PINK REPUBLIC/ MY BLOG IS A STORY MARATHON.

 Pregnant Ogun women flee to Benin Republic as healthcare crumbles Despite being just a few hours away from Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, Igbokofi, one of the rural communities in Ogun State, continues to suffer years of neglect, particularly a lack of access to basic health care. In this report, SEGUN ODUNAYO journeys into the heart of the sleepy settlement to uncover the harrowing health crisis silently gripping its residents It had been over seven years since the ordeal, yet to Folake Olaniyi, the memory remained fresh, etched deeply into her heart like it happened just yesterday. Her face, lined with pain and lingering anger, betrayed the weight of a loss that time hadn’t healed. A resident of Igbokofi village in Yewa, Ogun State, Olaniyi was overwhelmed with joy in 2017 when she discovered she was pregnant again. This time, medical checks confirmed she was expecting a boy, something she had longed for after previously giving birth to girls. But that joy was sho...

 Ndume hails Tinubu’s appointment of Northerners into key agencies A former Senate Leader and lawmaker representing Borno South, Senator Ali Ndume, has commended President Bola Tinubu for appointing several Northerners to key positions within federal agencies, calling it a step towards inclusive governance. In a statement personally signed and issued in Abuja on Saturday, Ndume praised the President for responding to earlier concerns over regional imbalance in government appointments. His comments followed Friday’s announcement of 12 new appointments from the region into strategic national positions. Among the new appointees are Yazid Shehu Danfulani (Zamfara) as Managing Director of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation, Hamza Baba (Kano) as Programme Manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, Abubakar Jarengol (Adamawa) as Executive Director of Operations at NAIC, and Sama’ila Audu (Katsina) as Executive Director of Administration at the Nigeria Soc...

 Speaker Abbas Hosts Renowned Artiste Davido, Says Youth And Creative Industries Are Essential To Nigeria’s Future The Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Zaria Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has received award-winning Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, in what was described as a warm and engaging meeting. During the visit, the Speaker and the global music icon held a rich conversation on the unifying power of music and its potential to uplift and inspire the nation.  Davido, known for his influence and commitment to youth empowerment, shared insights into his latest project, calling it “a celebration of our culture and a voice for the new generation.” Speaker Abbas commended the artist for using his platform to positively influence young Nigerians and to promote Nigeria’s rich heritage on the world stage. “Our youth and creative industries are essential to Nigeria’s future,” the Speaker said. “I remain co...

  Kaduna Launches Youth Skills Programme To Train 12,000 Annually Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has introduced a major skills acquisition initiative aimed at fostering self-reliance among youth and creating opportunities in the tech and industrial sectors. Speaking during the state’s quarterly ministerial briefing at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, Commissioner for Business Innovation and Technology, Patience Fakai, announced that three "Skills Acquisition Cities" have been established in Soba, Rigachikun, and Samaru Kataf—one in each senatorial zone. The initiative targets 12,000 youths in its first year and 24,000 by the second, across 13 trade areas including welding, aluminum fabrication, fashion design, and solar panel installation. Certification will be issued in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education. “This programme is designed to equip our youth for self-employment and to make them attractive to reputable companies,” Fakai said. She also disclos...

 El-Rufai’s Son, Bello Backs President Tinubu’s Re-election Bid, Distances Himself From Father’s SDP Move Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North and son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, has thrown his support behind President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term, distancing himself from his father’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Bello made his stance clear during the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Summit held in Abuja, where President Tinubu was formally endorsed as the party’s sole candidate for the 2027 general election. This development follows Nasir El-Rufai’s exit from the APC in March 2025, citing a divergence in values. The former governor joined the SDP with a pledge to unify the opposition in a bid to unseat the ruling party in the next election. Bello’s endorsement of Tinubu has stirred political discourse. Commenting on the matter, political commentator Reno Omokri remar...

 DANGOTE, NIGER GOVT UNVEIL RICE PROJECT 24th May, 2025 | 11:14 AM The Dangote Group has unveiled a multi-billion naira agricultural partnership with the Niger State Government to boost rice production and strengthen Nigeria’s food security. According to a statement, the Senior Special Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Fatima Abdurrahman, announced the partnership during the opening of the 2025 Niger National Trade Fair in Minna. She disclosed that the conglomerate is investing heavily in a 32 metric tonnes per hour rice mill project located in Wushishi, which sits on a 30-hectare site, noting that the mill is “progressing steadily and on track for completion.” She stated that the project forms part of the Niger Food Initiative, an agricultural development programme launched by the state government in collaboration with the private sector. “As part of our commitment to advancing agriculture, we plan to establish one of the largest rice mills here in Niger State,”...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES THE NEW MONARCH OF IJESHALAND, OBA ADESUYI HAASTRUP President Bola Tinubu has congratulated prominent businessman Oba Clement Adesuyi Haastrup (Ajimoko 111) on his coronation today in Ilesa, Osun State, as the new Owa Obokun Adimula and Paramount Ruler of Ijeshaland. Oba Haastrup was a former politician and deputy governor of the state. He later went into business and real estate development. President Tinubu affirmed that Oba Haastrup's trajectory, marked by a successful transition from politics to business and now to culture and tradition, is a testament to his leadership abilities, character, and commitment to our traditional institutions. According to President Tinubu, Oba Haastrup's pedigree has rekindled his confidence that he will record an even greater success now that he is on the throne of his forebears. President Tinubu urged Oba Haastrup to continue upholding the values of our tradition and promoting unity a...

