PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 RE: MISLEADING CLAIMS REGARDING EXTORTION OF MOTORISTS BY LAGOS STATE TASKFORCE – YET-TO-BE-IDENTIFIED SECURITY OPERATIVES: ANOTHER CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY The Lagos State Taskforce wishes to address a misleading narrative circulating on social media, particularly in a viral video shared by protesters and concerned groups who recently demonstrated at the Lagos State House of Assembly. The protest was in response to the alleged extortion of motorists by security operatives, yet to be identified, who are not officials of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Unit. We categorically state that the Lagos State Taskforce had no involvement in the said incident. Our enforcement teams are led by seasoned, well-trained, and highly disciplined senior officers who are far too professional and educated to jeopardise their ranks, integrity, and years of service for personal gain. For clarity, our agency does not operate on BRT corridors, nor were any of our personnel deployed to...

 CAPACITY-BUILDING: LAGOS IDENTIFIES 5000 TEACHERS FOR TRAINING IN CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY Building upon the commitments outlined in the Basic and Secondary Education Ministry's Ministerial Press Briefing held on Thursday to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) is set to launch a comprehensive programme of initiatives aimed at empowering its teaching workforce and fostering a dynamic educational environment. As a follow up to the Ministry's press briefing, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Teaching Service Commission, Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila explained that TESCOM will train a first batch of 5,000 teachers out of its 18,438 educators in the State. The Permanent Secretary said the ambitious capacity-building programme will equip teachers with the latest pedagogical approaches and subject-matter expertise to enhance the quality of teaching in Lagos State's post-primary schools. ...

 Y2025 WORLD MALARIA DAY: LAGOS MARCHES TOWARDS MALARIA ELIMINATION … Governor Mandates Health Ministry to Drive Pre-Elimination Strategy … Commissioner Declares Lagos at 1.3% Malaria Prevalence … SFH, Goodknight, WHO, Media, Private Sector Pledge Sustained Support For Malaria-Free Lagos The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Society for Family Health and Goodknight Nigeria, marked the Y2025 World Malaria Day with a vibrant awareness walk and a strategic stakeholders and media engagement aimed at galvanising action towards malaria elimination. The commemorative events held in Alausa-Ikeja drew major public health stakeholders, development partners, and government officials under the theme: “Malaria Ends With Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite.” The awareness walk began with a colourful procession of health workers, volunteers, and partners through the Lagos State Government Secretariat and Alausa community, distributing educational materials and engaging the publi...

 24th April 2025 PRESS RELEASE DELTA STATE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE PRESENT LETTERS OF COMMENDATION TO OPERATIVES OF CP-SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT TEAM, AND THE WIDELY CELEBRATED TRAFFIC OFFICER W/CPL NWOKOLO MERCY UCHE Today 24th April 2025, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, to the surprise of senior officers of the command, presented commendation certificates to sixteen (16) officers of the command in recognition of their unwavering dedication, exceptional performance, and outstanding services in the discharge of their duties. Top on the list was ASP Julius Robinson who is the Commander CP-Special Assignment Team of Delta State Command. ASP Julius Robinson and his team were posted and deployed to Ughelli in the month of April 2024 by the Commissioner of Police Delta state with a mandate to bring to a halt the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers in Ughellli,  Warri, Sapele, Oghara and other parts of the state. Upon that deployment, the Commissioner of Police stated that th...

 PRESS RELEASE   25th April 2025   The editors,                                 CRIME BULLETIN    Abduction and Human Trafficking   On 19th April 2025, at about 7:30hrs, Rhoda Cosmos, a 40-year-old resident of Unguwan Kusu, Yelwa, approached the 'E' Division Police Headquarters and reported a troubling incident involving her 19-year-old daughter, Cecelia Cosmos. On 12th April 2025, at about 4:00hrs, Cecelia was deceptively lured by Johnson John, a 26-year-old from Gwallameji, with promises of a job opportunity in Lagos State. Regrettably, she was subsequently handed over to an unidentified individual known as "Mama," who took her to Burkina Faso for immoral purposes (prostitution). Upon receiving this information, Commissioner of Police Bauchi State Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu psc(+), mni, promptly directed the Divisional Police Officer of 'E'  Division...

 EFCC Arrests  24 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja   The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on  Friday,  April 25, 2025 arrested 24 suspected internet fraudsters.   They were arrested at Mararaba in Nasarawa State following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in cybercrimes.   Items recovered from them include  three cars, 34 phones and 7 laptops   The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. More photos below. 

