PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 SANWO-OLU APPROVES APPOINTMENT OF NEW PERMANENT SECRETARIES  Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointment of three new Permanent Secretaries in the State Public Service.  The new appointees are Mr. Abdul Rafiu Omowole Fashola, Director, Administration & Human Resources and Secretary, Staff Housing & Loans Board; Mrs. Kaphayah Olayemi Sarumi, Director, State Counsel, Lagos State Waterways Authority, and Mr. Abdul-Rasheed Abiola Muri-Okunola, Director, Administration & Human Resources and General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA). The Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro expressed confidence in the capabilities and competencies of the new appointees, just as he affirmed recognition of their diligence, commitment, intellectual capacity, and dedication to effective service delivery. While wishing them a most rewarding and impactful tenure of Office, the Head of Service stated that the appointments shall be with eff...

 A 4-year-old Goreville, Illinois child brought a police officer's LOADED service weapon to preschool all day, and no one knew about it until he arrived back home.  On December 13th, at approximately 4:50 p.m., officers were called to a residence in Goreville, Illinois to retrieve a firearm from the backpack of a preschooler.  According to the police report, the preschooler saw the gun laying on his mother's bed and he decided to pick it up and put it in his backpack, to take it to school with him. This happened in Jonesboro, Illinois at the home of the child's mother. His mother is a 911 dispatcher. The gun belongs to Dakota Richardson, an Ullin, Illinois police officer.  The child attended his regular preschool in Goreville. Due to the child being barely 4 years old, and in preschool, it is not standard practice to check backpacks. No one knew there was a loaded handgun in the child's backpack. A teacher did reportedly put paperwork in the backpack but did not repo...

 Governor Dapo Abiodun Signs 2025 Appropriation Bill Into Law Governor Dapo Abiodun has officially signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill into law, solidifying his administration’s commitment to advancing Ogun State’s development agenda. The budget, titled the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity,” aims to drive sustainable growth, improve service delivery, and foster inclusive development across all sectors of the state. During the signing ceremony at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun emphasized the budget’s focus on consolidating progress in critical areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, and industrialization. He noted that it also opens new pathways for economic growth and human capital development. “This budget represents the collective aspirations of the people of Ogun State. It embodies our unwavering commitment to delivering on our promises and ensuring every resource is utilized effectively for the benefit of all,” the Governor stated. Go...

 Ogun to Construct Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring---Abiodun  ... Ex-boxing champion to light torch of National Sports Festival in May Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has announced plans by his administration to construct a brand new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring in the state. Governor Abiodun also announced that the two-time former world heavyweight boxing champion would be lighting the Gateway Games National Sports Festival torch, which has been postponed to May next year. The Governor made this known on Monday when he hosted the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion in his office. "I want to openly request that, besides the fact that today we are going to officially confirm you as our sports ambassador, we want to request that you come back to light up the Gateway Sports Festival torch; you will be the one lighting it up. "We are going to construct a brand new Anthony Joshua Indoor Boxing Ring, and that boxing ring will be in a stadium here in Abeokuta...

 Bizarre Incident in Canelands, KZN: Drunk Man Mistaken for Decomposing Body In a strange turn of events, Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to a call in Canelands, KZN, after a group of people reported finding a body alongside the main road to Hazelmere Dam.  However, upon closer inspection, Reaction Officers discovered that the "body" was actually a heavily intoxicated man who was still alive.  Unfortunately, his identity and residence remain unknown.

 NNPC Ltd. Delivers on Refinery Revamp Promise: Warri Plant Resumes Operation with 125,000bpd Capacity. Warri refinery has resumed operations – NNPCL Barely a month after the commencement of operations at the 60,000-barrel-per-day-old Port Harcourt Refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced that the 125,000-barrel-per-day Warri Refining & Petrochemicals Company in Warri, Delta State, is now operational. This was disclosed by the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, during a tour of the facility on Monday. A video posted by Channels TV on Monday showed Kyari addressing a tour team, which included the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed. Before the tour commenced, Kyari explained that the inspection aimed to show Nigerians the level of work completed so far. According to him, although the repairs on the facility are not yet 100 per cent complete, operations have comm...

