PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 FCT INDIGENOUS RESIDENTS NAME WIKE 'MAGICIAN' 26th January, 2025    FCT Minister, Nyesom wike during the commissioning of the 5km road project in Saburi The indigenous residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have conferred the title of “Wike Abowoweyi,” meaning “The Magician of Our Time,” on the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, in recognition of his contributions to infrastructure development of the nation’s capital. This was revealed during the commissioning of the Saburi road project in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), on Saturday, where residents lauded Wike’s impactful approach to governance. They cited the timely completion of key projects, including roads and security infrastructure, as evidence of his commitment to transforming their communities. The title is an addition to Wike’s list of traditional titles since his assumption of office as FCT Minister. He was previously named ‘Barden Bwari’ (protector or defender of Bwari people) by the Etsu of Bwari,...

 Illinois woman went missing after being admitted into hospital, dies after being discovered unresponsive on the hospital roof. 28-year-old Chelsea Adolphus was admitted to the Vista Medical Center East, in Waukegan, Illinois this week for an unspecified medical issue. Her brother has been quoted as saying, "She came here because she trusted that she was going to get better from rehab from drinking." Soon after being admitted Chelsea was reported as being missing by the hospital staff.  Chelsea remained missing until the morning hours of January 23rd, when hospital staff made a shocking discovery on the building's roof. At approximately 8:45 a.m., Chelsea was found completely unresponsive on the roof of the hospital. Officials are not sure how long Chelsea had been up there but did conform it appeared she had slept up there. Chelsea was rushed downstairs to the hospital's emergency department where she was treated for exposure to the cold, however it was already too l...

  Limpopo fugitive arrested after 6 months of hiding in Olievenhoutbotch, Gauteng province  After strangling to death a 59-year-old man in Sebayeng location in July 2024, Tebogo 'Lepai'  Maboa went to a hideout in Olievenhoutbotch, Gauteng province.  Police received tip-off and he was arrested on Tuesday, 21 January 2025. He also appeared before Mankweng Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 23 January 2025. Facing a charge of murder. He was remanded in custody and his case was postponed to the same date to join his fellow co-accused. The other four suspects consisting of one male Wilson Mashao Malatji (24), Tebatso Mahakwana (23), Flora Mabitsela (39) together with the mother of a 22 year-old suspect, Kate Maboa (41) later appeared before the Mankweng Magistrate court on Friday 17 January 2025 facing a charge of murder.  The suspects were remanded in police custody and the matter was postponed until Tuesday 28 January 2025 for formal bail application and further poli...

  Transformer vandal electrocuted in Ogun An unidentified man has been electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a transformer in the Akute area of Ogun State. The community has been facing issues with the theft and damage of electrical wires from their power transformer. The spokesman for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, who confirmed this in a statement obtained by our correspondent on Saturday, said that the deceased had climbed into the transformer house and while attempting to cut a wire, got electrocuted and died. She revealed that the incident was reported to the police by the chairman of the Irewole community. “At about 10:20 am, on Friday, the chairman of the Irewole community, a man identified as Rasheed Ajagbe, reported to the station that for a while, the community had been experiencing theft and damage of electrical wires from their power transformer. “He reported that around 7 am, he received a call to inspect the transformer and he went there with oth...

 Eniola Ajao empowers fans with tailoring Popular Nollywood actress, Eniola Ajao, has thrilled her fans with an announcement to give back to her supporters by empowering talented artisans and creatives. In a post shared on her Instagram page, the star actress expressed her gratitude for the blessings in her life, particularly the success of her cinema blockbuster ‘Ajakaju’. Reflecting on her journey, Eniola noted the importance of showing appreciation to the people who have been instrumental in her career. Eniola revealed that as part of her gratitude, she will be gifting sewing machines to tailors, hairdryers to hardworking hairdressers, ring lights, and makeup chairs to aspiring makeup artists. The initiative aims to support skilled individuals who need an extra push to excel in their craft. “Last year has been an incredible journey, and I am so grateful for everything God has done in my life and career,” she wrote. “From the success of Ajakaju to the many blessings that have com...

