PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Mali issues arrest warrant for CEO of major gold company Mali, one of Africa's biggest gold producers, has issued an arrest warrant for Barrick Gold Chief Executive Mark Bristow, a warrant document seen on Thursday by Reuters showed, escalating a dispute with the Canadian mining company. The West African country's junta-led government is seeking more income from the sector to bolster state revenues as prices of the precious metal rally and has detained mining executives to put pressure on foreign companies operating there. Four senior local employees of Barrick were briefly detained in September as the government demanded about $500 million in unpaid taxes, and then arrested again last month pending trial. Bristow told Reuters in early November that the world's No. 2 gold miner was confident of resolving claims and disputes with authorities before the end of the year. He is accused of money laundering and violating financial regulations, the warrant document, first reporte...

 KETU SPECIAL CHILDREN’S CENTRE TO UNDERGO RENOVATION  -  COMMISSIONER The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mr. Mobolaji Abubakre Ogunlende has stated that the Lagos State Government has not abandoned the Ketu Special Children’s Centre or any project dedicated to the service of People Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in any part of the State. This was contained in a statement in response to a story titled, “Inside Lagos Abandoned Children’s Centre Where Reptiles, Dogs Thrive’’, written by Sodiq Ojuroungbe in The Punch of December 1, 2024.       Ogunlende promised that the Children Centre is slated for renovation and upgrading to serve the pupils better, adding that the impression created by the story that ’’Government is not doing enough to help people living with disabilities’’ does not only lack balance, objectivity and fairness which are the tenets of true reportage; but the entirety of the story is a misinterpretati...

 A Brazilian drug trafficker was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Tuesday afternoon The 21-year-old man from São Paulo was intercepted by SAPS crime intelligence after landing from Brazil. A medical x-ray confirmed the presence of foreign objects in his stomach, which were later confirmed to be plastic-covered cocaine 'bullets'. The suspect is currently releasing these 'bullets' at a local hospital. He will face charges of drug possession and trafficking at the Kempton Park Magistrates Court before the end of the week. This arrest is part of the SAPS' Safer Festive Season Operations, which aim to crack down on crime during the holiday season. More photos below. 

 Scrapping TETFund For NELFUND Will Destroy Varsities – ASUU The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has appealed to the Federal Government not to systemically phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) which has “transformed” tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria in the last three decades. ASUU warned that suffocating the funding source of TETFund to run the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would destroy public education in the country. “The only source of funding is from TETFund, so when you destroy it, you have destroyed public universities,” ASUU President Emmanuel Osodeke said on Thursday. He alleged that some members of the ruling class “want to destroy public universities and ensure that the children of the poor remain slaves”. The ASUU president faulted the Tax Bills introduced by the President Bola Tinubu administration saying that stakeholders were not consulted within the educational sector before the bills were sent to the National Assemb...

 Otti Pledges Abia Workers Of December, 13th Month Salaries Payment Before 20th Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, has announced plans by his administration to pay both the December and the 13th month salaries to workers before December 20, 2024. Speaking during a critical meeting with leaders of workers’ unions in the state including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Otti assured that just like he did last year, he will pay the 13th month salary. “I am getting ready, before 20th, we will pay December salaries so that you can be able to shop for Christmas,” Governor Otti told the workers. Afterwards, the NLC chairman, Ogbonnaya Okoro, commended Governor Otti for his commitment to the welfare of workers and his swift response to address salary structure concerns. “I want to give you kudos sir, you must succeed, and we are rightly behind you. We will go extra mile to support your administration. “So, for other issues, after now we will articulate them. We will appreciate you for the...