 North Carolina mom and 12-year-old daughter lose their lives on Christmas day after a deer crashes through their windshield. According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the tragic incident occurred around 10 p.m on December 25th.  Reports indicate 31-year-old Melissa Mullis was traveling on Gold Hill Road with her 12-year-old daughter, Carson Cummings.  As they were traveling southwest along the road, a car in the opposite lane struck a deer and sent it hurdling into oncoming traffic.  The deer crashed through the windshield of the car the mother and daughter were traveling in. The deer ultimately struck Mullins, who was driving, and also struck Carson Cummings. Carson was located in the back right passenger seat. Both Melissa Mullins and Carson Cummings lost their lives as a result of the impact. North Carolina Highway Patrol say no charges will be filed in relation to the incident and it was truly just a tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family ...

 Two men have lost their lives in a Washington forest while on a mission to find Bigfoot. The bodies of a 59-year-old and 37-year-old man have been discovered in a heavily wooded area in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This comes after a days long search effort in rough terrain to locate the men who were reported missing on Christmas day. The pair had set out in search of the mythical Sasquatch and were due to return home on December 24th, however when that deadline had come and gone, loved ones reported them missing. This set a large search effort into motion which eventually uncovered where the men had parked their car in rural Skamania County. For the next three days around 60 volunteers scoured the nearby woods using feet on the ground and drone/helicopter support in the skies. Sadly, the men were found deceased as a result of what appears to be exposure to the harsh elements. Our thoughts are with both men's families.

 A community is demanding answers after police in Kentucky take a man's life while serving a warrant to the WRONG address.  Neighbors of 61-year-old Doug Harless are in complete shock and disbelief after police took his life in a hail of gunfire on December 23rd.  According to reports, London, Kentucky PD were serving a search warrant in regards to a "stolen weed eater" on Vanzant road in Laurel County. However police had executed the warrant two doors down from the actual address. Police say they were forced to open fire after Doug pointed a gun at them. However a neighbor's surveillance camera showed them banging on the door until they forced entry. There is no evidence showing that Doug knew the police were getting ready to break into his home. Police fired approximately 5 rounds mere seconds after entry was made into Doug's home.  Neighbors describe Doug as a quiet and humble person who was "a really good neighbor". Now community members are demandin...

 National Assembly set to pass N49.7trn 2025 budget in February  Details about how the National Assembly plans to pass the proposed N49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill have emerged.  According to the legislative timeline, the joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriations will lay its report on the budget on Friday, 31 January 2025, setting the stage for its anticipated passage in early February.  The National Assembly’s timetable noted that Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are expected to defend their allocations before the relevant committees starting Monday, 7 January 2025.  A memo obtained by our correspondent in Abuja revealed that the Senate Committees on Appropriations and Finance will meet with key government officials on Friday, 7 January, at 2 p.m.  These officials include Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning; and the Director-Gen...

 El-Rufai slams Reno Omokri as paid political mercenary The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Monday, slammed Reno Omokri, the former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, over comments accusing him of being frustrated for not being appointed a minister by President Bola Tinubu. El-Rufai described Omokri as “a political mercenary retained by any paying person or government.” He also referenced a past case of alleged identity theft, where an American woman accused Omokri of using her son’s name, Wendell Simlin, in an attempt to link the former Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Lamido Sanusi, to the terrorist group Boko Haram. Omokri had tweeted on Sunday, “Nasir el-Rufai is just being clever by half in expressing his frustration at not being made a minister by attacking the funding of a rail project in Lagos by the Federal Government. Under Buhari, Nigeria took out a $2 billion loan to build a railway in Niger Republic. Did el-Rufai complain, then? “Not at all! T...

 APC will claim Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, A’Ibom – Akpabio Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has disclosed why he defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC. Akpabio said he defected to APC to ensure that the ruling party claims all the states in the South South ahead of the 2027 elections. The Senate President spoke while receiving Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State at his residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital. In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, Akpabio said winning the states would change the developmental trajectory of the South South region for good. He said: “Under the APC administration, many of us decided there was need for us to change the political basket to enable us to represent our people at the national level and also have a say in what was going on in the country. “So, when I made that strong movement to the APC, it was to move our people in the South South region to the...

 Single people not miserable, lonely as you think – Toke Makinwa Popular media personality, Toke Makinwa has challenged the popular assumption that single individuals are lonely and sad. Countering the widespread ideology that people’s happiness is tied to being married, the media personality stated that many single individuals lead content and fulfilled lives. Speaking on her X handle, she called for a mindset shift as the New Year 2025 approaches. She wrote; “Let that rubbish behaviour of thinking that single people are miserable, lonely or sad be left in 2024. “There’re so many people in horrible situations (whatever you call it) that secretly wish they were alone, so let people be.”