  I can’t be impeached as Lagos assembly speaker — Obasa roars  The impeached speaker of the Lagos state house of assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, has criticised the procedure that led to his removal from office. Speaking during a welcome rally at his residence in GRA, Ikeja on Saturday, January 25, the former speaker described the corruption allegations against him as “fictitious and unsubstantiated”. He maintained that he was not afraid of being impeached but emphasised that due process was not followed. The former speaker alleged that his removal was orchestrated while he was away, and accused the state commissioner of police of aiding the process.    According to him, “There’s no impeachment in national assembly. You can’t impeach the speaker. I believe in removal and I am not afraid of being removed, after all, it is not my father’s chieftaincy title.  I am representing my people and they have returned me six times. If you want to do anything, do it well. They di...

 Classmates mocked me for begging for school fees on the street – UNILAG graduate Mass Communication graduate and beautician, Mary Oluwakemi, whose video of begging for financial support on the street for her final year school fees went viral, shares with AJIBADE OMAPE the reason for her action Can you share your early years and background with us? I am Mary Oluwakemi. I’m 30 years old and I hail from Oluyole in Oyo State. I am my parents’ first daughter and first child. I have two younger siblings and three younger stepsiblings. I grew up in the Agege area of Lagos during my early years, where I completed both my primary and secondary education. My grandparents were more like my foster parents, who took care of me after my father left my mum. How did you further your education after leaving secondary school? For my university, I first attended a polytechnic in Abeokuta where I earned my national diploma. When I could not further my education anymore, I went to get a waitress job, ...

 Why I dumped acting in US — Bukky Wright Veteran actress, Oluwabukola Ajoke, aka Bukky Wright has opened up about her time away from Nigeria and how she changed careers during her stay in the United States of America. Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, she said, “I will be practising it (tech) simultaneously with entertainment. The fact that I had to deviate totally from entertainment to tech was something many people thought I would not be able to do. I would tell all my mentees that if I can do it, they can do it too.” On what she missed the most about Nigeria while away, Wright said, “What I would love to eat again would be proper Naija amala. What I would like to do again would be to act with Nollywood actors.” As for her highly anticipated return to Nollywood, the actress promised fans plenty of exciting projects ahead. She added, “I have a lot for fans, including my project— ‘The Return of Omotara Johnson’, which is coming and a whole lot of other things. I am bac...

 Men should stop killing women over alleged infidelity – Joke Silva Veteran actress, Joke Silva, has voiced concerns over the recent murders of women by their partners in the country over alleged infidelity. In an exclusive interview with Saturday Beats, she expressed her outrage, stating that men who kill their partners for alleged infidelity should face life imprisonment. She said, “These men should be tried and put in jail for life because it is a capital offence. The law should take its course because it’s ridiculous. Men cheat all the time. Do they get killed? Do they get burnt? What rubbish is that? Where’s the proof that she cheated? And what about the man who she cheated with, what would happen to him? Is he supposed to go scot-free?” She added, “It’s so bad. Even if there’s evidence of cheating, why can’t you just carry your bag and leave? Or send the woman back to her parents? If you investigate properly, you’ll probably find that the murderer has cheated a million times,...

 Funke Akindele, Eniola Badmus, Kamo reveal venue for meet-and-greet with fans In an eagerly anticipated development, a trio of Nigerian superstars, comprising of skit maker Kamo State, the illustrious Funke Akindele, and the irrepressible Eniola Badmus, are poised to converge at the iconic Ikeja Mall, where they will engage in a highly interactive and memorable encounter with their devoted fans. Kamo State took to his Facebook page on Saturday to confirm this exciting development, expressing his unbridled enthusiasm for the impending event. While this gathering promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans, its primary objective is to galvanize support for Funke Akindele’s latest cinematic masterpiece, “Everybody Loves Jennifer.” This movie, which has been shattering records and redefining the parameters of Nigerian cinema, has continued to captivate audiences with its enthralling narrative, outstanding performances, and exceptional production values. By converging at Ikeja ...