 End of Who steals phone in 2024? – Angela Okorie lays curse as she loses Samsung phone, narrates incident Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has vented out after losing her Samsung phone at an event. In a lengthy post on her Instagram page, she revealed that while she was filming a movie, someone stole her phone, and it’s been a week since she has been looking for it. Questioning why anyone would steal a phone in 2024, Angela revealed that she had laid a curse on the person. Describing such an act as wickedness, she noted how she could have given the person a million naira.  Angela noted how she is the sweetest person and doesn’t sugarcoat, hence, why she can’t fathom why someone would steal her phone

 I can never call him a pastor – Media personality Toolz reacts to Pastor Tobi Adegboyega’s deportation saga Media personality and former OAP Toolz Oniru has reacted to clergyman, Pastor Tobi Adegboyega’s deportation saga. We reported on Wednesday that the clergyman 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 it, Toolz stated that she refuses to refer to him as a pastor as she expressed disappointment at how he is soiling the name of his Hollywood actor nephew, John Boyega. Toolz noted how John never claimed him, yet his name had been dragged into his mess. She wrote, “John Boyega never claimed this fellow (I refuse to say Pastor) and see how his n...

 You’ve been my number one fan and my greatest cheerleader” – Mo Abudu celebrates mother’s 83rd birthday Media mogul and Nollywood producer Mo Abudu has penned heartwarming words to celebrate her mother’s 83rd birthday today. On Instagram, Mo Abudu shared photos of her mother looking young and beautiful at her age. She cheered her new age with words about how incredible she was and how much she meant to their family. Abudu spoke about her mother’s selflessness, love and the deep sacrifices she made for her family. She noted that her mother’s faith was key in helping them face challenges and trust in God. Mo ended the message by asking everyone to celebrate her mother.

 Skitmaker Taaooma shares first glimpse as she unveils daughter’s name Famous Nigerian skit maker and content creator Mariam Apaokagi Greene, professionally known as Taaooma, has shared her daughter’s first glimpse and name. There have been reports of the skit maker expecting her first child after the recent skits on her page showed signs of pregnancy. There was Jubilation in her comment section, where her fans speculated about a baby Unknown to many, Taaoma welcomed her daughter on the 7th of November, 2024. The beautiful baby is christened Amani Korede Makeda Greene. The video Taooma shared on Instagram captured her cuddling her baby girl and showering her with kisses. A few days ago, Wofai Fada and her husband, Taiwo Cole, welcomed their first child, a baby girl.

 TROOPS NEUTRALIZE NOTORIOUS BANDITS, RESCUE 25 KIDNAPPED VICTIMS IN SOUTHERN KADUNA On December 4, 2024, troops from 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted a successful operation in Southern Kaduna, resulting in the clearance of bandit hideouts, the neutralization of notorious bandits, and the rescue of 25 kidnapped victims. Additionally, several hard drugs, including Tramadol, energy drinks, and clothing materials, were recovered during the operation. The operation, code-named Operation GOLDEN PEACE, was conducted to ensure a secure harvest season and peaceful yuletide celebrations in the Joint Operations Area. Troops carried out intelligence-based offensive operations at several locations, including Ruwan Sanye, Randa, Rafin Gora, Libere Gari, and Libere Makaranta in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna  Additionally, troops discovered an illegal clinic where the bandits treated their injured cohorts. The area has been cleared, and further operations are ongoing to inte...

 Nigerian Government Confirms Dismissal of Workers with Benin Republic, Togo Degrees The Federal Government has confirmed the dismissal of civil servants holding degrees from unaccredited private tertiary institutions in Benin Republic and Togo. The affected workers are those who graduated from these institutions between 2017 and the present. Segun Imohiosen, spokesperson for the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, confirmed the development on Wednesday. This action is part of the government's ongoing efforts to cleanse the civil service of fraudulent practices. Earlier this year, the Federal Government declared that only eight universities in Benin Republic and Togo are authorized to award degrees to Nigerians. This move follows an investigative report in which a journalist from Daily Nigerian, Umar Audu, obtained a degree from a university in Benin Republic within two months, and subsequently used it to participate in the National Youth Service Corps (NYS...

 Taraba University Students Frustrated as ASUU Declares Indefinite Strike Students of Taraba State University (TSU), Jalingo, have voiced their frustration over the ongoing strike declared by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), triggered by unresolved issues between the state government, university management, and lecturers. The strike, which has led to the suspension of exams, has left students stranded and uncertain about when academic activities will resume. Some students were seen leaving the campus, unsure of the duration of the disruption. Dr. Garba Joshua, Chairperson of ASUU-TSU, explained that the strike followed the expiration of a 30-day grace period given to both the state government and university management to address critical welfare concerns affecting lecturers. “These unresolved issues include the lack of a pension scheme, unpaid salary arrears, failure to establish a Governing Council, non-payment of Earned Academic Allowances, exclusion from minimum ...

