PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Former Tennessee teacher, Alissa McCommon, a fourth-grade teacher from Tipton County has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after getting pregnant by r@ping her 12 year student in her home. She is further pleaded guilty to multiple sex crimes and admitted to charges related to five of her potential 21 victims.  Previously accused of assaulting a former student in 2021, McCommon pleaded guilty to rape, statutory rape, sexual exploitation and solicitation of minors. She was released on bond but was re-arrested less than a month later for violating her release conditions by contacting one of her victims. During this time, McCommon also told one of the boys that she was pregnant with his child.  McCommon, a mother of two beforehand, said she was ready to bring their alleged child into the world. DNA evidence further confirmed the former teacher’s claims that he was the father, according to WREG. A judge later ruled that McCommon would have “no contact with the infant child...

 TRAGEDY STRIKES IN PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA A devastating act of violence has shaken the community, leaving a young woman dead and a family torn apart. Princess Zuo, a vibrant woman in her early 30s, lost her life to her ex-boyfriend, who brutally attacked her at an entertainment center in Duport Road. The perpetrator, who is married with two children, had attempted to revive their troubled past, but Princess stood firm in her refusal. Enraged by her rejection, he snapped, stabbing his own sister and then unleashing a vicious attack on Princess, leaving her with fatal injuries. This senseless tragedy highlights the dark reality of domestic violence and the destructive power of toxic relationships. As the perpetrator faces justice, our thoughts are with Princess's loved ones, who are left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. May her memory spark a call to action, inspiring us to create a safer, more compassionate world for all. More photos below. 

"Man Arrested for Setting Woman on Fire in Brooklyn Subway Attack" The man, who was not publicly identified, emigrated from Guatemala to the US in 2018, the NYPD's Joseph Gulotta said. Gulotta explained detectives are still trying to establish whether the victim was asleep when she was set on fire. "She's definitely there, she's motionless," Mr Gulotta added. "So to say if she's asleep or not, we're not 100% sure, but it appears that she's motionless at that spot. "There is no interaction between the two. And when the incident happens, there is no interaction between them." More photos below. 

 IGP NEVER ORDERED BEATING, ATTACKS ON POLICEMEN DURING STOP & SEARCH. IT IS A LIE – FPRO. The Nigeria Police Force wishes to address a viral fake news story that has emerged, claiming that Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has instructed citizens to physically assault and throw stones at police officers who request to search their phones. This claim is entirely false and has no basis in reality. The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers. Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels. This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions. Members of the public are urged to make use of the following Police helplines & contacts to lay complaints whenever necessary: +2347056792065, +2349133333785, +2349133333786, @PoliceNG on X, @ngpolice on Facebook, ...

 Christmas Cash Grant: Be wary of scammers- Ogun Govt warns residents  Ogun State Government has  warned residents of the state to be wary of scammers claiming that there is ongoing Chrismas Cash Grant for residents  from Governor Dapo Abiodun,  saying such message did not emanate from the government.  This was contained in a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy,  Hon.  Kayode Akinmade, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta,  the Ogun State capital on Saturday.  The statement expained that the said message on social media platforms is  the usual antics of fraudsters to swindle unsuspecting members of the public as they warned residents to disregard it in totality. " We hereby warn residents of the state to disregard such message as antics of unscrupulous elements who are always out during festive periods like this to defraud innocent citizens of their hard earned resources"...

 Gov Uba Sani Attends Southern Kaduna Festival, Hails Residents For Peaceful Coexistence, Highlights Development Projects Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has lauded the residents of Southern Kaduna for fostering peace in the region, which he described as a critical enabler of development. The governor made these remarks during the 2nd edition of the Southern Kaduna Festival held in Kafanchan on Saturday. “I want to express my gratitude to the people of Zone 3 for reciprocating our efforts to bring development to the area by ensuring that peace prevails,” Sani stated. “This is a clear demonstration of our commitment to inclusive governance and equitable development.” He further highlighted the significance of cultural heritage in shaping societal values and fostering progress. “Our cultural heritage is the foundation upon which we build our progress, and it is our responsibility to preserve it for future generations,” he said. The governor outlined several transformative initiative...

