PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Education Ministry Probes Alleged Unauthorized Deductions from Student Loans by Universities The Federal Ministry of Education is investigating claims that some Nigerian universities have made unauthorized deductions from student loans and accounts managed by the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund). The probe follows a report by The Guardian Newspaper on April 29, 2025, which alleged financial misconduct by certain institutions. In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Education Minister Dr. Marut Olatunji Alausa described the allegations as “very disturbing and extremely concerning.” He emphasized that such actions, if true, would violate financial ethics, undermine NELFund’s purpose, and betray the government’s commitment to equitable education access. “Anyone found culpable will face appropriate sanctions,” Dr. Alausa warned, underscoring the ministry’s zero-tolerance stance on financial malpractice. The Ministry has scheduled an urgent...

 Court convicts blogger for cyberbullying MFM founder, Olukoya A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted blogger Adewale Ajimisogbe for cyberbullying and defaming the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Dr Daniel Olukoya. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa delivered the verdict after Ajimisogbe entered into a plea bargain agreement with the police and pleaded guilty to all charges. Ajimisogbe and a former MFM member, Ayotunde Richards, were arraigned on March 20, 2024, on a 12-count charge bordering on conspiracy, cyberbullying, and libel. While both men faced three joint charges of conspiracy to commit cyberstalking and defamation, Ajimisogbe alone faced nine additional counts of libel. According to police prosecutor Nosa Uhumwangho, the offences were committed between December 2023 and February 2024. He told the court that Ajimisogbe used his blog, “Postreporters,” to publish a defamatory article titled: “He is a criminal and behind all illegal acts – E...

 You have abandoned American ideals – Kamala Harris slams Trump’s policies  Former US vice president, Kamala Harris has slammed Donald Trump’s presidency, accusing him of completely abandoning American ideals during his first 100 days in office. According to Sky news, Kamala Harris criticized president Trump saying he created “the greatest man-made economic crisis in modern presidential history.” This was her most extensive public comment since conceding the election. She condemned Trump’s politics, describing his vision as a self-serving approach that silences truth tellers and rewards loyalists and those in power profit, of the expenses of everyone else. “Instead of an administration working to advance America’s highest ideals, we are witnessing the wholesale abandonment of those ideals,” Ms Harris said on Wednesday, a day after Mr Trump marked 100 days in office. Harris acknowledged the anxiety and confusion among Democrats following her election loss, cautioning that thing...

 WORKERS DAY: BENUE INDIGENOUS CONTRACTORS PROTEST NON PAYMENT OF CONTRACT SUMS IN MAKURDI 1st May, 2025     Earlier today, Benue indigenous contractors took to streets in protest of the non payment of contract sums by the Alia-led Benue State Government. According to the contractors, they had an agreement with the Office of the Governor through Bureau of Agricultural Mechanization and Development to supply agricultural inputs in the 2024 cropping season.  According to Terver Akor, one of the contractors, these contracts, award letters for which are available, were given out with zero mobilization and executed 100%. For more than a year, the governor has vehemently refused to honour his side of the agreement. Some contractors got ill and others even died in the fight for their rights. On this premise, they call on the Rev. Fr. Alia to return honour to whom honour is due by paying them their due, emphasizing that they now live on the Goodwills of their benefactor...

 PRESS STATEMENT 2025: Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim Felicitates Nigerian Women, Girls on National Workers Day  Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has congratulated Nigerian women, girls and all workers as the nation commemorates the 2025 International Workers Day.  The Minister extends her warm appreciation to the dedicated workers especially the staff of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, and all others  who drive the nation's progress.  "I celebrate your hard work, commitment, and contributions to various sectors.  Your tireless efforts have built a stronger, more resilient Nigeria. From healthcare and education to entrepreneurship and public service, your work has improved lives and shaped our nation's future. "To our ministry's workers, i commend your passion and dedication to promoting women's empowerment and protecting their rights. Your work has made a lasting impact on Nigerian women ...

 PRESS RELEASE NIGERIA NEEDS ENHANCED SUPPORT FROM UNITED STATES IN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY – MATAWALLE The Honourable Minister of State for Defence H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle MON, has called for increased support from the United States in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism efforts, and the enhancement of military capabilities to address Nigeria’s evolving security challenges. Minister Matawalle made this appeal during a meeting with Major General Garrick Harmon, the Director for Strategy, Engagement, and Programs of the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), who is on his inaugural official visit to Nigeria in his current capacity. The meeting took place at Ship House in Abuja. During the high-level discussions, Matawalle underscored the significance of strengthening bilateral defence relations and urged the United States to expand its assistance in critical areas, including intelligence cooperation, technical training, logistics, and equipment support. “Nigeria is de...