 Ebonyi Records 23 Deaths, 48 Lassa Fever Cases, Governor Nwifuru Reports Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has confirmed that between January and December 2024, the state has recorded 23 deaths and 48 confirmed cases of Lassa fever. Nwifuru also shared that 25 individuals infected with the disease were treated and discharged. He expressed sorrow for those who lost their lives and commended Doctors Without Borders (MSF) for their role in saving those who survived. The governor made this announcement during the handover of MSF’s Lassa fever support activities to the state’s Ministry of Health. He expressed concern over the high fatality rate of Lassa fever, both within Ebonyi and across Nigeria. “The significant humanitarian contributions of MSF to the health and well-being of our people in Ebonyi State are invaluable. As a government, we are deeply grateful,” said Nwifuru. He praised MSF’s efforts, highlighting the organization’s support in surveillance, diagnosis, case mana...

 Tinubu's Tax Reform Bills Not Withdrawn, Senate Unmoved by Intimidation – Akpabio The Nigerian Senate has rejected reports that the Tax Reform Bills were suspended during its Wednesday plenary, clarifying that the bills are still active and under consideration. Senate President Akpabio emphasized that the Tax Reform Bills, being executive bills, have not been withdrawn by the Senate. He made this statement in response to a point of order raised by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, who expressed concerns over misleading media reports regarding the status of the bills. Opeyemi criticized a news report on Arise Television, which suggested that the Senate had suspended the consideration of the tax bills. The report even quoted Nasarawa State's governor as expressing satisfaction that the bills were "withdrawn." Opeyemi, addressing the issue, noted that the media misrepresentation implied confusion among senators, claiming that suspension was the only course of acti...

 ECOWAS Court Orders Nigeria to Compensate Torture Victim with ₦5 Million The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered the Nigerian government to pay ₦5 million in compensation to Oluwatimilehin Adebayo for the violation of his right to freedom from torture. The court also instructed the government to carry out a prompt, impartial, and effective investigation into the incident and prosecute those responsible for the abuse. Adebayo had filed a lawsuit (ECW/CCJ/APP/47/23), accusing Ogun State police officers of subjecting him to severe physical abuse, including being beaten with an axe handle and having his limbs tied with chains to a pole. The ordeal caused him significant physical injuries and psychological trauma, including damage to his scrotum. The Nigerian government challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the case was filed beyond the three-year limitation period set by the Court’s rules, and that the matter was already addressed by a municipal court. However, the court d...

 NYSC Applauds Demotion of Kwara Teacher Who Assaulted Female Corps Member The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has commended the Kwara State Government for demoting school teacher Hajia Fatimoh Nike Hamzat, who recently assaulted a female Corps member serving at Government Day Junior Secondary School in Kulende, Ilorin. NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, praised the state government’s investigative panel for its fairness and adherence to the Public Service Rules. He emphasized that the NYSC will not tolerate any form of abuse directed at Corps members. Ahmed reiterated that Corps members, as contributors to nation-building and national unity, deserve respect and proper treatment from their employers and host communities. He also reassured that the security and well-being of Corps members remain his administration's top priority. He encouraged all Corps members to uphold their Oath of Allegiance and continue fulfilling their duties to promote national unity and s...

 Senate criminalises maize export, fixes one-year jail The Senate on Wednesday, revised the bill aimed at prohibiting the export of maize, introducing a provision for a minimum one-year jail term for individuals convicted of exporting unprocessed maize in large quantities. The amended bill, originating from the House of Representatives, seeks to ban the exportation of maize and its derivatives in substantial commercial amounts. Following consideration of its clauses at the Committee of the Whole, the bill was approved through voice votes by the majority of senators. The revised provisions state that any individual who exports, facilitates the export, induces another person to export, or attempts to export unprocessed maize—whether in grains, on cobs, fresh, or dry—in large commercial quantities of at least one metric ton or more, is guilty of an offence. A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection (1) is liable on conviction to a fine in momentary value of the goods expor...