 FCTA to Seal PDP Secretariat, 4,793 Other Properties on Monday – Wike The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced that it will seal the national secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, along with 4,793 other properties, starting Monday, May 26, 2025, due to unpaid ground rent. The announcement was made during a press briefing on Friday by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, alongside Director of Land Administration, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, and Director of Development Control, Mukhtar Galadima. The affected properties, located in Central Area, Garki I and II, Wuse I and II, Asokoro, Maitama, and Guzape districts, had their land titles revoked in March 2025 for non-payment of ground rent ranging from one to 43 years. Olayinka stated that ownership of the 4,794 properties has reverted to the FCTA, and the government will begin exercising its rights of ownership on Monday, ...

 Akwa Ibom Government Evicts Journalists from Government House The Akwa Ibom State Government has expelled a journalist and a cameraman from the press centre at Government House, Uyo, following the broadcast of a video in which Governor Umo Eno confirmed his planned defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The incident stems from a Thursday event at Government House, initially held to review the administration’s projects, where Governor Eno announced his impending defection. Addressing cabinet members, he stated, “We want our commissioners and members of Exco, appointees, and those of you who are saying that you would not come, you are free absolutely not to join me, but you won’t be in my State Executive Council. Prepare to resign the day I announce that I am moving because you cannot be in my cabinet and play anti-party.” The defection is reportedly scheduled for the first week of June. Governor Eno cited the PDP’s leadership crisi...

 ENUGU POLICE ARREST ARMED ROBBERY AND MOTORCYCLE SNATCHING SUSPECT, RECOVER FIREARM, AMMUNITION, SNATCHED MOTORCYCLE, AND OTHER EXHIBITS On May 19, 2025, at about 10:10 p.m., Police Operatives of the Enugu State Command attached to Nsukka Urban Division, with active support from community members, arrested a male suspect involved in armed robbery and motorcycle snatching. One locally made revolver pistol, one expended cartridge, two live cartridges, the snatched Q-Link motorcycle, and other exhibits were recovered from the suspect, identified as 27-year-old Somadina Ugwueke. Investigations revealed that the suspect and his accomplice, who is currently at large, boarded a commercial motorcycle along Edim Road, Nsukka. However, upon reaching Saint Cyprian Road, Nsukka, the arrested suspect pulled the recovered firearm on the motorcyclist, and the duo snatched the motorcycle. Following swift action based on credible information, Police Operatives, assisted by vigilant community membe...

 Man electrocuted trying to steal transformer parts in Osun A suspected vandal (name not given) has been electrocuted, while making attempt to steal components of a transformer at 500KVA substation in Ede town, Osun State. This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Regional Communication and Branding Officer, Kikelomo Owoeye, on behalf of the Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc, Osun Region, obtained on Friday. Owoeye further explained that the vandal had attacked the transformer located at Baba Abiye prayer mountain late on Wednesday. But unfortunately, he got injured in the process and fell beside the transformer but was discovered seriously injured the following morning by a resident, who alerted others in the neighborhood. The statement read in parts, “The suspected vandal was electrocuted during the act and was later discovered by a concerned resident the following morning. “He was promptly taken to Alpha Hospital by the police while an accomplice wa...

 How I flew Buhari around during 1983 coup – 80-year-old ex-Nigeria Airways pilot Eighty-year-old retired pilot, Captain Jaiyeola Adeola, shares with TEMITOPE ADETUNJI his journey from a carefree childhood to becoming a pioneering Nigerian pilot. He also reflects on his 35 years in aviation, witnessing the rise and fall of Nigeria Airways, changes in the country over time, and other issues In those days, what was it like growing up as a child compared to now? Things were easier. We had everything we needed—surplus food, good education, good schools, and security. As children in primary school, we went to school unaccompanied. We played football until dusk, and no one was afraid. We went to the farm far from town without fear. We were free, we had fun, we had friends, and we were close. Life was peaceful. People didn’t place such emphasis on money as they do now. Young people today are chasing money and can do anything to get it. Back then, even as kids, we didn’t really care about ...