 NSCDC:Anambra State Commandant Conducts On The Spot Assessment To JAMB CBT Examination Centers In Awka By Juliana Nwachukwu The State Commandant of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,  Comdt. Maku Olatunde A. on April 24, conducted an on the spot assessment to several JAMB CBT examination centers in Awka, assessing security arrangements and interacting with deployed personnel. According to SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head, Media and Tactical NSCDC Anambra State Command, the visited centers, including JAMB Office ICT Center, St. Patrick's College Awka, and St. John of God Awka, reported smooth proceedings with robust security, zero incidents, and JAMB officials assisting candidates. "Commandant Maku, during his visit to the exam centers, emphasized the importance of maintaining a professional demeanor, urging officers and men to remain courteous and respectful in their interactions with candidates, thereby ensuring a positive experience for all. "Interacting with personnel a...

 Anambra :Otu Odu Society Is To Value Culture, Reach Out To People Says Iyom Ugodiche  By Juliana Nwachukwu  Mrs Ijeoma Obiegbunam, wife of a business magnate, Oba Ifeanyi Obiegbunam, who was conferred with a Chieftaincy title of Iyom Ugodiche on April 20, said that Otu Odu Society is to value culture and reach out to people. Mrs Obiegbunam who said this to Newsmen after her conferment by the Otu Odu Society of Agukwu Nri, Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State, said that it involved lots of things including finances. According to her, It is not just a society meant for every woman but women of honour who stand by the truth and display humility. Two things are necessary in this Otu Odu society, one is to value culture, that is to uphold the culture of the Igbo race and the second one is to reach out to people. "One has to prepare for this title taking because it involves a lot of things including financial involvement. I continue to thank my husband, Oba, Akaekpuchi...

 WANTED BY THE EFCC IN RESPECT OF CBEX SCAM  The public is hereby notified that the persons whose photographs appear above are wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraud allegedly perpetrated on an online trading platform called Crypto Bridge Exhange (CBEXx).

 Alleged Defilement: Ogun Drops Charges Against School Proprietor, Cites Lack of Evidence …decries social media incitement against the accused, govt The Ogun State Government has decided not to press charges against the proprietor of Perfect Life School, Igode-Remo, Mr. Ashafa Samson Adelaja, over allegations of defilement. According to the state Ministry of Justice, following its findings after a thorough investigation of the allegations against Adelaja, the State Government, on Thursday, informed the Chief Magistrate sitting in the Sagamu Magisterial District that it would not be bringing any charges against him. Accordingly, Mr. Ashafa was unconditionally released from prison custody, according to a statement issued by the ministry. The statement recalled that Mr. Adelaja was accused of defiling a tender-aged girl who was a pupil in his school and, because of the outrage in the immediate aftermath of his arrest, he was remanded in prison custody from March until his release on T...

 FG Supports Local Production of Oil Pipelines The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to promoting local content in Nigeria's oil and gas sector, emphasizing support for domestic pipeline production. Heineken Lokpobiri, Minister of Petroleum Resources, made the announcement during the launch of Monarch Alloys' new 33LPE and concrete weight coating facility in Lagos. Lokpobiri stressed the importance of ending the importation of oil pipelines and preventing the dumping of foreign products, particularly from China, to sustain local industries. He vowed that under President Bola Tinubu's leadership, the government would no longer allow such practices, which harm Nigerian companies like Monarch Alloys. He also highlighted Nigeria's potential to boost oil production but noted that outdated pipelines remain a challenge. Lokpobiri pledged continued support to local companies, ensuring that value and jobs stay within the country. Monarch Alloys' CEO, Atul Chau...

 Saraki Slams Okowa’s Defection to APC, Urges PDP to Rebuild as Strong Opposition Former Senate President Bukola Saraki has expressed shock and disappointment over the defection of Ifeanyi Okowa, the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) 2023 vice-presidential candidate and former Delta State governor, to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Okowa, alongside current Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Deputy Governor Monday Onyeme, and other top state officials, switched allegiance to the APC on Monday, a move Saraki described as “unbecoming and unprecedented.” In a statement, Saraki, a former Kwara State governor, criticized Okowa’s defection, arguing that it reflects a “collapse of leadership values” and should not be justified by claims of external pressure. “It is simply a sign of how low we have sunk as a polity,” he said, emphasizing the need to strengthen institutions over individuals. Okowa’s selection as running mate to PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in 2...

