PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 The death of Hajiya Rafatu Salami is a great loss, not just to her family, but also to the Nigerian media industry.  She will be remembered for a meritorious journalism career, during which she mentored very many young professionals, particularly at the Voice of Nigeria (VON) where she worked for 23 years and rose to become Director of Digital Media. Her death leaves a huge gap within the VON family, and at the International Press Institute (IPI Nigeria), where she served diligently in the consolidation of the Institute as a critical defender of the rights of journalists, promoter of press freedom and the welfare of journalists — and was recently reelected as its treasurer.   I therefore want to condole with her family, the management and staff of the VON, the IPI Nigeria, as well as the Nigerian media community, on the death of such an illustrious woman who was dedicated to the journalism career, and lived a life of impact, compassion and trustworthiness. May Allah gran...

 UPDATE ON THE TRAGIC STAMPEDE IN OKIJA: CP ITAM VISITS THE VICTIMS IN THE HOSPITAL AND CONDOLES WITH THE FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES. The Commissioner of Police *CP Nnaghe Obono Itam* visited the hospital where the victims of the tragic stampede that occurred on 21/12/2024 in Okija, Ihiala local government area, are receiving treatment and regrettably Stated that twenty-two people lost their lives. The *CP* while commiserating with family and friends of the deceased, wishes the injured a quick recovery. Meanwhile, the investigation into the unfortunate incident is still ongoing.  The Police Command remains dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of Ndi Anambra on crime prevention, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies, Protecting vulnerable populations and Foster a sense of security and community. *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer, Anambra State Police Command. Awka. *22 December, 2024*

 Anambra State Govt. Rescues 13 Children From Traffickers, Arrests Suspects By OCHA Brigade Media  13 children have been rescued from suspected child traffickers in Otolo Nnewi by a joint taskforce of Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra, OCHA Brigade and Anambra State Ministry of Women Affairs. The joint taskforce also confiscated fake documents that aided the trafficking.  The children were found malnourished and have been denied education.  Report say that the trafficker adopts and sold children to people from different parts of the country. The suspected trafficker, Angela Okechukwu and her collaborators were also arrested.  Speaking, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere who frowned at the poor health condition the children who are aged between two and twelve years are subjected to, assured that the state government will continue to crack down on all sorts of illegality and warning all criminal minded individuals to relocate from the...

 ARCHBISHOP OKEKE CELEBRATES END- OF -YEAR MASS WITH HOLY ROSARY HOSPITAL STAFF  By Mokwugwo Ogochukwu/Achukwu-Jide Kelechi/Ifeanyi Nwaegbo The Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, Most Rev. Valerian Okeke, celebrated the end-of-year Holy Mass of thanksgiving at the Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital and Maternity in Onitsha. During the mass, Archbishop Okeke expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and acknowledged the dedication and hard work of the hospital staff throughout the year. Archbishop Okeke commended the hospital's commitment to delivering quality healthcare services and encouraged the staff to continue striving for excellence. In his prayer, he thanked God for the gift of good health and life, and for the healing of patients at the hospital. He also prayed for God's blessings upon the hospital workers and the hospital itself. The hospital management warmly welcomed Archbishop Okeke, describing his presence as a great encouragement. They praised his passion for delivering...

 Anambra Assembly Passes 2025 Budget By Chizoba Okeke The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the 2025 appropriation bill, totaling ₦606,991,849,118 for the services of the government of Anambra State, Nigeria, for the year ending 31st December 2025. The approval came during today's plenary session, just few weeks after Gov. Chukwuma Soludo presented the bill to the House. The passage of the appropriation bill followed the adoption of the report from the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation. The Chairman of the Committee and member representing Anaocha Constituency II, Sir Ejike Okechukwu, while presenting the report, said that the budget size should be retained as presented by the governor. He explained that the capital expenditure was pegged at ₦467,473,201,837, representing 77%, while the recurrent expenditure was ₦139,507,955,604, representing 23% of the entire budget. Okechukwu further noted that the Committee organized and invited the heads of Ministries, Depar...

