid to address food insecurity and other critical needs in 31 African countries. Announced during President Joe Biden’s visit to Angola, the funding includes nearly $823 million through USAID, with over $202 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Credit Corporation, and almost $186 million through the U.S. Department of State. This announcement reaffirms the U.S. commitment to addressing the growing food insecurity crisis in Africa, which faces the highest percentage of people experiencing hunger globally. According to the UN, nearly 300 million people in Africa faced hunger in 2023, with the number of those suffering from acute food insecurity and malnutrition continuing to rise due to armed conflict, extreme weather, and natural disasters. The funding will support life-saving ...

 Police Link Missing Girls and Ritual Killings to Growing Hookup Culture The Nigerian Police Force has connected the rising cases of missing young women and ritual killings to the growing hookup culture in the country.  Ogun State Police spokesperson Omolola Odutola revealed that young women, particularly those aged 20 to 32, are the primary victims, often lured through hookup apps and exploited for rituals. The police are addressing the issue through advocacy and collaboration with the State Women Affairs Commission, offering support to survivors and warning youth about the dangers of ritual killings as a shortcut to wealth.

 NLC Akwa Ibom Calls Off Strike After Gov Eno Approves N80,000 New Wage Agreement The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Akwa Ibom State has canceled its planned strike after Governor Umo Eno signed a new minimum wage agreement with organized labor, ahead of the set deadline. NLC Akwa Ibom Chairman, Sunny James, made the announcement in Uyo on Wednesday, revealing that the state government has agreed to implement a new minimum wage of ₦80,000, effective from November 1, 2024. Additionally, the monthly pension for retirees has been increased by ₦32,000. James stated, “Following the signing of the new Minimum Wage Agreement on December 3, 2024, between the Akwa Ibom government and organized labor, workers are informed that the new wage of ₦80,000 will be paid as directed by Governor Eno.” He further clarified that since November 2024 salaries have already been paid, any outstanding arrears will be cleared by the end of February 2025, with December 2024 salaries reflecting the new wage....

  Jackie Phamotse Pens Open Letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Eased Visa Rules for Nigerians Jackie Phamotse wrote a letter to President Ramaphosa asking him to reconsider his decision to ease visa restrictions for Nigerians. The star joined many South Africans who have expressed concerns over the matter. Taking to her X page, the I Tweet What I Like - So Sue Me author expressed her concerns in an open letter to the President. Jackie asked President Ramaphosa to put the feelings and safety of South Africans first. Part of the letter read: "I implore you to listen to the concerns of your citizens and take concrete actions to protect our rights and ensure our safety. We deserve a government that prioritises our well-being and takes decisive action to address the challenges we face. I am heartbroken but equally aware of the dangers you refuse to address. Every day, kids are leaving these borders, and drugs are coming in. Have you not seen the human crisis? Do you not understand ...

 Summary of Ogun State 2025 Budget Proposal Governor Dapo Abiodun presented a proposed 2025 budget of N1.054 trillion to the Ogun State House of Assembly, tagged the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity.” The budget is divided into:  • N453.56 billion for recurrent expenditure  • N600.98 billion for capital expenditure Key allocations include:  • N120.1 billion for personnel costs  • N37.49 billion for consolidated revenue costs  • N76.07 billion for public debt charges  • N219.86 billion for overhead costs Major capital projects for 2025 include:  • Renovating hospitals and revitalizing 80 primary health centers  • Extending the Redline, Blueline, and Purpleline metro rail lines  • Constructing key infrastructure like roads, fire stations, and the Ogun Lodge Government House in Abuja The funding sources are projected as follows:  • N120.97 billion from the State Internal Revenue Service  • N193.85 billion from Ministries, Department...

 France's Orano Says Niger Junta Controls Uranium Firm French nuclear group Orano said Wednesday that authorities in military-led Niger had taken "operational control" of its uranium mining unit in the West African country, AFP reported. Orano had already decided in October to suspend production in Niger owing to what it termed increasingly difficult operating conditions and financial issues. Orano holds a 63.4 percent stake in the local mining company, Somair, while the share of the Nigerien state stands at 36.6 percent. "For several months, Orano has been warning of the interference that the group has been suffering in the governance of Somair," the French group said in a statement. "The decisions taken at the company's board meetings are no longer being applied and, as a result, Orano is today confirming that the Nigerien authorities have taken operational control" of Somair, it said. In June, the junta withdrew Orano's permit to exploit one...

 How Abdulfatah Ahmed, Ex-Kwara Governor Allegedly Misappropriated N5bn UBEC Fund: Witness   The trial of the immediate past Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed and his Finance Commissioner, Ademola Banu over alleged stealing and mismanagement of public funds to the tune of N5.78billion got underway on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 before Justice Mahmud Abdulgafar of the Kwara State High siting in Ilorin.  The erstwhile governor and his finance commissioner among other things were accused to have conspired to steal money meant for payment of salaries of teachers working with the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, UBEC, as well as money meant to provide security and other infrastructural facilities for the people of the State, leading to their arraignment on October 21, 2024 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. However, the duo pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.  Consequ...

 EFCC Arraigns Siblings for Allegedly Defrauding American $43, 850, N18.6m in Enugu The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, November 28, 2024 arraigned the duo of Ajim Kerison Onubuogu and Ajim Tochukwu Christian, biological brothers, for allegedly defrauding their victim, Chebet Chumba, an American the sums of Forty-Three Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty United States Dollars ($43, 850) and Eighteen Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-three Naira, Seventy-five Kobo (N18, 675, 133. 75), respectively. The defendants were arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State on a four-count charge bordering on criminal personation, obtaining by false pretence, money laundering and possession of proceeds of crime. Count two of the charge reads; “That you, Ajim Kerison Onubuogu, sometime between April and July, 2023 in Enugu, within th...