 Abia Governor Urges NYSC Corps Members to Drive Community Development Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has called on the 2025 Batch ‘A’ Stream 1 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed to the state to excel in their service year and contribute meaningfully to the development of their host communities. The governor made the charge during the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Umunna, Bende Local Government Area, on Friday. Represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwaobilor Ananaba, Otti underscored the vital role of the NYSC in nation-building and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the scheme. “We are dedicated to enhancing the NYSC’s capacity to fulfill its mandate,” he said, while also extending prayers for the success of the new NYSC Director General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu. In her address, NYSC Abia State Coordinator, Mrs. Gladys Adama, explained ...

❤  Y2025 MINISTERIAL PRESS BRIEFING: LASG REITERATES COMMITMENT TO ENFORCE SANITATION LAWS … As KAI Arrests 6,939 Persons for Various Offences, Serves 192 Abatement Notices The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to enforce sanitation laws with the reinvigoration of the State Environmental Enforcement Agency of the Ministry, known as KAI, which has been in operation for a while to complement the functions of other Agencies in the Environment sector by ensuring strict adherence to sanitation laws by all residents.. Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, disclosed this today in his address delivered at the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kalto Press Centre, Alausa, Secretariat, Ikeja, to commemorate the 6th anniversary of the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State. In his words, "Following the enforcement of the use of pedestrian bridges, 6,789 persons were arrested for failure ...

 VIOLATIONS: TRIBUNAL UPHOLDS FCCPC’S $220 MILLION FINE AGAINST FACEBOOK/WHATSAPP * Tunji Bello restates commitment to consumers’ protection   Friday, April 25, 2025: The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal today delivered its judgment in the appeal filed by Meta Platforms Incorporated (Facebook) and WhatsApp LLC against the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), affirming the Commission’s authority and actions in nearly all the contested issues.   The Tribunal specifically determined that the Commission complied with prevailing laws, discharged its mandate, and exercised its powers within the confines of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). It ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.   In addition to upholding the major aspects of the FCCPC’s Final Order, the Tribunal awarded the ...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT SENATE PRESIDENT AKPABIO LEADS NIGERIA'S DELEGATION TO POPE FRANCIS' FUNERAL   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has sent a high-powered delegation to Vatican City to attend the burial of His Holiness, Pope Francis, on Saturday, April 26.   Senate President Godswill Akpabio is at the head of the five-member delegation.   Other members of the delegation are the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu; Archbishop Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria; Archbishop of Sokoto Diocese, Archbishop Matthew Hassan Kukah; and Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, Archbishop Ignatius Ayua Kaigama.   Pope Francis, the revered head of the Roman Catholic Church, died on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 88, just a day after appearing for Easter Sunday celebrations at the Vatican.   The delegation will formally deliver a letter conveying President Tinubu's sympathy and condolences on Pope Francis'...

 Bain Becomes First K-Pop Star to Come Out as Gay Bain, a member of the K-pop group Just B, publicly came out as gay during a concert in Los Angeles. The 23-year-old’s announcement marks a rare moment in the traditionally private Korean music industry. While performing a solo, Bain proudly declared, “I’m proud to be a part of the LGBTQ+ community.” The crowd responded with loud cheers. He also offered support to those in the LGBTQ+ community, saying, “You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.” Bain is the first male K-pop star to openly come out, according to News1. His bandmate Siwoo expressed support online, sharing his emotional reaction to the moment.

 Trump's Envoy Steve Witkoff Meets Putin in Moscow Amid Ukraine Peace Efforts Steve Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Friday during what Trump has described as a pivotal moment in efforts to end the war in Ukraine. WITKOFF has become Washington’s primary channel for communication with Putin as Trump works to broker a peace agreement, having already held three extensive meetings with the Russian leader. Putin was joined by his foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev. This visit comes just a day after Trump condemned a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that left at least 12 dead, urging on social media: "Vladimir, STOP!" Despite the attack, Trump stated that substantial progress had been made in peace negotiations. “These next few days will be crucial. Talks are ongoing, and I believe we’re very close to reaching an agreement,” Trump remarked. One more photo belo...

 Jigawa Governor Urges Corps Members to Stay in State for Service Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa has urged 1,900 newly sworn-in corps members to remain in the state during their national service. Speaking at the Gen. Yakubu Gowon NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Dutse, Namadi, represented by Prof. Isa Chamo, promised improved living conditions, security, and camp upgrades, including a new 5,000-seat hall.  He called for contributions to the state’s development in education, healthcare, and agriculture. NYSC Coordinator Jidda Dawut emphasized adherence to camp rules and teamwork, with over 80% of corps members posted to schools.