 72-HOUR LAGOS SHOPPING FESTIVAL KICKS OFF MONDAY  •Aregbe says festival will showcase Nigeria's rich culture   The highly anticipated Lagos Shopping Festival, a 72-hour non-stop shopping extravagance, will commence tomorrow, Monday, December 23 at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.   The three-day shopping festival scheduled for December 23 to 25, is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, in partnership with Chain Reaction Ltd.   The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, in a statement issued on Sunday, said the festival will offer an unmatched shopping experience for both local residents and tourists.   He said the three days festival would be filled with incredible deals, exclusive discounts and a world-class shopping experience.    Aregbe urged both local and international shoppers to indulge in an unparalleled retail experience that showcases the rich cu...

 BAUCHI STATE POLICE COMMAND    PRESS RELEASE - 22 DECEMBER 2024  CRIME: Restoration of normalcy in Kandahar Area; fifteen suspects apprehended for disturbance of public peace  The Commissioner of Police directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation into the incident. On 18 December 2024, at about 08:30 hours, Detectives from 'A' Police Divisional Police Headquarters received a distress call from a good Samaritan regarding a group of youths engaging in violent behaviour in the Kandahar area of Bauchi metropolis. This group attacked innocent civilians and targeted the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) office located near Kandahar Primary School. The assailants set fire to the Civilian JTF office and a portion of the State Government Primary School. During this unrest, members of the Civilian JTF confronted the attackers, resulting in one of the assailants, identified as Saidu Musa (age 22), sustaining a...

  On Saturday, Pope Francis once again condemned the Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, following a day after an Israeli government minister publicly criticized him for suggesting that the international community should examine whether the military actions there amount to genocide against the Palestinian people. During his annual Christmas address to the Catholic cardinals overseeing various Vatican departments, Francis seemed to reference the Israeli airstrikes from Friday that resulted in the deaths of at least 25 Palestinians in Gaza. "Yesterday, children were bombed," the pope stated. "This is cruelty. This is not war. I wanted to express this because it strikes at the heart." As the leader of the 1.4 billion-member Roman Catholic Church, the pope typically exercises caution in taking sides during conflicts. However, he has recently become more vocal regarding Israel's military actions against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. In excerpts from a book released l...

  Beautiful ladies deserve daily payment - Saida Boj Nigerian influencer Saida Boj is stirring the pot yet again with her latest remarks on the Honest Brunch podcast.  Saida declared that beautiful women should be paid daily, calling it a "privilege" for men to engage with beautiful women. Taking it a step further, she advised women to request money from a man on the very first day they exchange numbers.  To her, this is a way to assess his financial capability and determine if he’s a good fit for a potential relationship. Her statements have ignited a fiery debate online. Is this self-empowerment or simply materialism?  Are her views reflective of modern dating dynamics, or have they gone too far? Share your thoughts below—where do you stand on Saida’s bold claims?

Wizkid’s phone goes missing during show, offers N5M reward  Singer Wizkid has reportedly lost his phone during a surprise performance at Native Land 2024.  The Afrobeat star is now offering a whopping N5 million reward (equivalent to GHC47,000) for anyone who can return it! Event organizers quickly announced the news, and the reward offer has gone viral across social media.   Fans are now speculating about what happened to the phone, and many are hoping for its safe return.

  Popular Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has stirred up online reactions by suggesting he might start a relationship in 2025.  The well-known "bad boy" of Nollywood, who is currently single, has attracted the attention of numerous female fans eager to express their interest in him. In a recent Instagram post, Timini shared his plans for the upcoming year, stating that he aims to enter a relationship. He mentioned his desire to take matching pajama photos with someone special, a tradition often seen among couples during the Christmas season. He expressed, “Next year, I and someone’s daughter will definitely wear matching pajamas and set up a tree. This bad behavior of mine has to come to an end.”

 Nollywood actress Toyosi Adesanya has shared distressing details about her marriage and a reported attempt on her life. In a heartfelt interview with her colleague Bimpe Akintunde on the YouTube show Iriri Mi, Toyosi discussed the difficulties she faced during her 15-year marriage and the lengths she went to in order to preserve it, despite her fame. Toyosi explained that she moved from Lagos to Akure, believing this would help her balance her career and family life. She even traveled abroad at her own expense to try to save her relationship when her husband moved away. However, she alleged that negative influences entered her marriage, contributing to its eventual collapse. The most shocking part of her story was when Toyosi spoke about an alleged assassination attempt on her life. She claimed she was miraculously saved, but someone else lost their life in her stead. Bimpe Akintunde, who visited Toyosi during her marriage, confirmed some of the challenges, recalling moments when ...