 LAGOS RESILIENCE OFFICE ENGAGES BLACKSMITH, IRON BENDERS ASSOCIATION   The Lagos State Resilience Office (LASRO) on Tuesday engaged the Blacksmith and Iron Benders Association of Nigeria (BIAN), Lagos Chapter, at Ibiye, Badagry Expressway, Agbara, as part of its ongoing efforts to ensure mainstream resilience thinking across all sectors of the State. During the sensitization workshop, LASRO officials led by Mr. Oluwole Michael Oloruntosin, representing the Chief Resilience Officer, Dr. Folayinka Dania, enlightened BIAN members on resilience thinking as an essential tool to manage business and other activities to mitigate effects of unavoidable day to day shocks and stresses for a flourishing future. He further sensitized them on the State Government's activities centred on the importance of integrating resilience thinking into the association's operations to mitigate potential risks and leverage opportunities. Oluwole reiterated that the engagement is part of LASRO's broad...

 EXPERTS URGE LASG TO STRENGTHEN VITAL ECONOMIC AREAS AGAINST FUTURE SHOCKS Lagos State government has been urged to strengthen key economic sectors to avert future domestic and global shocks that may hamper the development of the State and Nigeria by extension as it is the commercial nerve centre of the nation. The call was made on Tuesday at an event organised by the Economic Intelligence Department (EID), Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, in the second edition of the Lagos Economic Roundtable, tagged: ‘Economic Outlook 2025 - Building resilience in times of global and domestic Shocks’, held at the Protea Hotel, Ikeja. Lead paper presenter at the roundtable, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, President of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), likened Lagos to the city of Jakarta in Indonesia with over 10 million population, stating that the state has the resources to ride on its current achievements in building a more resilient economy. According to him, “Lagos needs financial indep...

 Rasik Chandra Mandal, a 104-year-old man, was released from Malda Correctional Home on Tuesday after spending nearly three decades in prison.  His release came following a Supreme Court order issued last week. Rasik was convicted in 1994 for the murder of his brother, Suresh Mandal, and had been serving a life sentence since the age of 68. The case dates back to November 1988, when Suresh was shot dead in his home amid a dispute over family land. Based on a complaint by Suresh’s widow, police arrested Rasik and several others. In 1994, a trial court found Rasik and Jiten Mandal, another villager, guilty and sentenced them to life imprisonment. Jiten later died after being released on parole, while Rasik returned to jail and appealed to the Supreme Court. In 2021, a Supreme Court bench sought a report on Rasik’s health from the Bengal government. The state confirmed he was mentally fit, and on November 29, 2024, a bench led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna granted him bail. His ...

 Madonna Shares Details Of One Night She Seduced Michael Jackson It is interesting to know that the Queen of Pop once showed interest in the King of Pop to the extent she tried to seduce him, and that worked out perfectly fine as Michael Jackson was caught off guard. Madonna let the cat out about her fling with the late singer during a 2016 discussion with James Corden. In the segment of Corden’s Carpool Karaoke, Madonna was questioned about her affiliation with Michael Jackson and if it ever evolved into anything sexual. The 66-year-old’s responded claiming that, “Baby, I’ve been around,” while offering more insight into her romantic relationshipwith Jackson. Fans react to Madonna’s claims about Michael Jackson During Jackson’s lifetime, he had relationships with so many  celebritiesand even tied the knot with Priscilla Presley’s daughter, the late Lisa Marie, but many of his fans keep wondering what kind of relationship he shared with Madonna. The duo was spotted holding han...

  Gunmen killed a man identified as Bright Ezechukwu, less than 24 hours to his wedding in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.    Bright had gone to pick up his fiancée, Chinwendu, in Ihiala town, accompanied by his best man and the chief bridesmaid, on November 22, 2024, when the tragedy occurred.    Bright and Chinwendu's wedding was scheduled to hold for Saturday, November 23.    It was gathered that Bright, his fiancée and two others were returning to the Uli community in the same Ihiala Local Government Area when the gunmen struck, sh00ting Bright d3ad.   Bright’s younger brother said: “Bright was carrying one of the bridesmaids, while his best man carried Bright’s wife. Bright was following the convoy of motorcycles behind. He stopped at Ezego junction in Ihiala to fuel his motorcycle, unaware that he was heading for d3ath   “His best man and others who were riding ahead thought Bright was coming behind until they got to Abbo...