 I’d rather kill than die for Nigerians – Burna Boy Singer Burna Boy, has urged Nigerians to stop comparing him with the late Afrobeat founder and activist, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.  Burna Boy, who has drawn comparisons with Fela over his protest music, has been under fire recently over his detention of his colleague, Speed Darlington, for allegedly defaming him. Reacting to the criticisms, Burna Boy said he is not Fela, stressing that the comparison between him and the late activist has to stop. He emphasised that he would rather kill than die for Nigerians. “Also all that Burna Boy and Fela talk needs to die now. I’m not Fela, l’m BIG7. I’m all about positivity, peace and prosperity but honestly l’d rather kill you than d!e for you,” he wrote via his Instastory.

 Mozambique's Mondlane to temporarily halt protests Mozambique’s opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane said on Monday he is considering to call off protests for five days to allow entry of international organisations to investigate alleged human rights abuses by police, local media reported. Mozambique has been gripped by weeks of violent protests since late October, when the electoral authority declared 47-year-old Daniel Chapo of the ruling FRELIMO the winner of the presidential election with 71% of the vote, defeating opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane with 20%. Mondlane, who claims to have won the election, called for protests. The Constitutional Council was then tasked with overseeing the case, and last week it affirmed that Chapo had won the vote but reduced his percentage to 65%. This caused fresh and more violent protests. According to a report published by local news site Club of Mozambique, Mondlane will announce the next phase of new protests in the coming days. Las...

 Why I want to capture Ayra Starr – Ugandan President’s son, Muhoozi Kaineruga Tongues wag as Muhoozi Kainerugaba,son of Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni, makes a bold declaration about renowned Afrobeats singer, Ayra Starr. Ayra Starr delivered an epic performance at the 27th edition of Blankets and Wine in July 2024, performing alongside renowned South African duo, Blaq Diamond Muhoozi Kainerugaba made the declaration about the Mavin Records label signee in a recent tweet on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, his late grandfather gave him permission to pursue any woman he desires, and boldly declaredthat he will “capture” Ayra Starr. His tweet reads, “My late grandfather,Mzee Amos gave me permission to get any woman on earth. I will capture that girl.Ayra Starr “. Meanwhile, this declaration has sparked reactions online, with netizens sharing their thoughts and opinions. Check Out Some Reactions Below.. Patrick Peter remarked,“You can capture her by sending your country g...

 Young Nigerian woman d!es a day after her wedding A young Nigerian woman, Hauwa Haruna has passed away a day after her wedding.    Hauwa, from Bakeko community in Katcha Local Government Area of Niger state, got married on Friday, December 27, 2024 and d!ed on Saturday, December 28.     A Facebook user, Jibrin Ndana confirmed the sad news in a post on Sunday, December 29, after paying a condolence visit to the deceased’s parents.     According to him, Hauwa’s father revealed that she had been ill but insisted on proceeding with her wedding.    “Tragic Demise of Hauwa Haruna. On December 28, 2024, I paid a condolence visit to the family of late Hauwa Haruna, a resident of Kofar Banwuya Takolatsu, Bida, Niger State,” he wrote.    “According to her biological father, Mallam Haruna, Hauwa had been ill but was responding to treatment.    “Despite her condition, she insisted on proceeding with her wedding, which was scheduled f...

 Group tackles contamination in Ogoniland The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) says it is collaborating with Drosophila Institute, University of Ibadan, on latest research that will alleviate the impact of hydrocarbon contamination on Ogoni people. Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey, Project Coordinator, HYPREP, communicated this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. He said that the collaboration would also contribute significantly to advancing the knowledge of medicine in relation to hydrocarbon contamination globally. Zabbey said that the project was implementing the UNEP Report based on the needs of Ogoni people. “We feel it is important to advance access to medicare; we will continue to do our best to broaden the scope of our interventions based on the needs of the people while also implementing the UNEP Report. “We are implementing all the recommendations of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Report and also ...

 Adeleke presents staff of office to new Owa Obokun   …royal families vow to challenge process in court  Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Sunday presented the staff of office to the newly appointed Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup, despite objections from royal families over the appointment. Oba Haastrup, who was elected by the kingmakers on Friday morning, had his appointment swiftly approved by Governor Adeleke.  However, his emergence has sparked controversy within the Ijesa royal community, particularly from the Ofokutu and Fajemisin royal families of the Bilaro Olu-Odo Ruling House.  The families claim the process was manipulated by the Osun state government. During the ceremony, Governor Adeleke congratulated Oba Haastrup, urging him to unite the people of Ijesa for the development of the region and the state as a whole.  He prayed for a peaceful reign and a prosperous future for Ijesa land. Governor Adeleke also reminded the ...