 Denzel Washington Gets Baptized At Kelly Temple COGIC IN NY Top Hollywood Star,Denzel Washington took a profound step in his spiritual journey by being baptized at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in New York City, officially receiving his ministry license. Growing up in a robust Christian household, with his father serving as a Pentecostal minister, Washington’s early life was deeply rooted in faith.  This foundation has undoubtedly influenced his worldview, shaping his character both on and off the screen. Having attended church as a child, Washington has often discussed a more personal faith that blossomed later in life. Currently a member of the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles, his baptism at Kelly Temple marked what he termed his “greatest accomplishment.” “It took a while, but I’m finally here… If [God] can do this for me, there’s nothing He can’t do for you. The sky literally is the limit,” Denzel declared in an emotional address during ...

 Reactions Trail Okija Stampede as over 20 Women Die in Christmas Rice Distribution  By Chinemelu Okafor Tragedy struck on December 20th, 2024, at Obijackson's Estate in Amaranta Umuzu Okija, as a stampede during a Christmas rice distribution claimed the lives of about 20 women. While many others were hospitalized with injuries, the deceased were taken to the mortuary at Our Lady of Lourdes hospital in Odoata Ihiala. Eyewitnesses reported that the stampede occurred as women struggled to obtain bags of rice. The incident plunged Okija town into mourning, with many families losing mothers, daughters, and relatives. A resident of Ubahu Okija, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed gratitude that his wife, who had gone to collect the rice palliative, was unharmed. "I thank God she's safe," he said. Others in the community shared their thoughts on the tragic incident. Mr. Echezona Nwadialor from Ogboro umunwaji Ihiala cautioned against attributing the incident to ritual...

 Yuletide: Anambra Government Celebrates Christmas Carol of Lessons, Praise in Grand Style By Ifeyinwa Ogwo A joyous and festive atmosphere filled the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka as the Anambra State Government, through the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, organized a Christmas Carol of Lessons and Praise themed "Emmanuel, God with Us," in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The event featured delightful performances from the Government House Chaplaincy Choir, Singspiration Chorale, Cathedral Choir of St. Faith, Mass Choir of the Anambra State Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, and St. Patrick’s (Cathedral) College Choir.  Adding to the joyful ambiance were orchestral accompaniments from Gentle Voice, along with praise renditions by gospel artists Geo-King and Stephanie-Kelly Uzor.  During the event, the Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment, and Tourism, Mr. Don Onyenji, commended Gov.  Chukwuma Soludo for the significant developments taking ...

 Anambra Marks 2024 Public Service Day Celebration: Rewards Outstanding Workers By MaryAnn Chukwuma With display of cultural groups, the workers of Anambra State has trouped out en masse to mark the 2024 Public Service Day Celebration in the state. This yearly event which was held at the Jerome Udorji Secretariat Complex, Awka with the theme: "Ensuring Safety and Health at work in a Changing Climate" attracted dignitaries and Civil Servants from various MDAs Speaking at the event, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo recounted the various giant strides and achievements his administration has recorded in different sectors of the state and thanked the workforce of the state for their support. The governor reiterated his commitment in securing the lives and property of Ndi Anambra while announcing the launching of a new security force known as "Udo Ga - Achi". He noted that the formation of the proposed security force would fully become operational by J...

 I am still overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on my birthday - Nigeria Actress and Activists Iyabo Ojo send appreciation message to fans and Loveone Actress Iyabo Ojo has send an appreciation message to fans and Loveone for her birthday wishes and prayers downpour on her yesterday. The birthday celebrant took her appreciate message to her social media handle to appreciate her husband, children, fans and Loveone. In her appreciate post, Iyabo Ojo wrote I'm still overwhelmed by the outpouring of love on my birthday. Where do I even begin? First, thank you, God Almighty, for another year of life.  To my loving partner, lover, and heartbeat, @pauloo2104, obimbimbim, thank you for the incredible all-white party – unforgettable!  My amazing children, @vanzyvanz @festo_baba @its.priscy @pabbzinoo, I'm blessed to have you To my ever supportive  manager, colleagues, friends, fans, loved ones, and everyone who celebrated with me, thank you!