 Investigation Commences on Onitsha Ogbosisi Fire Disaster - PPRO By Juliana Nwachukwu/Anakor Nkiru/Ngozi Okoli The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Tochukwu Ikenga (SP), on December 19, said that investigation has commenced on the cause of the fire outbreak that occurred at Ogbosisi market, Bridge head approach, Onitsha South Local Government Area. Ikenga who confirmed the story said, "The swift response of the police and fire service operatives to the fire outbreak at ogbosisi brought the situation under control, police operatives have cursives off the scene to prevent hoodlums from taking advantage of the situation to loot goods and properties. “An investigation into the cause of the fire has begun, and while no lives were lost, the value of goods destroyed is yet to be fully ascertained,” he said. It was gathered that the Mayor, Onitsha South Local Government who prevented the inferno from spreading further by his prompt action on receiving the distres...

 Onitsha North Mayor Appoints 11 New Aides By Kelechi Achukwu-jide/Ifeanyi Nwegbo/Ogochukwu Mokwugwo  In a strategic move to enhance service delivery and drive development in Onitsha North Local Government Area, the Mayor Mr. Nweze Tony Nwora has announced the appointment of 11 new officials to key positions. The appointments, which cut across various sectors, were aimed at strengthening the local government's capacity to deliver effective services to the people. Those appointed included; seasoned professionals and grassroots mobilisers, who are expected to bring their expertise and experience to bear in their respective roles. The new appointees were;Akunne Oseloka Megafu as Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, Anyaokei Chinedu Victor as Personal Assistant on Publicity, and Chukwuemeka Ifeoma as Personal Assistant on Women Mobilisation.  Others were;  Mrs. Aniobodo Josephine, Mrs. Akubudo Vivian, Lady Nnabuife Nkiru, Amaka Chinedu, and Abadom Nwannonaku Uju, were...

 I have warned everyone about you” – Toyin Lawani says as she speaks on Caroline Danjuma’s personality Nigerian celebrity designer and CEO of Tiannah Empire Toyin Lawani has spoken out on her friend and actress, Caroline Danjuma’s personality Taking to her Instagram page, Toyin Lawani shared a video teasing Caroline’s return to the Real Housewives of Lagos reality show. Expressing excitement at Caroline’s return, she noted how she has warned everyone about her and it is left to them to listen. Describing Caroline Danjuma as a fierce lady, she expressed pride in her and appreciated her for listening to her and returning to the show. Toyin Lawani promised to have her back.

 SANWO-OLU FELICITATES OYEBANJI AT 57   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his Ekiti State counterpart, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on his 57th birthday, describing him as a committed and selfless public servant.   He said Governor Oyebanji, who turns 57 on Saturday, December 21, has contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of Ekiti State by impacting the lives of residents of the State positively.   Sanwo-Olu, who described Oyebanji as a visionary leader in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said Ekiti is lucky to have a homegrown politician and seasoned administrator as the number one citizen of the State.   He said Governor Oyebanji has displayed pragmatic leadership with selflessness and dedication, rendering quality service to the people of Ekiti State in different capacities since its creation.   He said: "On behalf of my adorable wife, Ibijoke, ...

   Buildings Hit by 9/11-Style Drone Attack In Russia Ukrainian drones hit high-rise buildings in Russia today, presenting a chilling resemblance to the 9/11 attack in the US when planes rammed the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York in 2001. In unverified videos shared on X, aerial objects were seen flying into two skyscrapers in Kazan, a city some 500 miles (800 km) east of Moscow. The strikes on the high-rises - believed to be residential complexes - set off massive balls of fire that left a plume of black smoke. As per reports, all the residents of the building were safely evacuated and no casualties were reported. An alert was sounded and the city's airport temporarily halted flight arrivals and departures after the attack, according to Russian media. Kazan, the capital of the Tatarstan republic, has a population of more than 1.3 million. "Today Kazan suffered a massive drone attack. While before industrial enterprises were attacked, now the enemy attacks ci...