 Anambra East LGA Chairman Chinweze Resolves Aguleri, Umueri Land Dispute By Nwegbo Ifeanyi/Kelechi Achukwu-Jide/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze has called on the people of Anambra East to avoid communal clashes of any kind between communities in the area. He made the call during a visit to communities in the area. Sir Chinweze noted that peace and reconciliation was achieved through the help of peace committees who also has identified and delineated respective village boundaries. He called on Mgboko and Umudiana to  embrace peace and understanding which brings sacrifice of peace from both villages. The President General of Aguleri community Assembly, Mr.Rolex Ilokasia (Esq) commended the mayor for his commitment towards making the historic boundary demarcation a reality. The Chairman of Mgboko and Umudiana peace committee, HRH Igwe George Ekwealor, the traditional ruler of Umuoba Anam, and other traditional rulers fr...

Group Commends Soludo For Appointing Emeakai To Track Criminals By Juliana Nwachukwu/Nkiru Anakor/Ngozi Okoli The  Anambra Security Network (ASN) has lauded Gov. Chukwuma Soludo for appointing Chief Kenneth Emeakai as Senior Special Adviser on Security for the communities in the State. The group, in a statement after their quarterly meeting in Awka, the State capital, where they assessed the security situation in the State, said the coming of Emeakai into the security architecture of Anambra State would positively change the situation. In the statement signed by its Chairman, Chief Ikemba Anunihu, the group said, "Emekayi as a specialist in community security has the will to fight crime with all vigour until the criminals are routed out wherever they are in the State. "He hates injustice and oppression, which are what these criminals are foisting on the people of this State. But with Emeakai, a specialist in checkmating crime in communities, especially in his Okija community ...

 Fubara Debunks Claims Of Excessive Borrowing By His Administration Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday clarified that his administration has not been borrowing to fund governance, contrary to reports circulating in some quarters. Govenror Fubara explained that the only loan obtained by his administration was a 200 billion naira facility earmarked for the construction of the ring road project, an over 50km dual carriageway that will connect six local government areas in the state. He challenged concerned persons to verify his clarification with the Debt Management Office (DMO). Governor Fubara made the clarification during the inauguration of the 11.8km Okehi-Umuola-Eberi road, a vital link between two sister local government areas of Etche and Omuma. The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring the happiness and development of Rivers State residents, despite attempts to undermine his efforts. He promised additional projects for the people ...

 14, 480 arrested over 2.4million kg illicit drugs seized by NDLEA in 10 months – Marwa . House of Reps Committee assures Agency of more support Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) has said that 14, 480 suspected drug traffickers were arrested between January and October 2024 in connection with the seizure of 2.4 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized by the anti-narcotics agency at seaports, airports, land borders and communities across the country. Marwa stated on Wednesday 4th December 2024 while briefing members of the House of Representatives Committee on Narcotic Drugs who were on oversight visit to the national headquarters of NDLEA in Abuja. He said with the record of work done by the agency in the past 10 months, “we can say with certainty that we are on course to beat the performance of the previous three years.”  According to him, “between January 1 and October 30, 2024, w...

 Reps Urge Nigerian Government to Strengthen Campaign Against Insecurity in South-East The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to take more decisive action in addressing the root causes of insecurity in the South-East region. The lawmakers recommended enhanced intelligence gathering, better community engagement, and improved coordination among security agencies. This call followed the adoption of a motion by Paul Namchi (LP-Enugu) during Wednesday’s plenary. Namchi expressed concern over a recent attack on farmers in Mgbuji Eha-Amufu, Enugu State, where lives were lost, property destroyed, and many residents displaced. He noted that the region had been repeatedly targeted by armed bandits and herdsmen, leading to fear, instability, and food insecurity. Namchi highlighted the previous deployment of soldiers by the former Chief of Army Staff, which helped to reduce such attacks but warned that the recent withdrawal of military personnel had left the communit...

 PHOTO NEWS. ABOLURIN PRESENTS COURSE AND MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES TO NSCDC LAGOS STATE COMMANDANT, KESHINRO HARPS ON CAREER PROGRESSION. ... seize this opportunity to appreciate the FPRO, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Mr Gbolahan Okemuyiwa for attending my induction ceremony in person ... The Public Relations Officer ( PRO ), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command, Superintendent of Corps Oluwaseun Abolurin upon resumption back to the Command, today, Tuesday, 3rd December, 2024, presented, the course certificate in Intelligence Analysis and Security Operations Risk Management and the Membership Certificate he newly obtained from the renowned Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, ISSS, at the Institute's Induction, Fellowship and Awards ceremony held recently, at the Sehu Musa Yar'adua Centre, Abuja, on Saturday, 30th November, 2024, to his State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro. The Lagos Command's PRO also seized, the certificates' pres...

 FG to Create Climate Division in Women Affairs Ministry The Nigerian Federal Government plans to establish a Climate Division within the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to lead gender-responsive and sustainable climate initiatives.  Additionally, a Women in Green Economy Project will launch in 2025, aiming to empower one million women in climate-smart agriculture and train 2,000 female climate champions. Minister Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the crucial role of women in tackling climate change and highlighted Nigeria’s recent progress in climate action. The government also supports President Tinubu’s Green Economic Initiative to address environmental challenges.