 NDLEA Anambra State Command Visits Anambra East Mayor By Nwegbo Ifeanyi/ Kelechi Achukwu-Jide/ Ogochukwu Mokwugwo The Chairman, Anambra East LGA, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, has emphasized the need to eradicate hard drug abuse in the region during a courtesy visit from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Anambra State Command.  He urged the NDLEA team to regularly visit the area to combat drug abuse and suggested organizing seminars to educate residents about the dangers of hard drugs. The Anambra State NDLEA Commander, Mr. Daniel Ogbomna, highlighted the agency's efforts to combat drug abuse in collaboration with local governments. He noted that they are working tirelessly to reduce drug trafficking and abuse, and have established drug-free clubs in schools, organized quiz competitions, and collaborated with community leaders and parents to achieve their goals. Ogbomna also urged the mayor to support efforts to make Anambra East a drug-free local government area. *The...

 Onitsha North Mayor Acts to Restore Sanity at Ani Onicha Shrine By Claribel Udah/Chioma Nwankwo/Chika Obi  In a swift move to fulfill his promise, the Mayor of Onitsha North LGA, Hon. Nweze Tony Nwora, led a team on January 23 to restore order at the Ani Onicha Shrine, a sacred heritage site for the Onitsha people.   The follow-up visit, which included cabinet members, security personnel, and traffic officers, came just a day after Mayor Nwora’s unscheduled inspection of the site.  Traders at the location had complied with his directive to cease all commercial activities, acknowledging the shrine’s cultural and spiritual significance.   However, upon arrival, the Mayor expressed dissatisfaction with the state of the environment and ordered an immediate cleanup, which was swiftly carried out.   As part of measures to preserve the sanctity of Ani Onicha, Mayor Nwora announced a ban on trading, standing, vehicle parking, bus loading, and passen...

 Comoros President Assoumani denies plot to hand power to son Comoros President Azali Assoumani, who came to power in 1999 through a coup and has won four elections in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation since 2002, has denied he intends to hand over power to his son, Reuters reported. Assoumani's latest election victory came in 2024, though the results were rejected by the opposition who said the poll was tainted by irregularities. The president had said on Thursday in a speech to supporters on the island of Moheli: "I will place my son to replace me as head of the state and the party." However, in a statement posted on its Facebook page late on Friday, the president's office said that did not mean he intended to hand over power when he leaves office in 2029 to his son Nour El Fath. "The government wishes to emphasise that at no time did President Azali speak of a possible succession of his son Nour El Fath, as the head of the state," it said. "He inst...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE   PRESIDENT TINUBU TO ATTEND AFRICA HEADS OF STATE ENERGY SUMMIT IN DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA   President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday for Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on January 27-28, 2025.    The Summit, hosted by the government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, aims to advance ‘‘Mission 300,’’ an initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030.   In Dar es Salaam, African leaders, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society groups will strategise to accelerate energy access across the continent.    The Summit will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.    Discussions will focus on accelerating energy access in underserved regions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and mob...

 BENUE GOV. UNVEILS N853bn PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT IDP's 25th January, 2025      Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday, unveiled a five-year, N853 billion programme to support Internally Displaced Persons in the state. The governor, during the unveiling of the Action Plan in Makurdi, the state capital, said the aim was to foster the IDPs safe return to their ancestral homes. According to him, the Action Plan, also known as Durable Solutions, outlines a three-pronged approach to tackle the crisis: Return, Reintegration, and Resettlement. “Before I assumed office, my dream was to see a day when every IDP has returned to their ancestral home,” the governor said. The programme includes key initiatives such as community dialogues to foster peace; and land donations from traditional rulers for farming and relocation. In addition, the programme also highlights establishing cooperatives to support IDPs as they transition back to their homes. The governor noted that 5,0...

 Fauci, Bolton, Pompeo:People Who Donald Trump Revoked Security Details For President Donald Trump has decided to revoke the security protection for former top US health official Anthony Fauci, who has received death threats following his leadership of the country’s COVID-19 response. “You can’t have a security detail for life just because you worked for the government,” Trump told reporters on Friday when questioned about the decision. “It’s very standard.” Additionally, Trump has removed security protections for his former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, and ex-envoy Brian Hook, all of whom had faced threats from Iran. Dr. Fauci has since hired a private security team at his own expense, according to US media reports. When asked if he felt responsible for the safety of these officials, Trump remarked on Friday, “They all made a lot of money. They can hire their own security too.” Previously, Dr. Fauci’s security was handled by federal...