 Beatles Reunite as Paul McCartney Brings Out Ringo Starr for Final Show on “Got Back” Tour Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were reunited on stage at London’s O2 Arena on Thursday night The surviving Beatles reunited onstage Thursday night at McCartney’s Got Back Tourfinale in London to perform two of the band’s most iconic songs. As McCartney, 82, welcomed his surprise guest — “the mighty, the one and only, Ringo Starr” — thousands of fans filled the O2 arena with prolonged applause. Starr, 84, flashed his signature peace sign, then McCartney asked, “Should we rock?” “I only rock,” Starr quipped before assuming his position at the drum kit. The former bandmates joined McCartney’s band for a rendition of “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise),” then capped off their mini-set with “Helter Skelter.” (Starr joined McCartney for the same two songs when he appeared at the “Maybe I’m Amazed” singer’s sold-out show at Dodger Stadium in 2019.) It was an emotional moment for the la...

 Rob Kardashian’s Family Worried He’s ‘Cut Off From the World’: He ‘Even Wears Disguises’ When Out Rob Kardashian has spent virtually all of 2024 shut away from society and he’s showing no intention of switching things up as his worried sisters fret about their reclusive little brother like never before, a source exclusively tells In Touch. “Rob lives for his little girl, Dream,” the insider says. “She’s the absolute center of his world, and he spends most of his time with her either at his house or over at Khloé [Kardashian]’s.” The former Keeping Up With the Kardashians star, 37, welcomed his daughter in November 2016. Since, fans have been able to check up on the family via social media. Rob broke his six-month social media hiatus in October to post a picture of his daughter, now 8, with whom he shares with ex Blac Chyna. While it’s clear Rob has been an active dad, the source says his family worries that his fear of being recognized in public has him living like a hermit in his...

 An Arizona boy gives his beloved skateboard to kids in exchange for a cat that they were abusing... showing grace and compassion beyond his years. 8-year-old Zayin Berry was at a local park skateboarding when he noticed something that this little hero could not abide. A group of kids had found a cat at the park and were making a game of tossing the poor animal around like a football.  Zayin knew he could not, in good conscience, sit back and do nothing while an animal suffered. That's when Zayin did something none of the adults at the park would do, he intervened. This had to take an unbelievable amount of courage to approach peers and attempt to make them stop their harmful behavior.  However instead of using force, Zayin chose to use his brain. He offered the kids who were being mean to the cat his skateboard if they would let him have the cat. Because of Zayin's mix of empathy and courage he now has a new best friend, Peaches! Once he made it home with Peaches it was ...

 A Massachusetts mom was in the yard playing with her 2-year-old son when they were shockingly attacked by a coyote. Georgianna Orseno was in the yard of her Weymouth, Massachusetts home enjoying the day with her young son, when she found herself suddenly fighting off a wild animal. Security footage from a neighbor's home shows Georgianna on the ground with her son when a coyote seemingly came out of nowhere and began attacking them.  Georgianna said the coyote appeared to be going for her son but she put herself in the way and the battle between coyote and mama bear negan. She said as she was attempting to shake the animal off it became more and more aggressive. It latched on and bit down very deep into her leg.  However Georgianna wasn't going to lose this fight, she began kicking a tree with the coyote still attached to her leg. She hoped this would force the coyote to release her. The coyote eventually could not match the mama bears ferocity and gave up, slinking away...

 Nigeria denies claims of plot to destabilise Niger Nigeria has denied "in very strong terms" accusations by Niger of plotting to destabilise the country by offering help to militants who staged an attack on a crucial oil pipeline, TRT Afrika reported. It comes after Niger summoned the charge d'affaires at the Nigerian embassy, accusing the neighbouring nation of "serving as a rear base" to "destabilise" the country. “The government of Nigeria condoles with the government of Niger over the unfortunate attack on the oil pipeline but informs that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities," the spokesperson of Nigeria's foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday. "The government of Nigeria is strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups," the statement added. No French troops Nigerian government also said there were no French troops ...