 Anambra taskforce clamps down on shops selling fake drugs, counterfeit food supplements in Eke Awka market By Chukwudi Nwauba/ Azuka Nnabuife The Anambra State Ministry of Health through the State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food, has clamped down on Shops selling fake drugs and counterfeit food supplements in Eke Awka market. Addressing the Media, the State Chairman of Taskforce, Pharm. Obum Madike, said the raid was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999”. He explained further that the affected shops were raided for offence of sale of unregistered drugs and for non-compliance with other regulatory standards. "We sealed all the affected shops in Eke-Awka market, we warned others not to indulge in such dubious act because anyone caught will be prosecuted.'' According to Pharm. Madike who is also the Director, Pharmaceutical Servic...

 Cyclone Chido death toll in Mozambique climbs to 94 Cyclone Chido killed at least 94 people in Mozambique in its deadly rampage through the Indian Ocean last week, the country's disaster management agency said on Sunday, raising a previous death toll of 76, AFP reported. The cyclone, which devastated the French island territory of Mayotte before hitting the African mainland, also destroyed 110,000 homes in Mozambique, officials said. After making landfall the storm ravaged the northern province of Cabo Delgado with gusts of around 260 kilometres (160 miles) per hour, pelting it with 250 millimetres (10 inches) of rain in a day. That part of northern Mozambique is both regularly ravaged by tropical storms and wrestling with unrest from a long-running Islamist insurgency. In the hard-hit Mecufi district a mosque had its roof stripped by the gale, as seen in images taken by UNICEF. The ruling Frelimo party's presidential candidate Daniel Chapo – whose win at the ballot box in Oct...

 Press Release   FG Condoles with Families of Stampede Victims, Issues Advisory on Public Events During the Yuletide The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, deeply sympathizes with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in the tragic stampedes that occurred during food distribution exercises in Ibadan, Abuja, and Okija.  “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those affected by these unfortunate incidents,” he said.  The Minister said the tragedies are deeply saddening and underscore the importance of ensuring proper crowd management during such charitable activities, especially during the festive season.  While acknowledging the noble intentions of organizers seeking to bring relief to vulnerable members of society, the Minister strongly admonishes all individuals and organizations planning similar events to comply with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mr.  Ka...

 SERAP to Akpabio, Abbas: Slash lavish budgets for Presidency, NASS or face legal action The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reduce the proposed budgets for the presidency and the National Assembly, citing concerns over unnecessary spending amid Nigeria’s economic challenges. In a letter dated December 21, 2024, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP criticised the N9.4 billion allocated for the presidency’s travels, meals, and catering, as well as the N344.85 billion proposed for the National Assembly. The organisation urged the leaders to channel the savings towards addressing Nigeria’s budget deficit and improving public services. The group demanded that the National Assembly provide a detailed breakdown of its budget, including personnel costs and lawmakers’ salaries and allowances. It also called for a probe into ministries, departments, and agenci...

 Ondo traditional rulers involved in land grabbing will go to jail – AG The Ondo State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Kayode Ajulo, has warned that any traditional rulers found culpable in land grabbing would be sent to jail. Ajulo, who was reacting to the Anti-Land Grabbing Bill before the state House of the Assembly, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Akure that some traditional rulers were behind cases of land grabbing. “Government will not shy away from stepping on toes. I must confess, I like to speak my mind, that some of our traditional rulers have caused a lot of problems when it comes to the issue of land grabbing. “They may be in their palaces, but send people out to cause mayhem. Many a time, we see how they use cutlasses to cut each other’s heads. “Anytime some Kabiyesi are being picked, with due respect, and sent to jail on this issue, nobody should complain. “We know what is good and we know what is bad. “The law is proposed to ensure legislat...

 Laide Bakare bags honorary doctorate from American University Actress Laide Bakare has been conferred with an honourary doctorate in Arts and Humanities by the American University of Peace and Governance, USA. Sharing the news on her Instagram, Laide said that she can now be addressed as Hon. (Dr.) Laide Bakare. She expressed gratitude to the university and acknowledged the support of her principal, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State. The honorary doctorate recognised Laide’s dedication to governance, leadership, and service to humanity. She dedicated the honor to her creator, friends, family, and fans worldwide. Laide wrote: “It is now official to be addressed as Hon. (Dr.) Laide Bakare. This honor bestowed on me as a Doctor Of Arts & humanities (Honoris Causa) by the American University of Peace and Governance, USA (www.aupgedu.us) is a motivation geared towards dedication to Governance, leadership and service to humanity. I am using this medium to ...