  Davido, has made an appearance at Paris Fashion Week 2025. Clad in a stylish custom ensemble designed by renowned American fashion designer Mike Amiri, Davido entered the venue exuding confidence and charm. He was seen mingling with fellow artists such as Omah Lay and Victony, among others. A standout moment during the fashion show occurred when a large crowd of French attendees enthusiastically chanted his name upon his arrival. Renowned for his magnetic presence, Davido approached his international fans and began taking pictures with them. Many fans rushed to him, eager to capture selfies with the celebrated artist. Watch video below. 

 Transgender inmates panic as Trump orders transfer to men’s prisons United States President Donald Trump has ordered federal prisons to transfer inmates who are transgender women to men’s facilities and stop medical treatments related to gender transition.  The move was part of a wide-ranging executive order issued by Mr Trump on his first day in office meant to limit government recognition of an individual’s gender to their sex at birth.  The directive on prisoners also applies to immigration detainees and is among the more concrete parts of the order.  Trump set some restrictions on housing and health care for transgender prisoners in his previous term, but the new order was more far-reaching.  The Women’s Liberation Front, which defines women based on sex at birth and advocates single-sex prisons, called the directive “a major victory.”  The group is challenging a California law that allows prisoners to request housing that aligns with their gender iden...

 Body mod addict who wants to be 'reptilian' gets grisly silicone implants in skull A tattoo and body modification fanatic who wants to turn himself into a ‘reptile’ has had silicone implants inserted into his skull. InkedJuliusz, as he’s known online, recently hit the headlines due to his heavily modified look. The 25-year-old already has a split tongue, tattooed eyeballs and lips, as well as metal hair spikes implanted into his skull. Now, he’s revealed his latest transformation goal: to become a ‘reptilian. In order to achieve this he’s had silicone implants inserted just above his eyebrows, with five triangular ones on the side of his head. The overall idea of a reptilian look […] is very important to me,” said the content creator, who boasts 37,000 followers on TikTok. “It shouldn’t look random or uneven, it should look cohesive, like a lizard’s natural appearance. My long-term goal remains clear: to make the implants as close as possible to The Lizard Man’s design. Of cou...

 LASODA ORGANISES QUIZ COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES  … As Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, Emerge as Winner The General Manager of the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and enhancing educational development while addressing the concerns of students with disabilities in Lagos State. She made this statement at the grand finale of an interactive quiz competition organised by the Agency in collaboration with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education for Junior and High Schools, where Odo Obara Junior School, Epe, emerged victorious. The General Manager, who was represented by the Director of Administration and Human Resources of the Agency, Mrs. Omolade Sonubi, stated that besides promoting academic excellence, the initiative aims to activate the talents, abilities, and potential of students with special needs. She mentioned that the event, which ...

 SANWO-OLU MOURNS MUSLIM CLERIC, AMIR AJALA   The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the death of popular Muslim cleric, Shaykh Qamar-ud-Deen Jumah Ajala, otherwise known as Amir Ajala.  Amir Ajala, a known leader of faith, community mobiliser, spiritual and moral compass for several thousand of his followers in Lagos and other parts of the country, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening.  Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the death of the Muslim cleric as a big loss to Lagos State, happening at a time when the government is working with people of means to help in the reorientation of the youths. The Governor said the late Amir Ajala left an indelible mark on the Muslim community and his followers across the world, and he would be sorely missed. "On behalf of my family, the people, and the Government of Lagos State, I commiserate with the immedia...

 Tinubu, Abass, Abiodun Pay Last Tribute as Hon. Onanuga is Laid to Rest President Bola Tinubu has described former lawmaker representing Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Federal Constituency, Hon. Adewunmi Oriyomi Onanuga, as a hardworking woman whose contributions at the 9th and 10th Assemblies were unquantifiable. President Tinubu also expressed shock over the sudden death of the lawmaker, who died last week at the age of 59. The President made this statement at the burial service and prayer for the deceased Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, held at the Sagamu Central Mosque, Sagamu, on Friday. President Tinubu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, commiserated with the people of her constituency and the entire Ogun State over the loss and prayed to God to grant her eternal rest. Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abass, said the late lawmaker was a diligent woman who provided her people ...