 EFCC Arrests 40 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Nassarawa   Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 40 (forty)  suspected internet fraudsters.   They were arrested  on Wednesday April 29,  2025 in Tamah, in the Tamah Local Government Area of Nassarawa State.      Their arrest followed actionable intelligence linking them with suspected  fraudulent activities.     Items recovered  from them include five laptops and 34 mobile phones.    They will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

 EFCC Arrests Technician for  Suspected Employment Fraud    Operatives of the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested one Saifullahi Ismail for suspected involvement in employment fraud.   He was arrested at Abakpa New Extension in Kaduna on April 30,  2025 following credible intelligence on his alleged involvement in employment fraud.   Ismail, a technician with Kaduna Electric Distribution Company was arrested based on intelligence linking him and his accomplice, Halima Yakubu Ngulde with obtaining money from job seekers on fraudulent promise of getting job placements for them in the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army,  Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC,  EFCC,   etc.    Ngulde was arrested in November 2024 by the EFCC but Ismail had been evading arrest until Wednesday when he was held for the suspected offence.   Items recovered from him include a f...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT TINUBU EMBARKS ON TWO-DAY VISIT TO KATSINA STATE   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja for Katsina State on Friday for a two-day official visit.   During the visit, the President will meet with key stakeholders to assess the security situation in the state.   He will commission the Katsina Agricultural Mechanized Centre and a 24KM dual carriageway completed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda.   President Tinubu will also honour an invitation to attend the wedding of the governor’s daughter before returning to Abuja.   Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy) May 1, 2025

 EFCC Closely Monitoring MDAs'   Budget Implementation- Olukoyede The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  Mr Ola Olukoyode has disclosed that the anti-graft Commission was closely monitoring the 2025 budget implementation by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, towards ensuring that releases made to them are not stolen. He made the disclosure on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 while addressing a delegation of the management team of Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, led by its Chairman, Olarenwaju Suraju who paid him a courtesy visit at the Commission’s corporate headquarters. “We are monitoring the MDAs, particularly on the implementation of the budget.  If we can even do 50 percent of our capital budget, the country would be fine. There is no year that we have done up to 25 percent of our capital budget and releases are being made, but there's no commensurate development. We are monitoring and tracking every...

 OSOM Games: EFCC Bags 10 medals The One Service, One medal, OSOM, games ended on a very note on Tuesday, May 29, 2025, with the athletes of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC bagging 10 medals. The athletes participated in eight games ranging from swimming, football, badminton, table tennis, lawn tennis, shooting range, boxing to sprint winning one gold, two silver and seven bronze. The medals came from boxing with EFCC hauling a gold and silver, two bronzes in badminton, one silver and five bronzes in shooting sport totalling ten medals The biggest winner of the competition was the Nigerian police securing 43 gold, 38 Silver and 34 bronze medals. Speaking with journalists during the closing ceremony and award of medals,  the Head of EFCC Sport Committee, Assistant Commander of the EFCC,  ACE II Halilu Dauda appreciated the dedication of the athletes despite the short notice for preparations, promising that in the next games, the athletes will have a more...

 Nigeria Labour Congress Demands Reversal of Rivers State Suspension, Economic Reforms on May Day The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse what they describe as the unconstitutional suspension of Rivers State’s elected government through a state of emergency. The demand was made by NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC President Festus Osifo during the 2025 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja. The labour leaders condemned actions by federal and state governments that undermine civic space, urging authorities to deepen democratic accountability through transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissent. They also demanded an immediate halt to what they termed “genocidal killings and bloodletting” across Nigeria, emphasizing that the government’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety of lives and property. On economic issues, organised labour called for the ...

 House Deputy Speaker Lauds Nigerian Workers, Backs Tinubu’s Wage Reforms The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has praised Nigerian workers for their resilience and critical contributions to national development. In a statement marking the 2025 International Workers’ Day, Kalu commended the workforce for their steadfast role in driving Nigeria’s progress. Highlighting the federal government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, Kalu noted the National Assembly’s prompt approval of an increased minimum wage under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He described the move as a significant step toward enhancing the livelihoods of civil servants. Kalu called for patience and support from Nigerians, stressing that the administration’s economic reforms are designed to deliver lasting benefits. He urged workers to unite with the government in addressing national challenges, emphasizing the power of collective effort. In a message of optimi...

 Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Set for Completion by January 2026, Says Minister Umahi The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, has announced that the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway is on schedule for completion by January 2026. The minister disclosed this during an inspection tour of the project on Wednesday, accompanied by financial backers from the Dutch Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. “We came to review the project with the financial promoters, and I assure you that by January next year, God willing, we will have this road completed,” Umahi stated. Umahi expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, commending Hitech Construction Company for its high-quality work. He highlighted the technical excellence of the highway’s design, noting that the concrete thickness exceeds the required 275 millimeters, with the contractor using 280 millimeters. The minister also praised the Department of Bridge and Roads and the Controller of Works in Lagos for their comm...

 Atiku-Obi Coalition for 2027 Unfeasible, Says Wike’s Aide Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and New Media to Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, has declared that a proposed opposition coalition involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi is “dead on arrival” ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking on Thursday, Olayinka argued that Atiku and Obi cannot work together due to irreconcilable differences, particularly over who would emerge as the coalition’s presidential candidate. He dismissed the possibility of Obi joining the coalition, which is aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Olayinka emphasized that the coalition, spearheaded by Atiku, is doomed to fail because it primarily serves Atiku’s personal ambitions. “The moment you are talking about a coalition to benefit Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the coalition will not work,” he stated. He further questio...