 Netflix slates more releases after Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors Following the release of Femi Adebayo’s blockbuster, ‘Seven Doors,’ Netflix is kicking off 2025 with a bang in January. According to a statement from the streaming platform, January will see a diverse mix of exciting titles across multiple genres. “Fans can look forward to new seasons of Young, Famous & African: Season 3, XO, Kitty: Season 2, The Upshaws: Part 6, and more. Get ready for a fun-filled start to 2025 with plenty of fresh content to enjoy. Start the year with a dose of romance as Love Is Blind: Germany premieres on January 3rd. This time, the experiment comes to Germany as local singles seek true love and a commitment that lasts a lifetime, all before meeting each other face-to-face,” the statement read in part. The year kicks off with a kaleidoscopic journey through David Bowie’s incredible life and musical career in this acclaimed — and authorized — documentary with Moonage Daydream on January 5. This ...

 I’ll be bigger in Nigeria – Pastor Adegboyega scheduled for deportation claims The founder of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church, SPAC Nation, Tobi Adegboyega, has claimed that he will be more influential in Nigeria than in the UK. His remarks follow the UK immigration upper tribunal’s approval of his deportation due to an alleged £1.87 million fraud charge. Despite the ruling, Adegboyega vehemently denied the fraud allegations, calling them baseless and unsubstantiated. In a preview of an upcoming Off The Record podcast episode, when asked if SPAC Nation was the only church facing such accusations, he emphasized the church’s success in the UK and Europe. “We are the largest independent church in the UK and Europe right now,” he claimed. He added, “If I am in Nigeria, I will be bigger than this, 10x maybe. If I am in Paris, I will be happier. It’s holiday for me. London will miss me, so you better tell them, we still need this guy, nobody is close to us entertaining us.”

 Federal Government Lifts Five-Year Ban on Mining in Zamfara State The Federal Government has officially lifted the ban on mining activities in Zamfara State, ending a five-year restriction that had significantly impacted the region's mining industry. The ban, which was imposed in 2019 due to widespread insecurity and criminal activities linked to illegal mining, has been a source of frustration for local miners and businesses. In a statement issued today, the government cited improvements in security and the implementation of strict regulatory measures as key factors in the decision to lift the ban. "The safety and well-being of citizens remain our top priority, but we are confident that with the enhanced security framework in place, responsible mining can now resume in the state," a government spokesperson stated. Local miners and business owners have welcomed the move, seeing it as a significant step toward reviving the state's economy. The ban’s removal is expecte...

 2025 budget fails to address Nigeria’s economic woes – Atiku The 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has criticised the 2025 budget proposal, stating it lacks the structural reforms and fiscal discipline needed to confront Nigeria’s economic challenges. In a statement on Sunday, Atiku expressed doubts about the budget’s potential to drive sustainable growth and tackle persistent issues. President Bola Tinubu presented the N47.9 trillion 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly, with N4.91 trillion allocated to defence and security. Infrastructure followed with N4.06 trillion, while health and education were assigned N2.48 trillion and N3.52 trillion respectively. Atiku responded, stating, “The 2025 budget lacks the structural reforms and fiscal discipline required to address Nigeria’s multifaceted economic challenges. “The administration must reduce inefficiencies, tackle inflated contracts, and focus on long-term fiscal sust...

 PRESS RELEASE  JIMOH ABDULQUADRI’S DEATH: IGP VISITS KWARA, FAMILY OF DECEASED. Directs FCID to Take Over Case for Swift Dispensation of Justice.   The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has directed the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) to immediately take over the investigation into the unfortunate death of Jimoh Abdulqaudri, who passed away while in police detention in Kwara State on Friday 20th December, 2024. In a show of commitment to justice and accountability, the IGP visited Kwara State today Sunday 22nd December 2024, where he met with the bereaved family of the deceased. The IGP was received by the Balogun Fulani of Ilorin, Alhaji Sadiq Atiku Fulani, who spoke on behalf of the family. During the meeting, the IGP expressed his profound condolences and assured the family that no stone would be left unturned in uncovering the circumstances that led to the tragic incident. The IGP has ordered the FCID to handle the case with ut...