 LAGOS CALLS FOR SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS, STRICT CROWD CONTROL AT YULETIDE*  The Lagos State Government has observed with serious concern the stampede during philanthropic gestures of individuals and organisations in some parts of the country.  Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathises with families whose loved ones were involved in the stampede that led to loss of lives in some States. To prevent such occurrences in Lagos State, all individuals or groups that intend to distribute items to large gatherings of people are advised to seek clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission, which is well- equipped to ensure that such events do not turn tragic.  The agency has a partnership with security agencies to ensure crowd control at locations with large numbers of people.   Individuals and groups can register their events and get clearance through the Safety Commission’s platform www.lasgsafetyreg.com Any group who flouts these measures will surely face the lega...

 SANWO-OLU SYMPATHISES WITH VICTIMS' FAMILIES OVER STAMPEDE IN ABUJA, ANAMBRA •Calls for adequate planning, safety measures in humanitarian, charitable activities   Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with Nigerians, particularly the residents of Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, following two reports of stampede, which claimed many lives and left many others injured at Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.   He said the two tragedies happening a few days after 35 people died in Ibadan during a children’s carnival at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, is worrisome and calls for concern.   Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, also extended his condolences to the families who lost their loved ones during the sad events.   Sanwo-Olu, who wished the injured a quick recovery, also sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, the Governor of An...

  At least 2 dead and 60 hurt after a car drives into a German Christmas market in a suspected attack A car plowed into a busy outdoor Christmas market in the eastern German city of Magdeburg on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring at least 60 others in what authorities called a deliberate attack. The driver was arrested at the scene shortly after the car barreled into the market at around 7 p.m., when it was teeming with holiday shoppers looking forward to the weekend. Verified bystander footage distributed by the German news agency dpa showed the suspect’s arrest on a walkway in the middle of the road. A nearby police officer pointing a handgun at the man shouted at him as he lay prone. Other officers soon arrived to take the man into custody. The two people confirmed dead were an adult and a toddler, but officials said additional deaths couldn’t be ruled out because 15 people had been seriously injured. The violence shocked the city, bringing its mayor to the verge o...

 Two held in Zambia for targeting president with sorcery Zambian police said they have arrested two men for allegedly trying to “harm” the president of the southern African nation using witchcraft. Mozambican national Jasten Mabulesse Candunde, 42, and Zambian village chief Leonard Phiri, 43, were arrested in the capital Lusaka, said a police statement released on Friday. The suspects were found in possession of assorted charms, including a live chameleon, and are alleged to be practising witchdoctors,” it said Their purported mission was to use charms to harm the head of state, his excellency President Hakainde Hichilema." Police alleged the pair were hired by the brother of an opposition MP facing trial for robbery, attempted murder and escaping custody. They face charges of animal cruelty and are to appear in court soon, the statement said.

 Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Queen Naomi Hospitalized Following Tragic Incident That Claimed 35 Lives Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, has been hospitalized following a stampede during a children’s funfair in Ibadan, which left 35 children dead and six others injured. The incident, which occurred at the Islamic High School in Bashorun, Ibadan, unfolded as over 7,500 attendees, far exceeding the planned 5,000, scrambled for access to the event. Organized by Prophetess Naomi and broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat of ”Agidigbo FM”, the chaos resulted in fatalities and widespread injuries. Reports confirm that Prophetess Naomicollapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital in Eleyele, Ibadan, for urgent medical attention. A senior hospital official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, verified her hospitalization, adding that she was admitted alongside Oriyomi Hamzat. “She is responding to treatment,” the source stated, while emphasizing the sensitive nature...

  The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has reduced its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly referred to as petrol, from N1,020 to N899 per litre. This decision, coming days after the Dangote Refinery reduced its price to N899, was confirmed by the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria in a statement released on Saturday. The statement signed by the association’s National Public Relations Officer, Dr Joseph Obele, and quoting a document released by NNPCL’s Commercial Department indicates a reduction based on the regional pricing scheme. The price indicated that marketers would buy the product at N899 per litre, matching the price offered by the Dangote refinery a few days ago. Marketers purchasing from Warri, Oghara, Port Harcourt and Calabar will, however, pay N970 per litre to offtake products.