 Senate President Akpabio Praises Nigerian Workers, Pledges Protection and Labour-Friendly Laws Senate President Godswill Akpabio has lauded Nigerian workers for their productivity, diligence, and resilience in the face of socio-economic challenges, as the world marks May Day. In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio assured workers that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and his leadership of the 10th National Assembly, no worker would face victimization for performing their duties or seeking their rights. “Today, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of Nigerian workers,” Akpabio said. “Despite obvious difficulties, you remain the backbone of our economy. Your unwavering commitment to excellence and productivity is vital to our nation’s progress.” He commended workers for prioritizing national interest and recognized their critical role in driving economic growth. Akpabio pledged that the 10th National Assembly ...

 International Workers' Day: Anambra Speaker Felicitates Anambra Workers, Says They Are Outstanding By Chizoba Okeke  As Anambra State workers join their counterparts in celebrating this year's International Workers' Day, the Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze has described the State workforce as solid partners in progress and urged them to continue to sustain and deepen the existing friendly working environment and industrial harmony between them and Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration. In his Goodwill Message to the State workforce, Hon. Udeze noted with satisfaction the impressive performance of the Anambra State workers in various Civil Service competitions where they have continued to outshine their counterparts in the country, adding that they have done the State proud in both National and International competitions by clinching first positions as well as overall best teachers. The Speaker, who commended Governor Soludo for ...

 Anambra Hospital Administrator Prioritizes Patient Safety, Accountability Too Ebele Egoh The Anambra State Hospital Administrator, Dr. Frank Ifeanaeme, has issued a directive to all healthcare facilities in the state to procure oxygen from the State Medical Oxygen Plant, located in Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka. This move is aimed at enhancing patient care in state hospitals.  During a meeting with heads of state hospitals and clinics, Dr. Ifeanaeme emphasized the importance of prioritizing patient safety by using medical-grade oxygen, which is specifically designed for medical use, warning that industrial oxygen, although cheaper, poses potential safety risks and is not suitable for medical purposes.  The Hospital Administrator also commended doctors who consistently make themselves available to patients and directed hospitals to create call rosters to ensure doctors and nurses are always accessible to patients, especially during festive p...

 LAGOS CELEBRATES GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY WITH VIBRANT SHOWCASE  The Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture (LSCAC) has joined in  the global celebration of International Dance Day on April 29, 2025 The commemoration, which took place at the Council's temporary office in Shangisha, Lagos, further underscores Dance as a universal language that champions unity, healing, and profound cultural expression.  This year's global theme, "Inclusion, Innovation, and Diversity in Dance," resonated deeply as LSCAC encouraged dancers, choreographers, and cultural enthusiasts across Lagos to celebrate the transformative power of movement. Celebrations spanned diverse platforms, from captivating performances in community spaces and on grand stages to engaging expressions via digital platforms. While noting that Dance, in its myriad forms, vividly reflects the dynamism and spirit of the Nigerian people, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Idowu Johnson said, "From the capti...

 Tunisia leader's opponents, supporters stage rival rallies in sharp political split Opponents of Tunisian President Kais Saied protested on the streets of Tunis on Thursday, accusing him of using the judiciary and police to suppress critics, while his supporters held a counter-rally, highlighting a deepening political divide, Reuters reported. The anti-Saied demonstration — the second opposition protest in a week — reflects growing concerns among human rights groups that the birthplace of the Arab Spring is sliding toward one-man rule. Demonstrators on the capital’s main thoroughfare chanted slogans such as “Saied go away, you are dictator” and “The people want the fall of the regime,” a slogan reminiscent of the 2011 uprising that toppled former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. On the same street, Habib Bourguiba Avenue, Saied’s supporters rallied in his defense, chanting, “No to foreign interference” and “The people want Saied again.” Riot police deployed in large numbers to s...

 Man from Nkowankowa Arrested After Being Caught with Goats Stolen from a Farm in Mphangani A man from Nkowankowa was arrested at the Makabele farm after being found with goats in a vehicle. The man, who comes from Nkowankowa, was arrested after being seen herding goats in Mphangani. He tried to flee with five goats but failed, as the Giyani police and some community members chased and apprehended him. His accomplices managed to escape. He stated that he was working with two young men from Mphangani. Some claim that the vehicle they were using is the same one seen in other cross-border theft incidents. More photos below. 

 Tinubu to Unveil World's Biggest Cotton Factory in Ogun - Abiodun Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu would perform the groundbreaking for the establishment of the biggest cotton and polyester processing factory in the world at the Special Agro Processing Zone located at the Gateway International Airport, Iperu/Ilisan area of the State.  Speaking while receiving the former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Madein, and members of the Iperu Development Association in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the factory, which is under the "Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative," would sit on 400 hectares of land and would employ about 250,000 people daily. He said: "In the next 30-45 days, we will be doing the groundbreaking of the Renewed Hope Cotton Resurgent Initiative that will be done by Mr. President himself. It is going to be a bigger factory, and it will be the bi...