 PRESS RELEASE CAPACITY BUILDING: IGP ORDERS REORIENTATION PROGRAMME ON ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES, MUSKETERY, WEAPON HANDLING, COMBAT CRAFT, FOR POLICE PERSONNEL. • Mandates Continuous Training on Policing Ethics, Professional Conduct. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D, NPM, recently issued a directive for the implementation of regular and continuous reorientation courses dedicated to enhancing administrative skills within personnel of the Nigeria Police Force. With a firm dedication to revitalizing the Force and aligning it with contemporary global standards, the IGP emphasized the significance of ongoing training and skills development for police officers during the Passing out Parade of SPU personnel at the five-day retraining program held at the Peace Keeping Hall, FHQ, Abuja.  The comprehensive training program encompassed essential topics such as the roles and principles of administration, the fundamental duties of administrators, and extensi...

 5 LP Federal Lawmakers Defect To APC The Labour Party (LP) caucus in the House of Representatives has suffered a significant setback as five of its members on Thursday defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The defectors include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), Iyawe Esosa (Edo) and Daulyop Fom (Plateau). Their defection was confirmed during plenary session when Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read their official letters of defection on the floor of the Green Chamber. Donatus Mathew, who represented Kaura Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, cited personal conviction as the reason for his decision to leave the Labour Party. Mathew, who made headlines in 2023 for his remarkable journey from being a commercial motorcycle rider to winning a parliamentary seat, explained that his choice might not align with all constituents but was made in their best interest. “You cannot just work on the decision of the people at the constituency lev...

 Congo government says it’s ‘on alert’ over mystery flu-like disease that killed dozens Congo’s health minister said Thursday the government is on alert over a mystery flu-like disease that in recent weeks killed dozens of people, nearly half of which were children, AP reported. Authorities have so far confirmed 71 deaths, including 27 people who died in hospitals and 44 in the community in the southern Kwango province, health minister Roger Kamba said. “The Congolese government is on general alert regarding this disease,” Kamba said, without providing more details. Of the victims at the hospitals, 10 died due to lack of blood transfusion and 17 as a result of respiratory problems, he said. Authorities have said that symptoms include fever, headache, cough and anaemia. Epidemiological experts are in the region to take samples and investigate the disease, the health minister said. Congo is already plagued by the mpox epidemic, with more than 47,000 suspected cases and over 1,000 sus...

 Couple breaks world record, marries at 102, 100 Love knows no age limits, and Bernie Littman, 100, and Marjorie Fiterman, 102, are living proof. The centenarian couple, who found love in a senior living facility, officially became the world’s oldest newlyweds with a combined age of 202 years, Guinness World Records revealed on Tuesday. Both Marjorie and Bernie were said to have lived over 60 years of marriage to their respective first spouses, but when their spouses passed away and they moved into the same floor of a senior living facility in Philadelphia, USA, neither of them expected to find new love just a few doors down. The pair reportedly bonded by sharing meals and participating in their retirement community’s productions. While Bernie credits his long life and happiness to reading and staying up-to-date, Marjorie credits hers to buttermilk. More photos below. 

  Actress Mercy Aigbe's Magodo house gutted by fire Sympathies have continued to pour in for Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe after her home was destroyed in a fire outbreak. The actress took to Instagram late Wednesday to share a heart-wrenching video showing the extent of the fire outbreak. In her post, Aigbe expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, despite the tragic incident. Captioning the video of the burnt house, she wrote, “Devastated! Thank God no life was lost. It is well.” Fellow actress, Iyabo Ojo extended her condolences to Aigbe and her husband, Kazim Adeoti, offering words of encouragement. In a post on her Instagram account, she wrote, “My dear friend @realmercyaigbe & my humble brother @kazimadeoti I’m deeply sorry to hear about the devastating loss of your home. My heart goes out to you both during this challenging time. “Please know that God is with you, and He will help you rebuild and create something even more beautiful. This loss is not the end but a new...