 TROOPS OF 3 DIVISION/OPERATION SAFE HAVEN APPREHEND GUNRUNNERS, RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION IN OPERATION GOLDEN PEACE In a bid to ensure a secure and peaceful yuletide season across the Joint Operations Area, troops of 3 Division/Operation SAFE HAVEN have intensified intelligence-driven operations, achieving significant successes, including the apprehension of gunrunners and recovery of arms and ammunition. On December 18, 2024, troops under Operation GOLDEN PEACE conducted a successful raid on a criminal hideout near the Plateau-Taraba border. The operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and a stockpile of ammunition. Efforts are ongoing to pursue and neutralize the fleeing suspects. On December 20, 2024, troops conducted a precision operation at White House Hotel in Bokkos Town, located in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. During the sting operation, two notorious gunrunners, 31-year-old Kenneth Mayas and 60-year-old Bulus Yi...

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU CANCELS SCHEDULED EVENTS IN LAGOS IN HONOUR OF VICTIMS OF STAMPEDES  IN FCT,  ANAMBRA President Bola Tinubu cancelled all his official events in Lagos today, including his attendance at the 2024 Lagos Boat Regatta in honour of the stampede victims in Abuja and Okija, Anambra State.  The two tragedies claimed many lives and left many others injured.  President Tinubu was scheduled to watch the boat parade and other activities of the Boat Regatta from the waterfront of his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive residence in Ikoyi.  Dignitaries, including top officials of the Lagos State government and white cap chiefs from the State, were already seated when the President cancelled his appearance following briefings on the tragedies.  Commiserating with the victims of the unfortunate incidents in Anambra and the Federal Capital Territory,  President Tinubu urged states and relevant authorities to enforce strict crowd contr...

 LAGOS FIRST FAMILY HOSTS DIGNITARIES AT 2024 CAROL OF NINE LESSONS The First Family of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, hosted an array of dignitaries, including top government officials, religious leaders and political associates, among others, at the Lagos House Open Space, Marina, for the 2024 edition of the annual Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons. This year’s Carol, themed: "Unto Us A Child Is Born" from the Book of Isaiah, Chapter 9, Verse 6 celebrated the spirit of Christmas with heartfelt reflections, melodious hymns, and a call for unity.  Among the esteemed attendees were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, his wife, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Sahu-Hundeyin, religious leaders and various traditional rulers. Governor Sanwo-Olu delivered the 9th Reading, titled: "The Word Was Made Flesh", drawn from John 1:1-14, while his wife, Dr. Ibijo...

 PRESS RELEASE  IGP WARNS AGAINST UNORGANIZED DISTRIBUTION OF PALLIATIVES, FUNFAIRS. As 2 Other Incidences Hit FCT, Anambra. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has raised serious concerns about the unorganized distribution of palliatives and relief items in the country during this festive period. This trend is worrisome and calls for urgent concerns to save the lives of citizens of this country, especially the vulnerable youths and the elderly.  This warning follows a series of tragic incidents that highlight the urgent need for a more structured and effective approach to delivering aid to vulnerable communities and members of the public in general. It would be recalled that on the 18th of December 2024, a tragic incident had occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where a stampede at a children’s fun fair resulted in the deaths of at least 35 children and left many others critically injured.  In the early hours of today, the 21st of De...

 DR Congo arrests 17 Chinese men for running an illegal gold mine Seventeen Chinese nationals have been arrested on suspicion of running an illegal gold mine in Democratic Republic of Congo, authorities said, as the government pressed on with a crackdown on unlicensed extraction of its minerals, Reuters reported. The men were brought into the press conference called to announce their detention in Bukavu, the main town in strife-torn South Kivu province. They sat on chairs without restraints and did not speak to journalists. The men were arrested after a government delegation made an unannounced visit to the mine site in the village of Karhembo on Thursday, the province's finance minister and acting mines minister, Bernard Muhindo, said. "We asked them to present us with the company's documents. There were no documents, zero. No certificate, no status, no national identification, nothing," Muhindo said. Around 60 Chinese nationals were at the site and officials detaine...