 DR Congo governor killed in fighting with M23 rebels The military governor of Democratic Republic of Congo's North Kivu province has died from gunshot wounds suffered on the front line during an offensive by M23 rebels, reports say, TRT Afrika reported. The rebels are advancing on two fronts near the provincial capital Goma in the nation's turbulent east, where tens of thousands are fleeing and the UN is warning that the violence could spill into a wider regional war. Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, who led the province since 2023, died on Thursday, Reuters and AP news agency report citing a UN report and government officials. The internal UN report seen by Reuters said he was injured while supervising troops 20 km (12 miles) from Goma. Air evacuation "It is reported that he subsequently died this morning while being taken by aircraft from Goma for further treatment," the report added. Fighting has flared more fiercely in Congo's mineral-rich east since the ...

 Edo tribunal relocates to Abuja The Justice Wilfred Kpochi-led, three-member Edo governorship election petitions tribunal, which sat on Friday at Edo High Court Complex on Sapele Road, Benin, has relocated to Abuja, for undisclosed reasons. The late night’s notice of relocation was signed by the Secretary to the tribunal, Mu’azu Ibrahim Bagudu. The tribunal’s secretary said: “I am directed to notify all parties that the governorship election petitions tribunal, sitting in Benin City, Edo State, has been relocated to Abuja at the National Judicial Institute (NJI), Airport Road, Abuja, effective from Monday, January 27, 2025. For further inquiry, contact the secretary on 08037200013. Thank you.” Justice Kpochi, at Friday’s s sitting, adjourned till January 28, 2025 for further hearing in the petition by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its standard bearer in Edo, Dr. Asue Ighodalo, against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC...

 Kano signs $15m deal on customised CNG programme Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (KANINVEST) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with STATA Power Utility Nigeria Limited on implementation of customised gas programme in the State. Speaking at the signing of the MoU at KANINVEST headquarters in Kano, the Director General of the agency, Muhammad Nazir Halliru said the deal, worth $15 million, is a significant milestone towards creating a more conducive environment by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, keeping a healthier and clean environment and as well creating job opportunities. He said the programme, when implemented, will entail the supply of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and conversion of vehicles from using petroleum gas. Halliru explained that the effort is to address the challenges of petroleum prices and transportation in the state. “The supply of the gas will go beyond only the vehicles but also supplying to industries and major companies that are using CN...

 Retired generals behind illegal mining, says Oshiomhole The Senator representing Edo North in the National Assembly, Adams Oshiomhole, has alleged that retired military generals are behind illegal mining across the country. Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, made the allegation on Friday when the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Sampson Ekong, submitted his 2025 budget report before the Senate Committee on Appropriations. The former Governor of Edo State, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee, said the retired military generals are known to him and everyone. He also recalled a letter he wrote to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue of illegal mining when he was in office. Oshiomhole said, “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. Yes, we know them. Nobody in Africa doesn’t know them. I wrote a letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari on ...

 ‘Wait till 2030 for governor of Osogbo extraction’ The leader of the Muslim community in Osogbo, Muniru Raji, has enjoined governorship aspirants from the state capital to wait until 2030, when the ticket would be zoned to Osun Central, to realise their ambition of governing the state. Raji, who is also Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Political Matters, warned the indigenes against internal wrangling, noting that it may jeopardize the town’s chances of producing the governor when the time comes. He made the remark during a stakeholder engagement at the Osogbo Affairs Forum held at Osogbo City Hall. The Asiwaju Musulumi who made the disclosure in a viral video stressed the importance of unity in the agitation for a governor of Osogbo extraction. He said: “Let us wait for five years before agitating for the governorship seat. Osogbo’s political stakeholders must be wary of internal disunity; it could jeopardize the chances of an Osogbo indigene becoming the governor of...