 Aisha Buhari graces 2024 Calabar Carnival Wife of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha Buhari on Saturday made a stunning appearance at the 2024 Calabar Carnival Street Party with impeccable style and elegance. Her presence added a touch of sophistication to the carnival, renowned for its colourful costumes, mesmerising performances, and infectious energy. Mrs Buhari’s fashion sense was on point, as she donned a pink outfit that showcased her taste and style. The former first lady sat in the VIP area with other dignitaries to enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds as seven competitive and seven non-competitive bands thrilled revellers with a series of performances. Her attendance at the carnival showed her commitment to promoting Nigerian culture. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was also attended by Gov. AbdulRahman AbddulRasaq of Kwara and Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, some National Assembly members and foreign countries’ ambassadors.

  Actress Chacha dances into 2024 with gratitude, grace at Logic Church’s anniversary Actress Chacha Eke-Faani was absolutely glowing as she danced her heart out at The Logic Church on Sunday, leaving everyone in awe. The energy was infectious, her spirit as vibrant as the music that filled the air, and her message was crystal clear: “God loves me more than the devil hates me.” With every beat, she seemed to pour gratitude into the atmosphere, celebrating not just the joy of dancing but the profound connection she felt with God. As the last Sunday of 2024 unfolded, Chacha stood tall, thanking God for the blessings of the year and humbly acknowledging her place as His “favorite daughter.” She captioned her post with a heartfelt message: “Dear God, your favorite daughter is super grateful.” Clad in a stunning dress by @_alypse, Chacha radiated pure joy and confidence, her smile lighting up the church. Her celebration wasn’t just personal; it was a special moment for The Logic Church,...

Spiritual Director of Holy Ghost Adoration Ministry, Uke, Anambra State, Rev Fr Emmanuel Obimma, popularly known as Father Ebube Muonso, has said that security in Anambra has broken irretrievably. Obimma said this while presenting a priest simply identified as Rev Fr Nonso to his congregation, after his release from kidnappers, a week after he was abducted and taken into the forrest by gunmen. Nonso, it was gathered, was kidnapped on December 17 in Anambra State, shortly after his return for the Christmas holiday from abroad, where he was studying. Obimma, while presenting Nonso to the congregation, said: “For a week, Father Nonso was in the hands of kidnappers. Government could not do anything; it got to a point where I had to use my arsenal to rescue him. “I approached a state outside Anambra and begged them to use their tracker to find my brother priest. They tracked him and sent the full location to me. I sent it to security people, and they asked me what I want them to do with the...

 SECURITY IN ANAMBRA: BEYOND PANIC TO COLLECTIVE ACTION By Christian ABURIME As long as society remains imperfect and imperfect humans inhabit society, crime will never cease to exist, but it can be reduced. Thus, threats to the security of lives and property are a recurring global phenomenon, no matter how advanced societies are. The recent incidents of crime, particularly kidnapping, in Anambra State have understandably raised concerns among citizens and sparked heated discussions about public safety. While these concerns merit attention, it is crucial to approach the security discourse with objectivity and a balanced perspective that acknowledges both challenges and progress.  It would be recalled that there was a time that fiendish criminals notoriously tagged Unknown Gun Men held sway in Anambra State. They unleashed their malevolence at will, robbing, killing, and terrorising Ndi Anambra with brazen impunity across precincts of the state. Then, it was the first, most urg...

 Chris Brown’s December concert in South Africa has been trending and it has now emerged that a photo he took with a female fan has led to marital crisis.    A 42-year-old man in Lusaka is said to have filed for divorce after his wife, 34, took a controversial photograph with American R&B superstar Chris Brown.  The photo, taken during a “meet and greet” session after Brown’s recent concert at FNB Stadium in South Africa, angered the husband.  According to court documents filed in Lusaka, the husband claims that the photograph, which shows Chris Brown planting a kiss on his wife’s cheek, is disrespectful and has brought irreparable damage to their marriage.    He described the image as “demeaning” and argued that his wife’s actions were inappropriate for a married woman.    The wife attended Chris Brown’s highly publicized concert at the FNB Stadium last weekend, which included an exclusive VIP “meet and greet” package for fans. As part o...