 2027: You’re wrong, Tinubu’ll win by landslide – APC chieftain replies Sowore A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ayekooto Akindele, has dismissed claims by activist politician, Omoyele Sowore, that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has written the results of the 2027 presidential election in favour of President Bola Tinubu. Ayekooto, who described Sowore’s claim as wrong, said Tinubu is playing the right political cards that would ensure he wins in 2027. He declared that Tinubu will knock out his opponents during the 2027 election. Posting on Facebook, Ayekooto insisted that Tinubu will win by landslide. He said: “Sowore, you’re wrong and right simultaneously. “You’re wrong because, in figures, no one can tell you the winning figure Asiwaju will get in 2027. Yes, he will win by landslide just like we expect any student who prepared hard for his exams to also pass. “Yes, Asiwaju will get A1 in all subjects, however since A1 starts from 80, I canno...

 Zambian President, Hakainde Hichilema, has demanded that the European Union (EU) and the United Kingdom (UK) refund visa application fees for every rejected Zambian applicant.  The announcement, made on Friday, May 23, 2025, highlights growing concerns over the high costs and frequent rejections of visa applications, which have impacted many Zambians seeking to travel for tourism, business, or education.  The President argues that visa fees should only be charged for successful applications, emphasising that rejected applicants should not bear the cost of administrative processes that ultimately deny them entry, Block TV reports.  President Hichilema argued that visa application fees, which can be substantial, place an unfair burden on applicants when their requests are denied, often without clear justification.  “It is unacceptable that our citizens lose significant sums of money on unsuccessful applications,” the President stated, calling for a fairer system ...

 ONGOING 2025 IMOKA FESTIVAL: ANAMBRA POLICE  INTENSIFIES SECURITY PATROL IN AWKA AND ENVIRONS The ongoing 2025 *Imoka Festival* today 24th May 2025, witnessed strategic Police and other Security agencies' deployment as Operatives remain firm with intensified patrols/monitoring in Awka and environs. This is to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful celebrations.  The Police remains vigilant and prepared to respond to any potential security threats, prioritizing the safety of festival attendees and the community. *SP Tochukwu Ikenga* Police Public Relations Officer Anambra State Police Command, Awka 24th May 2025. More photos below. 

 TENANCY LAW: LAGOS DISOWNS FALSE PUBLICATION The Lagos State Government has disowned the false online publication alleging an update to the Tenancy Law, describing it as untrue and fabricated. A statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Housing, Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, described the viral online publication as false and a figment of the imagination of fraudulent individuals who are out to scam unsuspecting members of the public. In her words, “The attention of the Lagos State Government has been drawn to a fabricated online publication stating that the Lagos State Tenancy Law has been updated to better protect the tenants and regulate the landlord practices. For the avoidance of doubt, the Lagos State Government wishes to state unequivocally that the said publication did not emanate from the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA)." “The Lagos Government is hereby informing members of the Public, particularly Lagosians, that the Tenancy...

 The Kentucky couple who both lost their opposite arms while clinging to each other during a tornado have been REUNITED!!!  Paul and Gail Cline are two residents of Laurel County, Kentucky who suffered major physical trauma as a result of the May 19th tornado that devastated the region.  These two amazing people who have been married to each other for 30 years each lost an arm while clinging to each other for dear life during the tornado. A tornado that also destroyed their home and vehicles.  Now, nearly a week after the traumatic events, these two lovebirds have been reunited at the hospital. Gail, who suffered the worst injuries  of the two, was successfully taken off life support this Thursday! According to their family, Gail's first words after being taken off the ventilator and seeing her husband Paul were, "I love you".  The smile on Gail's face says it all, she seems so genuinely happy to see Paul despite the couple losing everything, including near...

 2027 Election Results Have Been Written, Democracy Is Gone — Sowore By Eke Chukwuemeka  Date: May 24, 2025 Abuja, Nigeria — Human rights activist and presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has expressed grave concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria, claiming that the 2027 general election results have already been pre-determined. Speaking in a video statement released on his official social media platforms, Sowore accused the political elite of orchestrating the erosion of democratic institutions and manipulating electoral processes to maintain their grip on power. “They have already written the results of the 2027 elections,” Sowore declared. “There is no democracy left. What we have now is a fraudulent system parading itself as democratic rule.” Sowore, a consistent critic of successive Nigerian governments, alleged that key institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary, and security ...

 Peter Obi to Run on Labour Party Platform in 2027, Alleges Government Interference in Opposition Crisis Peter Obi, the Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has confirmed his intention to contest the 2027 general election under the LP banner. In a 7-minute, 16-second video circulating on the party’s WhatsApp platform, Obi addressed young supporters, reaffirming his commitment to the Labour Party despite ongoing internal challenges. Speaking on Saturday, Obi attributed the crises within the LP and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to deliberate interference by the government. “What is happening in the Labour Party and the PDP is caused by the government. Quote me anywhere,” he stated. Drawing from past experience, Obi recalled resolving a similar LP crisis during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua, who intervened to ensure stability. He contrasted this with the current situation, alleging that the government is intentionally destabilizing ...