 Ex-Rivers Deputy Speaker Seeks Court Order to Block LG Funds to Sole Administrator Former Rivers Deputy Speaker Marshall Stanley-Uwom has asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to block the release of local government allocations to Rivers State Sole Administrator, Ibok-Ete Ibas. Stanley-Uwom, a former lawmaker under Governor Nyesom Wike, argues that Ibas cannot appoint unelected caretakers to manage local governments and seeks a declaration ending the state of emergency in Rivers. He also wants the court to compel Ibas to vacate his position and allow the democratically elected governor to resume office. The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/797/2025, names President Bola Tinubu and other government entities as defendants. Stanley-Uwom has raised constitutional questions concerning the legality of Ibas's actions, including the release of funds to unelected officials and the removal of elected members of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

 Man Electrocuted While Repairing Power Line in Oyo An unidentified man was electrocuted on Wednesday in the Odi Babaode area of Eruwa, Ibarapa East LGA of Oyo State, while attempting to fix a fault on a 33KV high-tension line. The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Canon Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, explaining that the electrician was working on a live power line without shutting down the feeder. Akinyinka said the agency responded to a distress call from one Adelanre Adeyinka at 3:29 p.m. on April 23. A rescue team led by Peluola Babatunde arrived at the scene but found the victim already deceased. The body was recovered and handed over to officers from Eruwa Police Station. Akinyinka emphasized the importance of safety, warning that only qualified personnel should handle active electrical installations.

 More Nigerians expected to fall into poverty by 2027 – World Bank Despite Nigeria’s resources-rich status, more of the county’s citizens are expected to sink into poverty by 2027, the World Bank Group has said. This is contained in the World Bank’s Africa Pulse report released at the ongoing Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank in Washington DC, the United States. The report noted that sub-Saharan Africa has the highest extreme poverty rate globally, with a large share of the poor concentrated in a few countries. According to the Bretton Woods institution, about 80 percent of the world’s estimated 695 million extreme poor resided in the region in 2024, compared to 8 percent in South Asia, 2 percent in East Asia and the Pacific, 5 percent in the Middle East and North Africa, and 3 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Within Sub-Saharan Africa, half of the 560 million extreme poor in 2024 resided in four countries,” the report highlight...

 Dangote Hails World Bank Appointment to Global Investment Lab Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has expressed gratitude over his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a global initiative aimed at boosting investment and job creation in developing economies. Dangote, President of Dangote Group, said the role aligns with his commitment to sustainable development, drawing inspiration from the economic transformation of the Asian Tigers. The World Bank announced Dangote’s inclusion alongside global CEOs from Bayer, Bharti Enterprises, and Hyatt, as part of an expanded push to drive private sector-led growth in emerging markets.

 Reps Committee finally holds meeting with Ibas The meeting between the House of Representatives ad hoc committee on Rivers State and the Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas, is finally taking place after several postponements. The House is exercising its constitutional right to take over the functions of the Rivers State House of Assembly. Ibas apologised for not attending the previous meeting and requests for additional time to prepare to brief the committee. He said he is still settling down in his new role and appeals for the understanding of the committee. Following his plea to the committee, journalists were then excused and the meeting goes into a closed doer session.

 China Prepares for 'Extreme Scenario' Amid Escalating Trade Tensions with U.S. China on Friday emphasized the need to strengthen “extreme scenario thinking” as it navigates ongoing trade tensions with the United States. In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce stressed the importance of “bottom-line thinking” and proactive risk management to prevent and mitigate potential trade disruptions.

 Congo, Rwanda to sign peace deal to halt M23 rebels' advance Congo and Rwanda plan to sign an agreement in Washington on Friday to promote peace and economic development, sources told Reuters news agency, part of a diplomatic push to end violence after an advance by M23 rebels in eastern Congo, Reuters reported. The agreement, expected to be signed by the two countries' foreign ministers at a ceremony with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, comes as Washington is in talks to invest billions of dollars in mineral-rich Congo. Rwanda said this week it was also speaking to Washington about a possible minerals deal. Congo has seen a surge in violence after M23 rebels launched a major offensive in January that led to the capture of the two largest cities in the east. The United Nations and Western governments say Rwanda has provided arms and troops to M23. Rwanda denies backing the rebels and says its military has acted in self-defence against Congo's army and a militia founded ...