 “I am thankful to share that I have just earned my Master’s degree in Policy Management” ~ Banky W is now a Masters Degree holder 😍😍 “Parenting 2 children in the US, while earning a full-time Master's and serving as a Fellow on Capitol Hill all at the same time was completely exhausting, but by the grace of God, the strength of faith and the support of family, friends and mentors, we did it!” Congratulations 🥳

 Imo Governor Urges Swift Action Against Suspected JAMB Website Hackers Imo State Governor and Chairman of the South East Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, has called on the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) to expedite investigations into the suspected hacking of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) website. The directive follows the arrest of 20 suspects linked to the cyberattack, which disrupted the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). In a statement issued on Saturday through the state Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, Governor Uzodimma described the arrests as timely and critical to addressing the national embarrassment caused by the incident. The hacking compromised JAMB’s website during the recent computer-based test, affecting the results of over 370,000 students, predominantly from the southeast, and causing significant distress for students and parents. Uzodi...

 P-Square Splits Again: Peter Okoye Cites Challenges in Maintaining Duo Nigerian music star Peter Okoye, popularly known as Mr P, has confirmed the permanent split of the iconic P-Square duo, comprising himself and his twin brother, Paul Okoye, also known as Rudeboy. In a recent interview, Peter opened up about the reasons behind the breakup, revealing that despite efforts to sustain their partnership, it was no longer viable. “There’s a joy that comes with going solo. Please respect our decisions. We’ve tried it, it’s not working,” Peter stated, urging fans to accept their choice to pursue separate careers. The announcement follows Paul’s confirmation in August 2024 that P-Square had disbanded for the second time, after a brief reunion in 2021 following their initial split in 2016. The Okoye brothers, renowned for their chart-topping hits and dynamic performances, have been a cornerstone of Nigerian music for decades. While the news has disappointed fans, Peter emphasized the pers...

 FG to Sell 753 Seized Housing Units Linked to Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele The Federal Government has announced plans to sell 753 housing units confiscated from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele to Nigerians, following their recovery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The announcement was made during a site inspection of the seized estate by Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, and EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, according to a statement from the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. The estate, covering over 150,000 square meters and comprising duplexes and various apartment types, was recovered by the EFCC in December 2024 and handed over to the Ministry on the directive of President Bola Tinubu. Dangiwa revealed that the Ministry would immediately begin technical assessments, including integrity tests on the structures. Upon successful evaluation, the housing units will be completed and offered ...

 FG jacks up gas production target to 12bcf/d by 2030 The Federal Government has increased its gas production target to 12 billion cubic feet of gas production by 2030. FG’s new 12bcf/d gas production target is from the 10bcf/d previous target. This was revealed by the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, represented by the Team Lead, Gas, Lateef Biobaku, when Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) engaged more than 100 gas off-takers in the Agbara Ota industrial zone in Ogun State. A statement by SNG sent to Channels Television on Friday, said the Minister who used the opportunity to share the vision of the government for the oil and gas industry, said: “Our vision is to unlock Nigeria’s energy potential, to help fuel economic growth, to drive industrialisation and help diversify our economy. The aim is to attract investments to help raise oil and gas production to 4 million barrels per day and 12 billion cubic feet of gas per day by 2030.” Last year, Nigeria generated approximately N8.6 ...

 NNPCL shuts down Port Harcourt Refinery for maintenance The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced that the country’s  Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) will undergo a planned maintenance shutdown. The scheduled maintenance and sustainability assessment will commence today, Olufemi O. Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, said in a statement. He hinted that the NNPCL is working closely with all relevant stakeholders, including the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), to ensure that the maintenance and assessment activities are carried out efficiently and transparently. The statement added: “NNPC Ltd remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering sustainable energy security for Nigeria. Further updates will be provided regularly through our official channels, including our website, media platforms, and public statements.”

 Salah wins Premier League player of season award Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has been named Premier League player of the season. It is the second time the 32-year-old Egyptian has won the award, which is decided after votes from the public are combined with those from a panel of football experts, having also claiming it in the 2017-18 campaign. Salah, who led his side to the Premier League title this season, beat off the challenge from team-mates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch as well as Arsenal's Morgan Gibbs-White and Declan Rice, Newcastle's Alexander Isak, Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, and Chris Wood of Nottingham Forest. It is the first time since 2018-19 that a Manchester City player has not won the award. Going into Sunday's final game of the season against Crystal Palace, Salah has 28 league goals - five more than anyone else - as well as 18 assists - six more than any other player and two off the record of 20 held by Thierry Henry and Kevin de Bruyne. Th...